Muses Dancing

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11126231_10150557249669956_2207303122166726283_nThere comes a moment when you know that inspiration is about to hit. A drawing is finished as part of the daily practice and it is often forgotten a few minutes later. Other times a drawing becomes inspiration for something else, for something bigger. I draw everyday as part of a discipline not thinking too much about it specially now that I don’t have studio space. I am trying to remain calm and don’t try to start a new piece either painting or sculpture, but this sketch I just finished is inspiring me to put it up on a large canvas that is still sealed waiting for me. I can feel the muses dancing around. I was so close to unwrap the canvas and begin drawing. I had to stop myself. I’ve been worked too many hours in front of the computer and my eyes are getting tired. However, tomorrow is another day. I wonder how graphite pencil looks on canvas. Maybe I could add some splashes of color here and there. I’ll think about it tonight. Better yet, I’ll dream about it.

Tomorrow I’ll know if inspiration was strong enough. Maybe I can wait a little longer before I commit to it. There is no rush and it is possible that this hint of inspiration is just preparation for something else. Perhaps I should wait until the time is right to start a new ‘serious’ art piece. I have limited space and too many pieces to get rid of before I create anything else. I can keep enjoying the muses dancing for a little longer. Let’s see what the day brings tomorrow, or the next day. I’ll keep drawing in my little sketchbook.

Studio Time Without Studio Space

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Many people hate Monday. I like Monday. Monday is my studio day, or at least it used to be. Technically it still is but certain things changed since we moved. I no longer have a dedicated studio space. The studio space was that corner in which I could work on my art without restrictions and where people came to take private lessons. It was also my space to think, plan, and generate ideas for current and future work. Not having that space sounds like a terrible loss, but it is not. I can have studio time without studio space.

Discipline and practice is not limited to a physical space but to the actions required to maintain the habits to continue creating and improving technique. Yes, the space is necessary to expand those creative moments, teach, keep supplies, and being able to come back to the work at any time. I feel like I’m taking a sabbatical from sculpting and painting. Nonetheless, I keep myself busy drawing everyday, and I am doing the painting and sculpting parties more frequently too. Now that I am writing again that also keeps my mind busy and gives me the chance to meditate and articulate ideas and my mental process. I’ll be teaching a computer class soon as well. Beginning next school semester I’ll be teaching in a university too. With all of these things happening at once I have to consider the world my studio.

I don’t think there is a need to limit myself to the physical studio space to dance with muses and get ready for what comes next. I don’t want to have a studio space as I had before. I want something else for which I’m getting ready. As the weather gets warmer I will be painting outside more, and who knows, maybe I’ll be sculpting again soon. That I can do while I wait to understand God’s will regarding studio space where I can display my art, work, and teach. Until then I enjoy studio time every day. Everything will come to pass in due time. There are so many things to look forward to this year.

Read also Studio Time: Work on Something or Nothing & The Discipline in The Discipline

Feel it!

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Bliss by Ivan Tirado

Take a moment to breathe in. Consider where you started and where you are now. Breathe out! Think of the moments when your heart was immerse in that piece you were creating. Time seemed to stop and you were in a different dimension of inspiration. Wouldn’t be great to experience that with each piece you create?

Sometimes it seems that artists are creating racing against time trying to compete with self-imposed demands. We are trying to produce and in the process we detach from the blessing that is creating. We used to dance with muses. Now we are rushing them. We put ourselves at risk of burning out our inspiration in the race. Yes, we can work fast and produce many pieces, but there is no need to deprive our spirits from the pleasure and satisfaction of art making. We should not run when we can soar.

Feel it! Let the result takes a second place. Allow inspiration guide you. Let yourself go. Don’t race time. Time will stand still while the muses dance to a rhythm of their own carrying you to that place. Feel the bliss of the process of creation.