Are you inspired by the Olympic athletes? Did you dream of competing as a kid? Or do you see them as an interruption of your regular TV programing?
I was struck by the differing reactions of two US athletes, who both had just won a bronze medal in their events. One was in tears because, it was not the gold she was slated to win, and the other was jumping up and down with shouts of pure joy. They both had won the same medal, and yet had nearly opposite experiences.
How do you respond to the events of your day with joy? or disappointment? How about in your art making? Do you see less than perfect results as failure or opportunity?
If you would like to see”failure” as opportunity, and want to play with printmaking, then check out the next session of Make Monotypes. Registration opens on February 21st. (This class filled in less than 24 hours, so make sure you are on this list.)
Are you bundled up tight because it is cold outside? Are you on a sunny beach soaking in the rays? Or are you weaving through a crowded street clinging to your stuff? Are you in a room full of friends or family but really alone? What is your body saying? Is that really what you want to say?
You have to take the steps, and get out of the studio/house/office and walk around. My mind gets cloudy and overwhelmed with stuff, to do lists, should do lists, want to do lists, and then I get nothing done. I drink a lot of coffee and check email and Facebook numerous times. Still not much gets done.
It seems counter productive to go for a walk to get things done, but it always works for me. I take a 20 minute walk around the rail trail, and I can always get some clarity or inspired action for my current project. Try it!
Just step outside, or look outside and, I bet you can find something to inspire you to smile. Today, I climbed through the snow to get these dried up milkweed pods. I noticed the squirrel tracks leading up to the bird feeder. Did you notice anything that made you smile today?