If you’ve been knocked sideways by the current pandemic and/or other life events in 2020, it can be really difficult to muster the energy to be creative, or lean into it as a priority. Below are a few ideas to help you figure out how to get going again, or continue with more enthusiasm, without putting too much pressure on yourself.
Why do you do glass, and what does it do for you?
Is it fulfilling at the moment? Is it primarily to earn money? Identifying what doing glass does for you on a psychological level as well as a practical level can help you articulate why it’s important to carry on. If it’s your hobby and it has become stressful, it’s okay to have a rest and come back to it with fresh eyes further down the line. If it’s your livelihood and you need to continue:
Structure is important
One of the biggest psychological challenges of the current situation is the lack of a defined end point. We have no idea when or if things will go back to normal, which has an effect on our perception of time. Therefore, it’s important to create our own robust routines, ensuring that the day has structure. This has relevance both for working artists and hobbyists, and you can decide when you schedule time for work or play.
You don’t need to make corona-virus art
Don’t feel like your artwork needs to in response to or reflective of the current situation. That’s a lot of pressure to put on yourself, and as it’s something we’re still in the midst of, likely a very draining motivation. Rather, look at your creative time as an opportunity to escape from the stress of the situation. Where can you find humour and fun in your work?
Set yourself a series of small goals
Setting yourself a small series of goals can make re-entry into creative practice that little bit smoother. If you’re feeling low and down on your glass practice at the moment, it can be difficult even to set yourself goals. If this is you, allow me to suggest three simple goals for you.
1) Get that bucket of scrap glass, you know the one, and in what ever way you see fit use it or get rid of it. I find doing this is a great tension reliever and a physical manifestation of a shedding of the past in order to move forward. Projects like pot melts, screen melts and pressed glass projects are ideal for this, and all allow you to make a unique slab of glass that you can use as a starting point for further projects. You can find videos on YouTube for most of these processes. I have written a comprehensive tutorial for screen melts including colour advice and firing guides (£4.95), which I can email directly if you would like to purchase.
2) Write a list of everything you need to do, and number them in order of how big a priority they are, then make a start on number one.
3) Take a moment with each of the following words, what does each word look like to you, in glass? Is it a shape or design you know how to achieve? Could it be your next challenge to figure out how to make it?
FOLD TEMPER SWOOP
Release the pressure
I know this is a tricky one, especially for those of us who are self-employed. You may be struggling to manage getting what you need to done amongst all your other life commitments. I know I have certainly struggled with the balance of being on full time mum duty, whilst also trying to work for my MA, do paid work and find time to be creative. And the truth is, many of us don’t have time to do everything all of the time. Maybe you’ll have time, but no energy. And it’s absolutely fine in that moment to let yourself off the hook, sit yourself down in front of Netflix and take a break. So that hopefully next time you get an opportunity, you feel rested, rejuvenated and ready to be creative.
If you’re struggling at the moment, remember that you’re not alone, and together in solidarity we will get through this! I hope you find these suggestions useful, please do let me know if you implemented any of these ideas in the comments below.
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