Fighting Artistic Resistance

Back in the studio this morning, trying to attract the Muse, I'm pushing ahead on the enamel setting, despite feeling that the work is too much the same as some previous creations (but different enamels). Just do it, I tell myself.

When we sit own each day and do our work, power concentrates around us. The Muse takes note of our dedication. She approves. We have earned favor in her sight. When we sit down and work, we become like a magnetized rod that attracts iron filings. Ideas come. Insights accrete. 

-- from "The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles" by Steven Pressfield

I realized again today, as many times in the past when I've had a bit of a creative block, that I haven't bought any new music in some time. So I've caved to Reistance long enough to visit iTunes and purchase a couple of new albums. In my memories, specific albums are attached to major work. Something about the music actually makes the connection to the Muse easier. So today, I'm listening to Barton Hollow by The Civil Wars and Brandi Carlisle's "The Story."

Overcoming Artistic Resistance

Summer is filled with distractions. It's really almost impossible to not get off track somewhere and lose momentum in the studio. This week, I've been battling the hated artistic Resistance. What is Resistance, you ask? Let me quote from "The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles" by Steven Pressfield:

There's a secret that real writers know that wannabe writers don't, and the secret is this: It's not the wrting part that's hard. What's hard is sitting down to write.

What keeps us from sitting down is Resistance. 

Yes, he's talking about writing, but just substitute your creative activity of choice and the secret is the same.

Resistance is the enemy within.

Today I've ventured into the studio to complete a couple of projects, with deadlines looming, after a huge bout of Resistance telling me that other activities were more important this past few weeks: unpacking kitchen boxes, nursing the teen after wisdom teeth removal, trying to help my father find a pain management physician that will meet his needs, researching curriculum for a new school year.

This morning, I've cleaned my metal clay work area and begun unpacking the suitcases full of supplies still sitting in my studio floor after  two summer trips with gear in tow.

More importantly, I calculated the size for a setting for one of my enamels from my recent workshop with Charity Hall and then sat down and built a polymer clay form to support the sides. I rolled and textured silver clay for the first time in many weeks, then cut out the back disc and wrapped clay around the sides of the form for the bezel.

I've begun to fight the Resistance.