“To see far is one thing, going there another.” Constantine Brancusi.
PEOPLE, LETS GET STARTED!
A wonderful sound I heard this morning at 6am, the first cukoo of the year (cuckoooo! Looking for a mate) What a lift of spirit in these uncertain times now we are officially in lockdown.
On the positive side, as so many things have had to be put aside for now, this is the perfect time to catch up on your creativity. Take the opportunity.
Once a week, I will be sending a newsletter with some ideas and inspirations of things I have seen, done or heard to keep the creative juices flowing especially on the glum days.
Two thoughts then for this first week in confinement.
Put on some music, as loud as you like. Art and music go hand in hand. Leonardo made the most beautiful lyre. David Bowie, Ronny Wood started in art school. To get you going, see my play list on the last page.
SPRING CLEAN YOUR STUDIO
Sortmaterials, storage space or if you are lucky enough to have one, your studio. It’s a fabulous feeling going through all those broken half chewed pencils and crayons. Sharpen or discard them, set in order, perhaps in pots or tins. I have a nice row of silver tins on my shelf where I put all my pencils. Try and find something cheap and amusing.
The same for pastels, paints, brushes whatever materials you use. Discard dried up tubes, reorder replacements online, take time to look through the catalogue and try something new, a different colour or brush or surface to paint upon.
Sort out all equipment that is damaged, easels, pallets, work tables. Repair or replace. Move your furniture around. Remember the light is changing as the season rolls into spring, make the most of natural lighting.
Get your books off the shelf, dust and sort. You might find refreshed inspiration from forgotten favourites.
Sort through paper, canvas, board. Think of a more efficient way of storing them.
Go through half finished pieces. Is there really any more to be done on this or should I simply start afresh?
Re order any stock that may run out of over the next few months.
Remember this is YOUR space.
Make it personal, only have what inspires, uplifts. Postcards, pictures, books, objects.
Keep it fresh and change the imagery around you, depending on what you are working on.
Spring is definitely on its way. The same sap is rising in you too, even when we are stuck inside, we still need to make the most of the time of year.
Doing all, or some of the above will make us feel lighter in ourselves.
Email your efforts if you like, I would love to see them.
Any questions or thoughts about what you are doing, let me know.
I will think of you and wish you well in your endeavours.
Same time, next week! Then we get down to work!
Have fun being creative, but above all stay safe
See you next week, nite, nite.
PLAYLIST
“Loves me like a rock”….Paul Simon
“Put a little love in your heart”….Lulu
“Sitting on the dock of the bay”…Ottis Reading
“My baby just cares for me”…..Nina Simone
“Hit the road Jack”…..Ray Charles
SEND ME YOUR BEST 5 FOR THE WEEK.