Input for Output
Like everything else and everyone else in this life, you need input for your output. By specifically you need to recharge your batteries. Mentally taking time to digest, relish, and process things is important and most times (for me) this does not involve being in the studio.
It has been a full year (2022) of life and all that encompasses. By no means am I complaining but acknowledging the external impact we all internalize. Those impacts will indeed come out in some form or fashion. Among my community of artists we discuss taking time to recharge often and what that looks like, we even confide in each other of the telltale signs we may see in one another and offer encouragement. <— so incredibly thankful for this crew of artists!
September 17th, 2022 the day of my show reception“An Airy Atmospheric Perspective”
Excitement was not the feeling leading up to this event. This specific body of work had never been on display for the public. It is raw. It is powerful. It felt like me standing in a bikini at a formal event. I postponed walking into the gallery as long as I could, so much that I was about ten minutes late of start time. (if you know me, you know this is unacceptable) but I dreaded what was to befall me… To say I was in shock is an understatement and I do not have the words to fully describe the emotions that flooded me. The gallery was full! Full of life, community, friends, family, collectors, fellow artists and new friends I had yet to meet. I had not anticipated such support, purchases, and a turnout. Long story short, I walked the grand total distance of five feet in three hours with arms full of fresh flowers and gifts. *Is that even a thing to bring flowers to a gallery reception!? I don’t care, I absolutely loved it!
Socially and mentally exhausted I was on empty. So, as I do after most stressors or exhausting days…I scheduled a full day of fishing. Immersed in nature by myself or friends, there is something about the stillness. Full nature and catching two dozen or not a single thing and I am as happy as a lark. This may look different for you.
The practice of mindful and self-awareness are areas I am constantly developing. Stillness in calming your mind allows you to not only observe more of your input but allows authentic output. These mindful observances transition into my work and grow studies of color, movement, texture, shape, or other artistic principles. Even-more enjoyably so when these areas of study bleed into conversations. I know I can tame my chaotic mind easiest in the wilderness. It fills me back up even if just a brief amount of time is spent in the fresh air with wonder all around me.
With a full (metaphorical) cup of positive response and record number of visitors, and the sale of works, it was a dim day to take the show down from the walls that became their home for more than an entire month. Even the curators had become use to their presence. If anything I feel more prepared for this body of work to be in the upcoming June 2023 show in Lexington, KY.
Find your input that fuels your output and let it grow your artistic practices.