September feels more like the start of the year than January does to me. Memories of a new year at school and the excitement that brings flood in. Each fall, I usually set up a new schedule of my own activities and art classes. I bustle about, almost as excited as the kids. I often set new goals to improve my cooking and to be more adventurous.
This year, is different, but not necessarily in a bad way. Although, there is anxiety as we return to work and school and some of our old activities, there seems to be hope as well. The pandemic is not so new any longer. We’ve adjusted somewhat. We think we know how to manage the risks.
For me, classes are now online and my activities are much reduced. Over the summer, I learned to enjoy a less busy life. I was forced to rely on myself more and to spend more time working alone on my art, without fellow artists to critique and support me. I have been used to working with groups of people, and for me, this was daunting and also freeing. I was able to work from my garage at the cottage, and develop my own routine. Although, it always seems to take me a while to get started on my work, , I seemed to get a lot done, once I settled into my space and my routine.
My art became my purpose and my job and I gave it more of myself. I was surprised at how hours could go by and I forgot to even snack or take a break. I think this is what flow is, and I am grateful to have found it, for a while.
Returning to the City, life seemed to get messy again, more interruptions and distractions and responsibilities crept back in. Now I know that I need to keep that sense of purpose and calmness in my life, whether I’m at home or at the cottage, not just for my art, but also for it.
My cousin posted on Facebook after her summer holiday, “Back to reality!” But, why does our daily life have to be so different than when we are on holiday? Can’t we bring a bit of the holiday attitude back to our daily goings on? Can we simplify? Slow down? Focus on what’s important?
COVID-19 has really put the brakes on many of my old habits and activities. But, it has opened more opportunities with my art work. I did my first commission this summer, which I found daunting but also rewarding. I’ve made a few sales, mostly to friends, and I’ve learned to breathe and let my work develop on its own.
I’ve looked at the work of other artists whom I admire and also at their philosophies. My peers, whom I relate to, also find that ideas come from all around you in daily life, not just in the studio. Ideas take time to gel. Rushing or forcing doesn’t work. Experimenting and pushing your limits is how you learn and get better. I find that I learn a lot about life, through living with and making my art. The lessons are very transferable to the rest of our lives.
I am now in a different rhythm, thanks to the pandemic, and it suits me better than the old one. I hope you have found your own way to adapt and have lessons you can take away from this time, and forward into this new season.