What to do?

[Pub Wench]

One of the biggest dilemma we have as artists is defining our subjects. Sure we have a myriad of ideas but too frequently we struggle with our thoughts to define just one and sit down and do it.  It like creative chaos in our brains! Total frustration sets in.  It can be overwhelming and actually bring us to a point of being blocked and ‘de-motivated.’ 

You know,  it’s kind of like a really messy house that needs to be cleaned.  When there’s too much that needs to be done we tend to put it off.  It’s unbearable and bigger tasks than we have the energy or desire to take on- so we just live with it.

The challenges give you one thing you need to do every month. You need to come up with an idea for a specific subject and have it done by a specific date.  Your brain has one assignment and you tell yourself you will definitely do it, if nothing else.

When you commit to the process and start consistently participating, a strange thing happens.  All those ideas that have been rumbling around in your head become organized in something like an idea folder in your brain.   Almost every one of them will eventually become applicable for one of the themes and in truth- those frustrating ideas become your most valuable resource. 

Repeatedly I’ve heard from artists, that have consistently participated in the challenges- say that the themes are bringing more to them personally than they ever dreamed they would.  And I’m now hearing it from the writers on Inferno also. They say the challenges actually ‘turn on their creativity’ get them motivated and the amount of work they’re producing- explodes!

And of course the other side benefit- the more work you do- the more you polish your own skills.  That’s indisputable.

The whole thing is a very addictive excercise for a creative mind.

I’ve experienced it too.  Never expected that.  Cool, huh?

[ray_shuell]

Couldn't agree more. My problem is sometimes I have too many ideas yet sometimes I've none. I get a creative block. Either way the challenge is the medicine. Reasons as follows:
1. Too many ideas become just one idea of worth when there is a theme to follow.
2. If there is a block, the theme clears it with a specific task that needs to be done.
3. Deadlines are great, can't beat a deadline for motivation.
4. Because the themes encourage me to perhaps paint things I wouldn't normally do, I'm increasing my experiences and skills constantly.
5. Deadlines are good for motivation getting the work on and out is great fun, but what follows with all that positive encouragement from fellow artists just makes me want to keep on painting.

I needed the Artists Challenge in my life. Glad it is. Well done Vikki and thanks. North is the way to go!

[sonyameglaurel]

Here Here on all accounts Ray!....ideas just flow and more often than not they jell just days before the deadline of the challenge posting.  Started off Embrace with words that "ROGUE" had formulated in his last posting for midsummer's night dream.  Had it down, almost complete...then a wee one decided she would add her "mark" to it.  A catastrophic thump in the road?.....Not really, when you saw how devastated her brother was over the applied finger painting and heard his I promise memaw I'll keep her out of your way she won't do it again.  (Had walked back in to a table unattended and the temptation was too much for the little sick munkin who had been under foot all day)  It sadden me actually to see the distress on her brother's face.  You see he is such the guardian of his little sister and worries she will be get into trouble.  Quite sure she will not have a boyfriend until he has moved from home (smile).  I sat down and started in again while watching them sit on the sofa her head in his lap and falling asleep;
Embrace became another concept at that moment...and will be right up to wire on submission.  Mistress will apologize now cause know this will come late.

[ArtisticRhythms]

Wow, Vikki, that was so perfectly stated! I especially appreciated your analogy, "really messy house that needs to be cleaned." What's jumbled in my brain, as well, is too many things I'm curious about. Overwhelming, for sure! Yes, FOCUS is one of the major benefits I've gained from these challenges. And I really have found them to have an addictive quality that surprised me.

Ray, I so see what you're saying about deadlines. Even though I am usually right up against them, follow-through becomes a reality and that alone feels really good!

Sonya, I loved reading about your grandchildren

[Rogue]

I agree with all the comments stated in this thread. I usually sit out on the deck in my garden and think only of the theme. From there, I try to visualize a scene, almost like short scene from a play or movie in my mind. It always seems to take on a life of its' own. My pen is simply the camera capturing the scene. I become single minded and one with piece. The exhileration of reading the finished result has immeasureable rewards in its' own. It's surely my addiction.

[sonyameglaurel]

Kinda like self preservation of sorts isn't it.  We feel this need to record be it by word or brush or manipulation of clay.  It stabilizes and connects with each of us.

[ArtisticRhythms]

It is interesting to learn of each person's own method...

[Pub Wench]

Hey Rogue-
As artist… I’m on the flip side. I start with the image I define for the theme..and then build a story around it.  Even if I don’t use the story for my blog (which I usually do) the story becomes the relationship with the painting for me.  Does that make sense?  It’s like a conversation I’m having with the painting as I work on it. I did a portrait of Harpo Marx for ‘Silence’.  Ridiculous as it is - I felt like his ghost was standing over my shoulder critiquing every stroke!  ’Don’t forget this. Add that. That isn’t right!”   Lol  It was fun and what I used for my blog on the painting.

[rustybucket]

I am an artist that needs a purpose to be creative.   That's why I don't have tons of paintings hiding in my closet waiting to be framed.  The artist challenge has been good for me for that reason.  Even then, when we select the challenges I feel like an empty vessel.   Eventually, I get a feeling and then find the imagery that best represents it.  Its like I have a riddle in my head and I have to paint the answer.  Or at least I hope I can paint the answer.


Deadlines are a must for me.  I could lose weeks without them.

[cheryl]

  I'm enjoying the themes especially when they coincide with the artists.   We take inspiration from each other.

One of the best things I ever did was to purchase a journal, nothing fancy, just a lined notebook.  Well ok, the cover is pretty.   This I take with me outside so I can sit and write without being stuck inside.  I use it for everything,  expanding on themes,  making notes and yes there are a few doodles in it 

Embrace was written one afternoon sitting on the patio staring at the sky while the breeze blew thru the garden.   In the words of KC & his Sunshine Band   " that's the way, uh hunh, uh hunh, I like it "     

[Pub Wench]

Hi Cheryl- That's so much fun! Love the idea that you wrote Embrace outside.

 I keep a notebook of ideas also. Mine's really tacky, but I love it!  I do a lot of doodles and ideas for the Challenge and  find myself referring to it frequently. Most of ideas actually do come to fruition at one point or another.