I have had spring fever and very little has been accomplished in the studio!…Not that I have done nothing at all, because I have been gathering and thinking about new ideas–the incubation stage of the creative process.
While creative activities such as writing, painting, or quilting need this time, for me there can be a fine line between this stage and procrastination. I have a tendency to generate many ideas without moving on to the next steps of a) selecting one or two ideas, b) experimenting with new designs, techniques, and materials, in order to gradually follow through to c) a final design or piece of art.
As in art, in life we can do the same–think about ideas, research possibilities, and make lists but have trouble taking the next step of trying out one or two options. Our hesitation may be due to a busy schedule, low energy, or fear of past failures. Finding the right timing or motivation can prove to be a challenge. When creating art or writing, I may first put on music, grind coffee beans to make a pot of coffee, and find a comfortable spot. The rhythm and routine of these small actions move me forward…toward the task.
Perhaps in life, we also need some small steps of activity to bring us out of being in limbo. Finding the things which work for you as a unique individual can take some time,
But surely there has got to be a cure for this spring fever! 🙂
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Joni Beach 
Fear of it not turning out like it is in my head has made me put things off. I just need to move forward. SCARY THOUGHT. Thanks for the insight.
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Wishing I could control the end result can keep me from moving forward too sometimes. In art the exploring and experimenting with different ideas…improvising as you go… is part of the creative process. Many times the end result id much more novel and unique…
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I’m all for the small steps… they are impt to the process… beauiful azaleas. 😉
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They are important…and thanks!
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Joni, I am completely confident that you will find yourself moving into the studio and getting to your work at exactly the point when your “cup runneth over” with all this springtime inspiration.
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I like that idea–when my cup runneth over. It is a more creative approach…
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Your azaleas are beautiful. 🙂
That’s where I’m at right now… between ideas and action. Now all I have to do is move…
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Thanks Robin…just wish they were in My yard! 🙂 The moving can be a challenge sometimes…but the “incubation period” is also important.
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