No.
Or, "Can I think about it and get back to you?”
I’ve been telling people I’m in my “no” era.
More and more often, I’ve been saying “no, thank you” to creative offers that come my way. It sounds a little pessimistic.
It’s not that I think i’m “too good” for your offer. And it’s not because I want to make less creative work – actually, it’s the opposite.
I’m doing my best to create the room and space for unstructured creativity in my studio. For my personality, this is a really hard thing to do. Here are some of the reasons why it’s hard:
FOMO. What if I’m missing out on a cool show everyone else is in?
What if this is the last time anyone asks me to do something creative ever again?
It’s easier to make art when someone else is holding me accountable for it via their commission.
They want ME for this project/painting commission/ merch opportunity?? I’m so flattered I will say yes immediately without taking time to think about it!
I’ve been putting into practice the art of the slow response: “Can I think about it and get back to you?” Then I get a chance to really weigh the effort and the reward. I ask myself questions like:
Is this going to be fun?
Will I grow from this experience?
How much work will this really be? Like, really? Be honest.
Do I have the time to do this plus go to my full-time job, plus hang out with my partner, plus go to the gym, etc.
I’ve been hitting the breaks and they’ve been squealing for months – it’s been taking a while to get into this mode. The last handful of commitments have been met. I still say yes to what lights me up, and I’ve accidentally rushed to say yes a few times and have regretted it.
It’s working, though. The last two weeks I’ve been looking at my calendar and seeing nothing scheduled on week nights. I’m giving myself grace and rest because I can tell my body really needs it. I finally feel relaxed.
Even though I’ve pleasantly slowed down, I’m still having to push myself to show up to the studio – the acceleration towards this is slow but it’s steady. I’m starting to put my foot on the gas again, reorienting my efforts.
It’s time to show up for myself now. I’ve been consuming a lot of art and thinking about art but I’m not putting brush to page as much as I’d like. Here’s my written prayer:
It’s time to be brave and drink from your inner creative fountain. You will show up with no idea what to do and this will feel uncomfortable. But you are going to show up anyway because you love it and you know that there is treasure waiting on the other side of your discomfort. You will continue to focus on your new body of work while politely declining offers that feel distracting.
Feel free to borrow this prayer as we all collectively sink into the dark and cold months. It’s a great time to explore your inner creativity. Happy Solstice!
Events:
I’ll be at the Ulna Studios Winter Social this Saturday selling some paintings and prints. I’m ready to haggle!! I’m making room for more art, as previously mentioned.
Cole and I have a duo show at Albina Press on Hawthorne - it’s up through January so swing by to see some landscapes from our plein air adventures!
Currently Listening to:
I’ve got 12 to 12 by Sombr on repeat
Currently Reading:
I just started Return of the King! I’ve checked out the illustrated version from the library – feeling pretty thankful about that.
Lastly:
It’s time to be real and update my newsletter description. I am not sending a monthly newsletter. This is a bi-monthly newsletter (at best). It is also time to think of a new name! “Somehow I Manage” is the name of Michael Scott’s fake memoir from the Office… so I am taking suggestions.
Suggestion: I’ll get back to you Some time.
Love this so much, Allie, from the title, "no period" on down.
Thank you. (Lettie Jane)