Sharpening Your Point of View

Much has been written about the value of failure. Although we cringe at that word, we learn far more about how to succeed when things go wrong than when things go right. By experiencing what doesn't work, we gain a world of knowledge about how to improve our operational methods to produce a lasting success. Failure, though frustrating, forces us to change our perspective; it pushes us not only to think outside the box, but to tip the box upside down and look at it from odd angles, leading us to moments of enlightenment. Getting stuck in the creative grind helps to sharpen our points of view.

Well, I admit, I am still waiting for that grand "aha" moment to occur in my recent crafting misadventure with glue. Yet I know that it will occur somewhere along the line if I just keep trying new vantage points while viewing my adhesion problem. I have been attempting to bring life to a few jewelry designs that combine lucite (plastic) and glass cabochons and metal settings, but I haven't been able to find a glue or epoxy that passes my durability testing. It's a sticky situation indeed...or rather, a lack of stickiness! All the most popular adhesives have failed miserably, even with proper surface preparation and curing time. Will I have to abandon my designs and shove these lovely little flower elements to the back of my crafting stash? I hope not.

I think I just need to let the project alone for awhile to give my tired brain a chance to process the gluey data. A certain period of coming unglued, pun intended, is required to let go of preconceived design ideas before new ones can assemble themselves. Very often, in the deep recesses of the night during sleep, while driving, or while in the shower, the mind has an epiphany. The curious child that still resides in those dusty mental corners comes out to play with that problematic "box," looking inside it and turning it every which way until a light bulb clicks on that illuminates an answer. Be aware, however, that the answer might not be - probably won't be, the one you expected or even desired. And you will have many interim moments of throwing your hands in the air in disgust and defeat. Don't despair! The aftereffect of creative failure and re-examination is usually a more viable concept even if it looks entirely different from your original mental picture of the project. At this point, all you are required to do is keep the box open in the back of your mind so that your inner child can come out to play.

So, for now, I have put these half-completed pieces of jewelry in a "pending box" (top open, of course) while I wait for further inspiration. I have plenty of other things to do in the meantime!

One other ingredient that helps sharpen focus on a problem is ample aesthetic input; while you are waiting for creative insight, absorb all the colors, sights, sounds, smells, words, and textures in your surroundings. You never know when one seemingly insignificant piece of data could be the one that was missing from your original design equation.

Here are some wonderful ways in which BBEST artisans help give us a little change in point of view.

A clever way of arranging items in a photograph gives a fresh impression of a wearable item.

Peekaboo Sunshine Jumper or Sundress

from ByTheBy

 Open the windows to let light in, physically and symbolically.

All the Flowers in a Row Original Watercolor

by Yankeegirl's Watercolors

 

Feeling sleepy? Wake up and smell the coffee!

Freshly Roasted Coffee Candle

from AJ's Country Cottage

 Listen to the music of your soul

Music Pendant - Black and White, Polymer Clay 

by Artsy Clay

 

Revel in the wonder of your inner child

Sparrow - Neighborhood Girl, ACEO Pencil Drawing  

by Sixsisters 

Experience the simple pleasures of nature

Original Flower Still Life Watercolor 

by The Creators Palette

Perhaps a little comfort food is needed

I Love Milk and Cookies Quilted Fabric Postcard 

by Attack of the Vintage

Wait...and then wait some more...be patient

ACEO Espera (Waiting) Photo Print 

by Van Fleet Street Design

Prescription: Have a healthy dose of color every day

Underground - Art Card, ACEO Edition 

by Diane Clancy's Art  

Laugh, smile, play and be joyous...tomorrow's a new day

La Frog en Rose Upcycled Pinbacks 

by Joonbeam

Watering a Dry Spell

I'd just about guarantee that we all know the feeling of being in a creative dry spell. Your mind is empty, that piece of writing paper is excessively blank, designs refuse to work the way they should, and you'd rather be sitting in the sun sipping something frothy and fruity than be anywhere near your office or work table. What do you do when the artistic doldrums take root?

Well, I wish I could say I had all the answers to wash away the blahs, but I don't. In fact, here I am, 9:30 - no, now 11:30, the night before this blog entry is due, and I haven't a clue what to write. I feel like I am back in school trying to compose that 15-page paper that I waited until the last minute to write. I remember sitting in my parents' basement (my desk and stereo were down there), dozens of index cards covered with almost illegible notes piled in front of me, stacks of library books covering the old, 1960s Colonial print sofa, pencils sharpened, half-chewed pens at the ready, and my trusty Smith Corona manual typewriter sporting a clean, white sheet of paper. I was all set to write that ground-breaking thesis, except for one thing: my thoughts wouldn't gel. I might as well have been looking at stone tablets incised with hieroglyphics. Nothing made sense. My brain was drained.

"Maybe I will feel more inspired after a snack." I'd appease my inner muse with food to encourage her to return to work. Half a bag of chips or six cookies later, I was no closer to putting my thoughts on paper; the only thing that had been coaxed out by that culinary bribery was my waistline. Maybe I needed a nap. No, unfortunately no time for that. The report was due in the morning. Music...certainly music was well known for enhancing creativity. Luckily I had headphones for that stereo which was playing late into the night.

Sparkly Moon and Stars Pendant
from Artsy Clay

I am rather embarrassed to say that all my procrastination techniques were repeated quite often during my school days, resulting in papers being written at 3 am, a trend I have retained through my "mature" years, much to the annoyance of my parents, and now, my dear husband. Yet, the curious thing about those evasive tactics is that, eventually, I did write those papers, or later, sew those curtains, or make jewelry for impending craft fairs, and the results were usually better than if I had started early to plan and construct, then worked at a slower, more methodical pace. For me, the creative method that works best is one of collecting information, stewing and thinking (and to the outside world, looking like I am doing nothing) until my mental concoction has sufficiently brewed and is ready to burst forth in a flurry of activity, complete.

I would not necessarily advocate my methods for anyone but myself, of course. Your mileage will vary. However, there are a few elements commonly related to banishing dry spells that are hidden in this approach.

First, step away from the task at hand. Stop trying to force things to come together. Breathe, walk, meditate, listen to music, visit a flower garden, fold clothes, walk the dog, enjoy a cup of tea, or whatever feels right and relaxing at that moment. Don't think of this as evading what you have to do; think of it as clearing the mind in order to open the airways to receive new inspiration.

ACEO Tea Time Limited Edition
by Backroom Treasures

Original Print of Pink Orchids
by Beth Peardon Prods

If a short break is not enough, sleep on it. A good night's sleep allows the mind to percolate about ideas as well as to rest and rejuvenate the muses.

The Three Muses Original Painting
by Sixsisters

Perhaps a change of location will stimulate your creative juices. Try creating in a different venue, or even set up a small table outside. Move your supplies to a different room. Use an unfamiliar desk in a different room, or move your work table into a new corner. What do you see from this vantage point? If you can't move to another spot, then change your mental perspective. Really look at your surroundings with a fresh eye and note something you may not have noticed before; jot down some quick observations. Which colors stand out? What objects have you missed during your usual routine? Tilt your head to the left, then right. Do you see anything out of the ordinary? You never know what small detail, previously hidden from view, could jump start a new design or story idea.

Original Painting "Reflection" Watercolor
by The Creators Palette

Play the combination game. Without conscious planning, start putting together random materials in whatever way first comes to mind. These could be seemingly odd matches at first, but keep switching things around to see what appears. The more unusual the mixes the better, for these break old thought patterns and allow you to step outside the box in terms of creativity.

Too Much Fun...Craft Sewing Box Bonanza
from Joonbeam

If you are a writer, then play with word sequences and associations. Open a dictionary, close your eyes, and point to a word. Open your eyes and write down what you see; repeat this process until you have a list of words from which to start a theme for a written piece. Try to write until you include all the words. Don't think too hard about this process. Just write what streams into your mind!

Old Glory Beaded Pen
by Ghi-Goo-ie Designs (JStinson)

Maybe it is time to move in a completely new direction. Try your hand at an unfamiliar craft or learn a different method within your current artistic field. Sometimes a break from the norm will re-ignite a passion for your old creative flame, but be prepared, for your crafting direction may shift to something entirely new. This new path may be a temporary diversion or it might be the beginning of a life-changing adventure into a craft which fuels your imagination much better than any previous artistic endeavors did. Don't fret if this happens. It is ok to move on if that is where your heart takes you.

Southwest Heart Treasure Box
from Jill's Treasure Chest

Most of all, be gentle with yourself when you are feeling dry. If you put pressure on yourself to perform the same every day, you will crumble under the weight of undue expectations. Plants growing during a dry spell are delicate and must be carefully and lavishly nurtured. Remember that creativity is not a steady, uniform stream, but rather an intermittent shower. Enjoy the times when inspiration is raining down, and rest when there isn't a drop of it. Go with the flow and your dry spell will eventually be quenched.

Inside and Out - ACEO Edition
by Diane Clancy