A season of rest

After an exhibitions, and between bodies of work, I often have a period of time when I don’t make much work outside of my journals. I explore ideas and, sometimes, think I’ve found the next thread, only to discover the idea doesn’t hold my attention long enough. That quiet time allows me to reflect and explore.

There are also times when life means I don’t have the mental space, or physical energy, to create new work. After Mum died I didn’t make anything significant for a couple of years. We’d looked after her for 14 years and I was tired, but also grateful we’d had the opportunity to care for her.

I’m in one of those spaces now. Tony is very unwell, some of you know what’s happening but I won’t share it here. I don’t have the emotional bandwidth for creating new work. I took a small art journal and some supplies into the resthome so I could create while I sit with him. I was essentially making the same thing over and over … my mind doesn’t have the space for creativity. I’m so grateful Alan cooks dinner, looks after things, and makes me laugh.

Yet I hate sitting and doing nothing. I get fidgety and frustrated. Say hello to adult colouring! Am I being super fussy and doing lots of shading? Nope. These are about the process, not the final result, and I’m pleased I have them available to do.