I woke up thinking about costumes. No, not because of Halloween. As I lay lost in that in-between stage of sleep and wakefulness I thought of the costumes I wear or have worn. These costumes act as a toggle switch signaling my brain that it's time to act in a certain manner. To be fully involved in the task at hand.
When it's time to ride the moto I wear my costume of riding gear. Sure it's for protection against the elements and, God-forbid, impact but even just wearing my gloves, goggles, boots signals my brain that it's time to be fully alert and pull out the eyes around my head to scan for potential dangers. All my senses come alive.
Then there was the costume of business attire. My least favorite of all. I felt like a monkey, a fraud, stuffed in layers of pants, blouses, jackets, shoes with heels! Ok, so they were probably about a half inch heel but still. This costume signalled my brain that it was time to work.
Gardening gloves, pjs, hiking boots, sweats, all among the costumes turning on the switch to tell my brain "hey, we're getting ready to do this now." So it occurred to me that I don't have an artist costume. Something to signal my brain that hey, it's time to create. When I was in design school I used to wear a short black/white checkered skirt my mom made me along with combat boots. It made me feel great and like I could do anything because I wasn't conforming. (Hee, hee)
So I suppose creating an artist costume would be a step forward to affirming that I am an artist (ugghh still hard to say that). Ok, that I am an artist-in-the-making. Perhaps it would be the signal I need to make that connection to accepting that I may have some talent.
So that's my homework this week. Come up with my artist costume. I apparently had it once and instead of dwelling on why I lost it, I think I'll just focus on getting a new one.
Now where are those combat boots....
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
8 comments:
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Just do the work
ReplyDeleteHa!Ha! Actually I have. Nothing to show yet, just a bunch of in progress things covered with base paint or gesso. I'm trying to learn to play. Finding it's alot harder to just let go of PERFECTION.
ReplyDeletePeople who are perfectionists, I think, are trying to control something in there lives...usually the superficial,in an attempt to feel powerful somewhere...afraid to let go
ReplyDeletePower is always ours. But mostly we give it away.
Our power is that we make choices for our lives. Simply choose to paint. We all know you are a gifted person....scary thought,huh?..But you are...we wouldn't lie to you. Let the creation come out of you...trust it...it is yours...the talent..and given power it will show you
its expression
Don't look around...just do it...it will come...your own unique work...did you hear me..unique.....and probably in blues!
Hi Elena!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for stopping by my blog and introducing yourself.
I see we do have a lot in common! You are where I was about a year ago, and my blogging during this last year has helped me find focus in my life. It took me a long time to learn to play and think of myself as an artist. You'll get there, too. Just give yourself permission to make mistakes.
One of my favorite quotes during this time has been from Thomas Edison, who said:
"I didn't fail. I just found 10,000 ways it didn't work."
It also helped me to fully realize that there are so many ways to make art beyond paint on canvas.
I look forward to hearing about your "artist costume."
:0)
Best wishes from Wisconsin,
Angela
seriously....artist costumes are the hardest ones to wear !!
ReplyDeletei was an artist and choked on my own spit when someone asked me what I did....and even now, saying I'm a photographer {still an artists costume} is hard for me....
why do we do that to ourselves ?
it's those nasty gremlins telling us we're not good enough....that's what I think it is....time to open up a can of whoop ass I guess :)
O rats!!!
ReplyDeleteI had a good lengthy one going on for you Elena, but I will shorten and write about it on my blog.... Wear you artist suit have no regets and take no prisoner of the old self.
~v~
how interesting. yes! get a new one and begin now. no regard to what anyone thinks - just be happy with yourself and wear that happy suit. don't know what I'm trying to say, Elena - but i'm trying anyway. good enough?
ReplyDeleteI think I'd start with a black and white checked something. Even a scarf. I had a great pair of work boots, I had them resoled. Pupcake a pit I fostered chewed them up. (And many other pairs... I used to sell shoes.) I was so sad. Someday I'll get another pair... I wore them with everything. (Pupcake went to a retired couple who were home enough to entertain her.)
ReplyDelete