It has been awhile since my last post where I talked about finding artistic inspiration in nature, your surroundings, everyday objects and in your materials. Since summer started, the only thing I have made is a simple, whimsical quilt for my nephew’s son with a variety of dog-themed fabrics. I guess this is not surprising since we welcomed a Mini Australian Shepherd puppy, named Savannah, into our home about a month ago and all of my energy has gone into taking care of her.
I had a very artistically productive winter and spring when my two teenage daughters were in school and all conditions were right (working part-time and no major crises in my life). Now that it’s summer and my family obligations have stepped up, it’s hard to find time to devote to my mosaics and quilting. While doing things with my husband and girls and taking care of Savannah brings me pleasure and joy, I realize that expressing myself through art and creating pieces that are tangible and beautiful is also a necessity for me. To some extent, I think it’s a necessity for most people to have some outlet for expressing their creativity whether through music, gardening, or crafts. Working on a project or devoting time to your creative outlet allows you to focus in a way that brings you back to your essence. Anxieties, petty worries and concerns seem to float away as you channel your energy into producing something that is uniquely yours. Rather than depleting you of energy, practicing your creativity increases your energy and leaves you with more to give to those you love.
Writing this post is a start at making time for my creativity. Even in the midst of summer chaos: a whining puppy who begs to be played with, daughters who need rides to hang out with their friends at the pool, a trip to Maui – it’s possible and necessary to give myself the time to do what enlivens me. I think I’ll go make a mosaic mirror…
