Tuesday, December 1, 2009

The Moving ARtist

After years of complaints to my hubby that I needed to move out from where we were in the middle of a small city with noisy neighboors, and small art quarters, we finially moved. And the place is a picture of heaven for me with a 4000sf barn where I can weld my larger sculpture inside, and paint and create as much art as I want too in a country setting with a beautiful brook to listen to. The serienity is perfectly balanced with natures best creatures as well; dragonflies, hawks, birds, deer, and numerious interesting bugs, frogs, and varments. But the torchurous, exausting move was something I hope every artist can prepare themself for unlike I did. I wasnt prepared to make this move. Particually all the junk I had stored up for "future art projects". And the inability to create art with a process which was a life matter for me is the most depressing thing that can happen to an artist such as myself. I need to create everyday. But we had to remodel the old 1850 house we bought with the barn. And in order for it to get done under a budget I had to be the helper. It isnt so bad at first, but after a few months of living in a small quarters with limited cooking and laundry facilities it gets tiresome. And without going into too much detail, my emotional stress factors are not very healthy either.
I mean organizing and setting up an art space I never worked in before is sorta hard. Everything is a process for me. It took me 10 years to create the old studio. I knew where everything was, every tool, ever stick of glue, every bottle of paint, everything. Now, all over the place. Ive been told that it is to be something new, and different now, which means what?   New and different art? I mean my process is lost right now, still remodeling, yet dreaming of what to create each day. My fellow friend artist tells me that while all these creations are being bottled up inside, once I DO start the process again It will flow like a river. I certainly hope so. I feel lost most of these remodeling days. Its like I lost myself almost. Im not a quitter, but I do feel like giving up alot lately. I used to be securely happy in my studio creating everyday, but now, I dont feel apart of anymore. Im sure Ill be fine once everything is in place again and I am working, but how long will that be.
If I take it one day at a time and stay in the moment, well, Im not creating, so, there ya go. If I could remodel the house the way "I" want it, then that could be an outlet for me, but I have to do it the way the bread winner, and non artist husband wants things. Thats what really blows. Im one of these artists who just needs a barn with a bed and a sink to live each day. Maybe im blowing off steam, perhaps so, but moving really sucks!
Its the worst thing an artist can do for sure.

1 comment:

AdeleHouston said...

dear spirit of karen... art as a team is challenging but it is possible ... you are blessed by the possibilities but the transition also holds good things... do not overlook them because you wish them away. I tell myself this about retirement from the day job too.

I want to share - nose prints by Jake. with you as well... to remind you that art is how you look at the world.

http://picasaweb.google.com/adelehouston/Jakepics#slideshow/5303618223160361874

welcome the blessings of the season