I am actually quite grumpy about my lack of completed work and beginning new work. I've let my health and complications with my family get in between it and my self. That cutting off of my creativity, be it bad, good, cheesy, or whatever has not been good for me, obviously.

It began after I had finished what I believed to be one of my very best pieces for my son and his new bride. Everyone who saw the piece was very enthusiastic about it which was really lovely and I thought myself that the composite and techniques, while simple, had created something more complex. My son genuinely loved it and his wife said that she did as well.

A month or so later, her mother basically likened my piece to "paper mache done by a child" and I was, surprisingly very hurt - this from a woman who hasn't a creative bone in her body nor knows anything at all about art. I was vulnerable and in a great deal of physical pain during that time and she knew that and made the remark out of mean-spirited jealousy. Neither my son or daughter-in-law heard her say this and because of their ultra weird family dynamics, it probably would have been ignored because god forbid saying something real would have been like throwing gasoline on a frickin roaring bonfire! (part of the family issues!)

Normally, I would have said something more back to her, but my son is so nervous around his wife's parents - so different in his actions and words and yet he doesn't seem to see it at all. But I've pretty much let it all go now, <uh, ok>, but I think it has touched something that makes me feel that my work is really crap and my plans to do a series, as my son requested, seems silly if its crap. I don't want them having crap in their nice new home. crap crap crap. ok, well, that's that story.

lol

It's more than grumpiness though. One's "art" is important to them, a part of them, and I really feel somewhat irked still or maybe just more self-conscious and back to having the sense that I'm really not good at something I enjoy. That could be very true and if it is, alone, that would be fine because the process still would make me happy. crap.

Have a nice day!

I'm so there, Neeraja. I think it is because I'm tired. I've been so unmotivated with my writing and sculpting - I just can't move right now. Usually I need a certain amount of time lying fallow and that is probably all this is, but it is never a comfortable time!!

Actually, no. I never get the blahs from experiencing a fine work of art, however many times I see of hear it.

Now, I've been able to BS my way through life pretty convincingly. But, if I tried to sell any so-called work of my "art" I couldn't get a small coffee at Starbucks with the proceeds. I know nothing.

When I am in the presence of good art, I almost go into a trancelike state and am barely aware of the experience. Each time I discover new nuances.

Last june, I was walking down a hill in the evening, stepped in a hole, and injured my ankle and foot while traveling. I still had to walk. I had a show in August so I had to keep working, hopping painfully around while searching for my materials....By the time it was all said and done I didnt regain full use of my foot and ankle until a few months ago (I had to walk with a cane for awhile, very humbling). Luckily I dont feel as if I have ever injured it now. But Ive had a case of the art blahs for a few months.....Im just coming out of it now. I have shows coming this August and November! Yes, WS its like we just have to lay fallow for awhile, and let creativity take its natural course....yet time becomes more pressing with deadlines and shows. Salvador Dali has been magnifico!!! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yeeesss!!! Upbeat inspiration lately. He is waking me up a bit. grrrr I love it when Im on and just in a flow with my work. Sometimes when I finally take a break....who knows how long it may take to be in that creative flow once again.....consistency is key...

Oh I hope it isn't consistency. I'm so inconsistent!! (isn't it the hobgoblin of small minds?) I hope it is persistence. And on the Dali, YES!!!!! I almost commented on the choice of image for the discussion. One of my motivating projects has been to take the titles of Dali images as topics for works of my own. He is truly inspirational in many ways (and what technical mastery!!)

Good point WS! Persistent, rather than consistent,very nice. Point well taken, as a weaver as well as a sculptor, consistency is important even in seemingly inconistent 'anti'-framework. But persistence is ...........grrrrrrrrrrr necessary, now wheres the chocolate................and a glass of wine. Too early? Okay then. Back to work!

Mockingbird, I just had to laugh at your story. have i ever been there?????OH YEAH - i have.

i just gave a piece as a gift to my cousin's daughter, who is expecting. it's a lovely piece of a pregnant girl, holding flowers behind her back. i call it Spring Blossoms. everyone else has always loved this piece. i've sold a bunch of them, however....said cousins daughter unwrapped it and her face fell. "Is THAT what i'm going to look like?" said she. i felt like snatching it back from her and yelling "IF YOU'RE LUCKY YOU WILL!!!!" GRRRRRRRRRRR.

so, yeah, i know how you feel. not to say that we artists are sensitive or anything like that.

have i ever experienced the blahs about my art. well, yes, i have. about every other day. i love it when i am in the studio working. it's the getting there that's the hard part. do you guys find this true?

it's like exercise. it makes you feel good. it's good for you. you're so glad you did it when you get done - but for some reason, it's the hardest thing in the world to get yourself to do, right?

i just finished a piece today and thought it was pretty good. had my husband/photographer take a few shots of it and now i'm not so sure....go figure.