As you know, I’ve been taking a lot of time off this summer to spend on family and personal matters. I was incredibly earlier in the year and I simply needed to make time for myself.
I have spent a lot of time with my family, picked out furnishings for my living room, gone to several events, and spent a bunch of time in my studio. It was mostly just playing around with stuff that has been sitting on the back burner, but it was deliciously fun!
While I was at the Art of Feminine Presence event, I had the opportunity to have photos taken and to shoot a short video. I wasn’t sure why, but I signed up for the whole package. But here’s the deal: I had absolutely no idea what I was going to say!
Truly, as I was in the elevator, going down to my appointment, I had no idea what to talk about. And as I walked into the room where the photographer was waiting, I cringed. He wanted to do the video first – of course! So I took a deep breath and spilled the beans. I was totally unprepared.
Luckily, Don Hajicek is not your average photographer. He reminded me of some things we chatted about the afternoon before, asked some really good questions, and helped me get into the right frame of mind. The first take was a little scattered, but this is what came out on the second take. Straight through, no edits. Simply amazing.
Can I be totally honest? I had no idea that this concept of honoring our creative space was so important to me. I knew that I always felt better when I made time to play in my studio, but this was different. When I was shooting this video, I felt like I was speaking from the bottom of my feet — or like it was someone else speaking through me. It was a profoundly powerful experience. After going in cold, not knowing what to say, I was totally caught off guard by what came out. All I can say is WOW!
I hope this message resonates with you, and that you are able to humor the little girl inside of you. She’s beautiful, she’s creative, and she simply loves to have fun!
Okay, it’s your turn. How do you Honor Your Creative Space? Post a note here on the Blog or click over to our Facebook page. I’m excited to hear what you have to say!
What you said is spot on! We are undernourished when we ignore the need to create! When I went to Martha Pullen Licensing the first time, I told her that it was like food for my soul. Spending that time to do the things you love, and in my case create something with fiber and fabric, is great food…Thank you for sharing this video Shelly! Kim
Exactly, Kim! Food for the soul, indeed. I’m working to build a 30-minute time slot into my day to get into the studio and DO SOMETHING. Or perhaps I should say I get into my “studio mindset” to do something. Creativity often has nothing to do with the physical space I’m in.
Thank you. The message of self-care cannot be overstated.
Donna
You are most welcome, Donna.
This little girl (73) is spending a lot of time enjoying the creative juices. My rubbing plates are still waiting for me! I am a widow and I am allowed to live with my two westies. At night I am usually in front of the TV,one dog glued to my hip, one at my feet for an ear scratch, I’m in stitches at a rerun of Golden Girls, and creating.
Woohoo! Sounds like you are having a blast. I hope to be having that much fun when I reach 73. 🙂
Thank you,Shelly,for sharing your ideas and the beauty of being creative,to all forms of Art! I wish you great success, Irena.
You are most welcome, Irena. Being creative is the best therapy I’ve ever found. It “cures what ails me” better than anything else.
shelly,
you have raid what i have been trying to say for years. i am an episcopal priest,now retired, and one of my mantras is: all of us need that space and time to be with ourselves and our god and live into the creativity we have been given by our creator.
thank you for articulating for our gender how important space and creativity are for women. i’m happy to say that my own studio, a 12×16 building all to myself, is nearing completion. i need to finish the insulation, which is bogging me down because it is so tedious and does not feel at all creative. your message will help me remember the creativity of that space and how important it is to finish before the snow flies.
sherry
Ooooh… a fresh, new studio space! How exciting for you, Sherry! Yes, you can make it through the insulation — just mentally paint it a rainbow of colors as you add each piece, knowing that it will provide you with a warm, welcoming place for your creative activities in the coming winter.
And thank you for the reminder that our creative nature is god-given — and that honoring our creative time and space is to acknowledge and honor those gifts.
WOW! Your video is inspiring, encouraging and touched with the spirtual essence only achieved thru the creative connection. In addition, you look beautiful. The summer rest has been good for you. You absolutely shine with an inner glow.
Thank you so much, Maureen. My whole weekend in Denver was magical. I felt ‘connected’ in a way that is totally new for me. My time off this summer has been a blessing. Now, the trick is to keep things balanced and connected going forward. It’s a challenge, but I’m up for it.
Your sincerity and passion is so moving.
Thanks, Ann. I’m glad you connected with this message. 🙂
Thankyou Shelly, your words are so correct now to find the time.
You are most welcome, Carol. Making time is essential! Sometimes it’s just ‘nice’ — and sometimes it a life-saver.
Thank you for speaking clearly to the issue of self-care and the creative life. I tried an experiment once, when I still had 3 teens at home: no sewing, knitting, crocheting, paper play nor colored pencil/painting work for 6 weeks. This experiment ended badly….I now remember my drained and sad feelings from that time. When I catch myself headed toward those same feelings, I try to grab some paper and doodle with a pencil or go sew a few little squares of fabric together. This helps me to get to a calm place and then to be able to evaluate whether I am too tired, too hunger, to angry, or too lonely. Once I have figured out what is going on, I can either move to address those issues or continue with “Art for the Heart” so that I can return to a place of rest. After resting and thinking–while doing art–I can usually go on refreshed and eager for whatever comes next. Susana
Wow! That’s a lovely testament to using creative time as a meditation. The next time I’m feeling ‘out of sorts’ I’ll have to give this a try. I’m not good at traditional meditation — the whole idea of thinking about ‘nothing’ just does me in. But I can putter with my stuff with the best of ’em… And you are right, it usually leads me to a calmer, more restful place. Thanks so much for chiming in with your thoughts.
Shelly,
Thank you so much. I felt as though you were speaking directly to me. Having lost my husband and solemate recently and unexpectedly before my 50th birthday, I have been reeling. My creativity has been directed solely towards the lovely women that come into the fabric/yarn shop where I work part time. But recently I’ve been realizing that it’s time to refocus that energy on my creative life and find my way back to knitwear design among other things. I’m thinking a self-retreat to creativity is in order. Once I hit post, I’m taking out my calendar and reserving 3 concurrent days for myself within this month to do just that. Thank you!
Kristi, I’m so sorry to hear that you lost your husband. This must be an incredibly difficult time for you.
I applaud your decision to schedule a retreat for yourself. It sounds like it is exactly what you need. Be sure to include your favorite healthy indulgences for your special time, whether it’s your favorite chocolate, coffee with some friends, or something simple like a bubble bath. And be sure to follow through rather than just thinking about it — you deserve this! Sending you a big, huge hug… Shelly
Shelly – wow!
This was simply stunning, both visually and verbally. You are an incredibly talented artist, and I am proud to have you as a friend.
Thank you Jane. I appreciate your lovely words. Are you ready to dig into your paintstiks yet???