Sometimes, being away from something for a while allows you to examine your old style of doing things and break free. This is one of the reasons I’ve always deliberately taken breaks from carving in December and January. I don’t carve. Instead, I think about design. I go to books, the internet, or museums for inspiration. Frequently, my ideas for ship portraits solidify during these periods.
More mundane things happen, too. I haven’t touched a spoon blank since probably last November. Last week, I started my fall production and immediately came up with new methods of working and smoothing the bowls. Another Aha moment came to me earlier this week.
Most artists and craftspeople don’t consider “dry periods” productive time. It’s time when they are not working. And it’s a sort of proof that the creative juices are not flowing. Maybe not. At least, it’s a time to step back and let my mind cogitate on my veritabilities.
Usually, things stew in that part of my brain I call the “swamp”. In more precocious times, I termed it my “preconscious,” but I’ve grown more honest about the irregular process and its sometimes messy results. The more it surprises me, the better the result. I’ve learned just to leave it alone and work without my interference.
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I’m experiencing that now. It’s OK. I think what’s churning around in there is related to the novel I stopped writing because I didn’t know enough to go forward.
Dry spells don’t respond well to forced efforts. It may be hard, but lean into relaxing a bit. the dogs are experts in this. As Max says, “when in doubt, always do as your dog suggests!”
I really really like Max. That said, I’m not going to lie down on the floor and chew a rawhide pencil as my two are doing now! 😜
Max, ” it’s your loss.”
That’s what Teddy said.
They maintain that they know best.
I agree that when it comes to chewing rawhide, they are experts. No question.