“A willingness to look stupid”
Every year I envision summer as this bucolic period when I catch up and get to relax a bit. Not this summer! The crazy move/remodel has overtaken my life and there are still many details to attend to. I wonder how long it will be before I have a week where I don’t pick up something at Crate and Barrel, Pottery Barn or Bed, Bath and Beyond. I know that if I don’t specifically schedule time, I will not have time to just be.
With all the stress from the move and remodel, I’ve had to resolve some sleep issues. One way of coping is to read for pleasure before going to bed. Imagine that! Until recently I would pretty much go full tilt, then fall into bed. That is not working for me anymore. It has come as a shock to me that I need to slow down. I know, forehead slap there. And now I have a cozy little area of my studio to read in:
I have rediscovered the pleasures of reading and I thought I’d share what’s on my night stand. Okay, I know I’m late to the game here; I suspect many of you have already read “Steal Like an Artist” by Austin Kleon.
I’ve heard so much about this book, all of it good. It is a very quick read but full of wisdom. It’s described as “an inspiring guide to creativity for the digital age”. It kind of feels like a companion to Art and Fear to me, full of pithy tidbits. It is an easy read, maybe 2 hours and packed with advice, the kind of advice you might get from a wise older brother.
There are some key points for me:
–“Stand next to talent“. Oh boy. This is a biggie for me. I am active in Studio Art Quilt Associates and hanging with SAQA artists can be intimidating. There is so much talent! Kleon notes that you’re only going to be as good as the people you stand next to.
And one necessary quality to do that-“a willingness to look stupid”. Well check that box! I constantly find myself in odd predicaments, some of which test the limits of my talents. I have learned to be comfortable with being uncomfortable. That’s where I live. And it’s uncomfortable. And I do feel stupid-a lot. I’m okay with that one.
–“In the beginning, obscurity is good“. That is so true. When I first began to quilt, if I made something I was “meh” about, nobody cared. And they probably still don’t, but now I think they care. Silly me. Let that one grow and it will thwart creativity because I’ll allow myself to fester over what others think of my work. I sometimes have to force myself back to that stage of magical, pure wonder. That’s when I ask myself, “What would happen if…” and that is a glorious feeling!
–“Be boring. (It’s the only way to get work done.)” Oh good, I have permission to be boring! I love this-he notes that creating a routine can be even more important that having a lot of time. Chew on that one-it’s not about how much time you have, it’s what you do with it. Work gets done in the time I have. It’s the routine that creates space for creativity to flourish in whatever time is left.
–“Keep a Log Book.” I do this and I GET the importance of keeping a daily record of your life. I have kept a 10-year calendar for 13 years so far. It is a wonderful tool that reminds me of both charming, trivial things that happened in years past as well as remind me of important milestones. Writing it down each day creates a mind-set that makes for a well-lived life.
–“Choose what to leave out.” I struggle with this. If I could conquer this one my world would pivot. This requires such discipline.
I want to enter every show, teach more, enjoy personal retreats, spend more time with my family, create more art, cook more, garden more, be more active, get my website updated, spend more time with friends and read more. And that’s just the partial list! It is so hard to actually say to myself, I am going to let that teaching gig go, I am not going to try to make something for that show…
How about you-does this resonate? Have you already read this book-any thoughts? I’m linking up with Nina-Marie’s Off the Wall Friday where all the good links are.
Great thoughts. As we get older, as I have found, we do slow down – that one was very quite coming to the surface and until I realized I couldn’t do it all and was not sure I really cared anymore I pushed myself. I am slowly learning to pick and choose my choices but since I work best on deadlines I do miss some I want to hit, so there is always next year. Sandy
Slow down? That sounds hard. Your work just gets better and better so I guess it’s working. I know, I need to chill sometimes.
Everything you said is so true. I found that when I started trying to create from a “what would the judges like” perspective, all the fun was gone from quilting and I didn’t even feel like sewing any more. I’m trying to get back to making what I like without reference to the opinions of others. One of the things I enjoy most is making quilts to give as gifts or donations to a cause I believe in. I lost that aspect of quilting entirely when when I tried to make “show quilts”. I bet this is familiar to you because I know what a generous person you are!
And your instincts are so dead-on too Luanne. Well that was just a little detour, glad you are back on track! Guess you’ve figured out-show quilts still have to come from the heart. I hope to see your work again soon in show!
Yep, that’s a good book to keep on the night stand and reread. I read it several years ago and saw Austin at Powell’s last fall when he was touring with his latest book Show Your Work!
I think I need to reread it-so much to absorb. Like that retro photo?
One benefit of getting older for me has been less worry about looking stupid. I’ve come to realize far fewer people are looking at me than I thought. And maybe I think they look stupid, too. Yes, less self-consciousness should be freeing and allow for more joyful work.
Ain’t that the truth-no one cares as much as we think they do! If I could only get even better at this, yes, my work would be more joyful.
How nice of you to mention me in that company of talent! I loved that exhibit, by the way. And the Pixeladies were able to return the favor to Heather Piazza at Creative Framing and Gallery in Oakland when we had a client who need our commission framed out west. Heather turned out to be the perfect fit! I envy you your special reading spot. I joined my mother-in-law’s book club to force me to read (and I love to read but always feel guilty when I do. Why is that?).
Oh I like that story! Oh I do like my reading spot-it is cozy and has good light and down pillows:-) Ah, feeling guilty for reading-I know the feeling. I constantly feel the need to be “productive”. With my new routine of winding down an hour before bedtime, I don’t feel guilty then. I know if I don’t get in at least a half hour of reading, I won’t sleep. Works for me!
So much to ponder. I’ve just discovered that my regional library system has this book, and I’ve put in for a copy. I’ll buy it if I think it’s worth it…though from what you say.
I could tick off many of those points except “Stand next to talent”. When there’s NO “talent” for a good 50-60 miles (or more)…I’d add, “Stand on your own and ignore the nay-sayers”. It’s what we have to do here in the Middle of Nowhere. :-)
P.S. Jenny: YOU are “talent” in my books!
Thank you Margaret! You do virtually stand next to talent being a SAQA Regional Rep-all those Rock Stars including you. I know, not the same as in the same room, but still… The book is kind of like a condensed version of Art and Fear. The pages are simple with large print and it’s so easy to just flip to a page and get a useful reminder of a forgotten principle.
About your sleep issue….I’ve been having trouble going to or staying asleep for some time. I have always read before going to sleep and I have a suggestion for you about that – don’t read what you have been reading! I never read how to books or books about quilting or weaving or whatever. They don’t make me sleepy but get my head racing in different directions! I read fiction….nothing thought provoking… Sometimes if I am reading a mystery that’s “too exciting” I finish reading it during the day. I’m sure we can all suggest “appropriate” bedtime stories for you. ;-D
Thank you Debbie. I don’t read quilty books but I do okay with these kind of books-I just read a page or two and then a magazine or something vapid like that. I am so weird about this but I have not had luck with fiction, at least current fiction. I need to go back to the classics and reread them. I hope you have conquered your sleep issues. It can be awful. I went through a period of not sleeping for months and it was hard. I’m a whole lot better now and I think I have figured out that I only need 7 hrs now that I’m an old lady, lol!
I loved that book and now after reading your post I think I’ll reread it. I agree with Margaret, you are “talent”.
I’ve had this book in my “cart” for a long time. I love your bullet points. Some I’m pretty good at and others I need to really think about! I think I’ll get the book. And the jacket….its not such a bad little jacket!
I think I’ll be referring back to it on occasion. I am kind of late to the party-I think it came out like 4 years ago! Hey, I’ve been quilting.
Thank you Linda! You probably read it 4 years ago, giggle.
Will have to check out the book, Jenny. Your post definitely resonates!
I think you will enjoy it Judy-it has a lot of wisdom in it.
OH Yes, this does resonate. With limited time to make art, I’ve had to cut back on all the glorious things I would love to do. But I do enjoy most of it! Good for you to realize that you are enough, and you have already done way more than most folks do!! We love what you put out there and the contribution you make, however you decide to use your time!
Yes, true!
I discovered that book earlier this year – have already read it at least 4 times!! Such good information and really makes you think, too!!! I think I had already told you how much I also enjoyed “Art and Fear”, (also read and reread many times, and another favorite of mine is “Big Magic” by Elizabeth Gilbert – about creativity in general and the challenges thereof. All of these have great advice, perhaps the most valuable of which is that we will flop sometimes and flop BIG time – so don’t fear the flop as it will lead us on to something else that may be our most iconic success (or not!) I actually like your wearable art jacket which I think should be called “The Art Quilters Bomber Jacket” – kinda funky and cute (like you!)
You LIKE that jacket? Oh Peggy, we have to talk… Thank you, really. And I’m reading “Big Magic” right now and yes, it is a great book!