Writer's Block

I am finished with a major project.  Security Blanket #4 completed.  I photographed, entered and sent off my first International Show application......absolutely no hopes of getting in.......but I need to start getting my work out there.  Security Blanket 2, 3, 4 was sent off to Visions Art Museum.  So this morning I woke up with nothing to do.  What's next?  My life long philosophy of "just get up in the morning and make something" pulled me through.  I started a new series of hot pads. Yes hot pads, just to work with new color, shape,  texture and patterns.  My mind is now active and alert.  Once again I shortened my down time away from the studio.  On the subject of "writer's block",  Ernest Hemingway was in paris in the 20's  His philosophy was that he never stopped writing.  When a chapter, book, etc., was finished, he kept working, even if it was 2 am.  He would jump to the next idea, chapter, book, magazine article and write...even if it was only a leading sentence.  As an artist I have tried to follow his advice.  Before you leave the studio at night write a sentence down or pick fabric for the next day.   It has served me well.  As a ceramic artist, the hardest thing was getting back to work after the kiln was stacked, pots fired, orders shipped and the studio empty. I would keep the next idea going with a sketch or write down my ideas.  Sometimes this worked and sometimes not.  But mostly it did work.

When you have something tragic or emotional happen in your life I have found that this does not work.  In January of this year my horse of 20 years slipped on the ice and could not get  up.  I called the vet and had her put down.  I was immobile for 2-3 months. This is the first time I have  been able to talk about it.  Such a sad, sad day.......Creative block hits at the most inconvenient times.  The thing that got me back to work were several unfinished fiber pieces.  Don't turn your nose up at functional hot pads, coffee mugs, pie plates, baby quilts, place matts, etc. They can be the catalyst that pull you up again.  So leave some of those UFO's hanging around your studio........