The busiest, most productive people who have "no free time" also consistently complete more projects than the averagely busy person.Before you rush off, saying, "Wow, I start so many projects but I never seem to get any done!" please read along. This will work for you: I know your song and I sing it well. I know the song so well I can sing the three part harmony without any backup singers.
Have you ever had that piece of art or essay or blog post or photo shoot that didn’t feel done even when you marked it complete? I have, many times. Here is one way I kept moving with an idea even after my project was turned in, viewed by the public, and considered just right by many.
Creativity never fits in a box. Busy Moms who are also artists and writers or simply pursuing a creative life style will tell you not only does it need to be speedy most of the time, it helps if it is portable and easy to fit into a purse, diaper bag or backpack in a moment’s notice.
Lately I have been mesmerized by taking 1 inch wood squares and making mini-collages which I then turn into writing prompts or further creative exploration. In my current case, I am taking the body of work I started for the art show, “Silent All These Years” and used it as more inspiration.
This morning my son insisted we go to the playground before I was ready to leave my desk. I chose to “take my desk with me.” I grabbed my notebook and three of my squares. My camera was at a friend’s home, so I caught an image or two instead using my phone. The image I am sharing here is not perfect, but it gives you a flavor of my continued play.
I took the words and images from the inch-squares and wrote micropoetry – cinquain and haiku.
Here are the words that came to me:
She waits
Eyes Cloud the truth
Unspeaking unfeeling
Her dreams did not come true here
Can’t move…..
Resounding clatter
Shudder from motherhood’s sounds
(remember small lulls)
Chair rocks
Baby seeks her eyes
Eyes shut, Mama prays “release”
Love so deep yet solitude calls
Hush, now
Sit here
Red dress spills off
Wet sand holds its tendrils
She didn’t know it would happen
No choice
My art and my poetry reflects universal themes of womanhood: the need for solitude, the profound love mothers have for their babies and expectations, unmet.
I continue with this body of work because I got an inkling it had more to tell me. I will stay here, with it, and listen, even in five minute increments while my children are here during Summer. My openness to them and their rhythms helps me to stay open to the creative flow as well.
If I allowed myself to get upset by the interruptions or the lack of focus, that upset would appear in my art as well.
I prefer, always, connection. I prefer, always, to continue moving with the project that is longing for my attention as much as I long for the creative calling itself.
What art project or creative inspiration is calling for your attention?
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