Thursday, October 9, 2008

No rest for the Wicked? No rest for an artist.

I'm having trouble adjusting back into things.
Anyone know what I'm talking about?
Coming back from vacation? Art retreat? Family gathering?
That out of sync feeling. You come back you need to center yourself.
I busted it hardcore for several weeks prior to Ranger.
Vendor shows, classes, freelance work, e-commerce.
Then Ranger. Now I'm ready to crash.

No rest for the wicked! Or no rest for an artist!

The studio is filled with several unfinished pieces. A few new techniques to be tried. A few shows to be prepped for. A new license or two to be filed. Web pages and blogs to finish. A handful of Thank You cards to be sent. Holidays around the corner. CHA coming fast.
I need to breathe.
As much fun as Ranger was -it was business. We spent the days learning and absorbing techniques- looking for the potential in new and old products. You spent the evenings outside of Ranger (Over a much needed glass of wine, beer, or piece of dark chocolate) discussing shop with other artists, store owners, and designers. These discussions include CHA, world market, comparing stats, online product ordering, the stealing of ideas and products, safeguarding ideas, companies you can trust, some you can't. Artists you can trust, some you can't.
Publications, self promotion, blogs, websites,
future classes, and the need for new ideas.

Then sometimes we discussed families, friends, and passion for what we do.

It can be alot! Because then what we do -is break down our role in all that.
You go back to your hotel, your flight, your taxi ride, your bed at home. You dwell on these ideas. Its your business. Its what you do. As a freelance artist you spend about 80 percent of your time looking for the next job. As a small business owner you spend all your time thinking about how to keep your doors open. These thoughts can stop you from growing as an artist (can stop you growing as a person). So many worries, so many concerns. Or they can push you. Give you the inspiration or fuel needed to go further. Give you the next big idea. Its all in how you tackle it.
What you need to remember is your place in it all. Center yourself. Hence my post this morning. I need to center myself. I really needed to center my thoughts before I left for Ranger.
But such is life.
Here is a quote from Dr. Howard Thurman. An old theater professor gave me this one. I have heard it many times since. But like most things in our lives we forget over a period of time. But I recently ran across it again in a "Sandra McCall" ( great artist and local girl) book.

"Don't worry about what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive and do that. Because what the world needs are people who have come alive."

Talk more in a few....
Don't mean to throw you all for a deep loop.
Or maybe I do.

17 comments:

Tina(Taken over by her daughter, Nicole) said...

Wow~ your feeling very deep here this am~ Sort it all out and your going to be way ahead of the rest of us :) Have a great day!

Jack and Cat Curio said...

How goes Tina? I will be drifting over to read your blog today. Can't wait to hear about how your shows and classes went! Talk soon!

Anonymous said...

Hi,
I appreciate your willingness to share deep feelings. Some artists, due to unfortunate circumstances, are confined to their homes most of the time and don't get the opportunity for good conversation with other artists.

Artistgirl's Muse said...

Hi Mike,
It was great meeting you! Love how you articulate!
Debbie

lisamitch said...

great post, Mike. and it's good of you to share these thoughts and realities with us (now that the Ranger dust has begun to settle) as I am sure we can all related to most or all aspects of what you are expressing here.
I am, at this very moment, enjoying a cup of Yogi Chai Spice Tea. Here's what the back of my teabag tag says:
"Oneness is achieved by recognising your self."

and another favourite (which I might very well have tatooed backwards on my forehead so I can read it every morning when I get up and look in the mirror...):

"A relaxed mind is a creative mind."

good one, eh? :)
Go easy. tomorrow's Friday :)

the author said...

Love that quote... very fitting for the daily crap in life that's surrounding my world right now =]

eclectic archivist said...

Hey Mike, thanks for the insight to your experiences at Ranger U, and sharing the great quote. It's dead on solid perfect.
Welcome back to planet Arizona.

Jen Crossley said...

Getting back to reality sucks some times .It sounds like you had a blast at Ranger U
Jen

Aimee said...

Amen, brotha'..... After I got some sleep Tuesday, I started thinking about many of the same things. It is a lot to take in. For me it was great to pick the brains of you who are more experienced than I!!

And also I am using this experience as A PUSH....you'll be seeing a lot more of me in the next year!

Tumble Fish Studio said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
CeCe said...

Mike,
I just copied and pasted the quote. I adore it. I believe it heart and sole! Yes, I know I just wrote sole instead of soul. I wish, in a way, we could make socialism work so each of us could just bbbbbeeeeeee-----alright, please don't any one send me hate mail for this last statement........ I am not a socialist........ it just came out as I was reading about the concern for pure survival. I know being in a democtatic country is the Cat's meow---I don't mean your cat, Mike--- You know what I mean- Smile. We all do have survival needs and it is often hard to distinguish those needs from the ego needs. You are overworked and overstimulated. You need to take a break -take a break- take a brake--Ranger, Art and all the rest of us will still be around when you return. There- I feel better. Instead of dwelling on me, I have once again told someone else what to do with their life. Thank you for the distraction!!!!!! Hugs, CeCe

Tumble Fish Studio said...

Hi - I deleted my comment this morning after deciding it was too about me and it's your blog and didn't want to hog space on your blog about me! So, truly hope you have a good weekend and everything settles in the groove that keeps you wanting to do what you do!
Marsha

Lindsey said...

You need some rest my friend. You have been working in overdrive for a long time... relax with the Cat. Ranger U looks amazing, glad you got to go!

Take care, Lindsey

Peggy Houston, TX said...

My therapist calls it "re-entry" - coming back into real life after vacation... I sooo know what you mean! There is a resentment with it too... Loved the quote.

tanya watts said...

hiya mike, ranger u dude! it was great gzetting to know you, i admire your art and tghink you are going to make all your dreams come true! i told you that like a million times at ranger and at our lobby parties so you better believe it :-) never forget the words of this wise woman ( yes me!!!) be yourself! don't look at others, look at yourself! you are brilliant, remember!

bih hug and hello to cat

tanya

milkcan said...

Totally know what you mean! I'm ready to crash, but there's no rest for the weary! It was so lovely to meet you!

Tumble Fish Studio said...

Well, you changed your music so we know you're alive. I'm worried about you - check your blog everyday. Having said that, it is great that you are taking the break you need and you'll be back when you're ready to be - you take care of you so we can enjoy you more someday. But, I do miss your stories. Sending good thoughts . . .
Marsha

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