Last week I managed to sneak away to Kefalonia to attempt a little reset. The week before I had a disgusting cold which left me unable to work. So It seems partly due to illness I've had a full two weeks away from the studio.
On reflection I don't think I've EVER taken this time out away from my work. I always have a sketch book, I'm always jotting ideas down, I've always used holidays to begin a new project or to go to galleries and research other artists.
BUT the gorgeous Greek town of Poros (just before the holiday season started) in the left me in a unique position to Chill the F*** out. Let me take you through the steps it took to get there!
1. OH THE GUILT
I'm supposed to be at work. Unlike a 9-5 job, being a full time artist means I get no paid holiday. this is two weeks of a month where I am not earning ANYTHING. CAN I AFFORD TO BE THIS LAZY?
My studio is currently open to the public so taking two weeks out means the door is closed, which, whilst I have come to the conclusion that its impossible to turn my practice into a 9-5 shop keeping operation, it FILLS me with anxiety to think that someone might be trying to pop in and that the retailers around me are upset with me.
2. AM I A BAD ART "MUM"?
The sunshine and the cocktails are starting to kick in. I'm starting to relax. I could get used to this. I'm thinking about all those unfinished pots in the studio and I want to run away leave them all there forever. AM I A BAD ART "MUM"? the first few days I felt I'd abandoned my little ceramic "babies" and now I don't want to go back!? Does that make me a bad artist?!
3. IT'S FINE, EVERYTHING IS COOL.
I've done it. I'm happy, I'm relaxed, enjoying myself. I'm not even thinking about the studio or pottery. I've even stopped boring my boyfriend with my constant stream of pottery nonsense.
4. WHEN I GET BACK I'M GOING TO....
I'm ready! Take me back. I've got ideas. I want to make things. I've got weird long, clean nails and my hands are going soft. It's time to go back to work!
5. I'M BACK AND I'M GONNA SMASH IT! (no pun intended)
I'm here. this feels like an excellent fresh start. I'm going to try and be a little more organised and start the day by writing and then head off to the studio to get on with practical work.
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