Monday, August 27, 2007

Breathing Room....

I have been continuing my quest to make space and room to breathe in my studio amidst getting the kids ready for school which starts next week. It never ceases to amaze me how many trinkets and treasures I tuck away with the hopes of some masterpiece I will create one day with them. I have had to laugh this week as the kids see me sort through all this art "stuff" in my studio (and from the cupboards and shelves in the garage..haha). My son said, "Mom, don't you think you shouldn't buy any more frames until you use all the ones you have?". It sounded so rational and logical. But he didn't quite understand that that next frame might just be the perfect one for a collage I have in mind. It is the blessing and curse of the creative brain which can't help but reach for just one more embellishment, rusted piece of metal, cool piece of paper, shell collected at the beach or any number of trinkets that others would just toss. I can't help the visions that burst into my mind as I hold some oddity from the bottom of a box at an estate sale. It is who I am...a creative soul to the depths of my being. But those depths still need to be sorted through now and then so that the creativity can breathe in fresh air.

It is good to make space. Letting go of that which hinders us or doesn't nourish our souls is a healthy task. Uncluttering our lives can be an emotional challenge. Memories and feelings attach to our "stuff" and make it hard to let go. But letting go can be the most freeing gift we can give ourselves. When we open our hands and let go they are now open to receive something new. Its tempting to rush and fill the space but if we can pause in the newfound openness.....and patiently wait....what we most need will find us.

So I am releasing alot of "creative stuff" this week. I have listed many groups of collage items and art on ebay if you'd like to take a peek. Its a beautiful thing when my old stuff can become someone elses new stuff . I know my husband wholeheartedly agrees!

8 comments:

Retro Cafe' Art Gallery said...

Thanks for your comment Lani!!! I really enjoyed reading this post - I can totally relate! Everytime I say, Okay, I won't buy ANYTHING ELSE... I need to use what I have... I always fail :).

Artifax said...

Loved this post! Can also really relate to it. I'm "purging" my studio right now and making room to consolidate my wandering art supplies from all over the house back into the studio. It's emotionally draining to let that stuff go, because I can still feel all the potential in each item. But if I don't make space, how can I buy new treasures! LOL!

Flassie's Fil'a said...

Lani I love this piece you have up. I had just written about the walk I went on and came for a visit here. I think this piece would fit right in with how I felt while on my walk. I to am trying to clear out and had to laugh with agreement that my dd would feel the same as your husband. I need to be free of stuff too. I have been trying to keep myself from the sales till I use up what I have though. It's hard to do. So far I am succeeding. But the purging part is for me more difficult. I'll keep at it. You have a Blessed Evening.

Deb said...

I am DIGGING the new look on your blog. Luscious colors! (OK, it's been a while since I viisted - I'm way behind on my blog reading - but I DO love what you've done here.) As for letting go of stuff, I am in the same boat. I tried cleaning out drawers, but I'm afraid to let certain things go - others I have simply thrown into the trash. (I know, what a travesty, but I am simply sick of hanging on to it for no reason.
Keep on plugging, create, and let us see!

Deb

Gillian said...

I think it's time I breathed in some fresh air in my little 'creative place' too...
You write Beautifully Lani!

Anonymous said...

I agree with every word, preach it sissstaaah ! :)

A - Zinnia Productions said...

Oh! I can soooo relate to this Lani!
Zinnie

Karen Cole said...

I've just done a bit of "cleansing" myself. Daughters room (hence the photos)...basement. We had a dumpster brought in...filled it and then still had to call 1-800-got-junk to fill another truck!!!

Thanks for your lovely comments.

I've GOT to know how you added your banner and background...if you care to share.