Don’t fight the struggle I say. It’s a little season of glum. Instead of focusing on writing why not do some things that are fun or distracting or uplifting in some way?
Completely relatable. I feel like the social media/content machine has trained us to constantly feed it. It’s hard to find a healthy balance and not feel like we’re letting supporters down.
Can completely relate! Out of more than three decades of working life, I've only been an employee for five years, so all the motivation has come from within me. I have learned that the fallow periods are really important, allowing one's subconscious to rest, recover, and bounce back full of creativity. It's a wonderful realisation and I no longer panic about not bubbling over with ideas, I recognise I need that period of quiet. So do not worry, it's normal, human and healthy
Thanks, Andy. Yes I certainly can relate. I think alot of it is this time of year. It kind of knocks us all askew, which just ripples out into all aspects of our lives, especially when we are creative. I'll echo everyone else here - this too shall pass...patience, grasshopper 💜
Hopefully those clouds are clearing for you. Ironically my issue lately is that my time and effort and ability can't keep up with my current burst of creativity, which is very frustrating. But I'm keeping a list of ideas for when that well dries up. Which as you note, it always does.
I always relate to the things you write, Andy. This is no different. I remember interviewing a woman who had travelled right across Canada, by foot, by canoe, by bicycle. She began her journey trying to accomplish this within a set number of days, but along her journey, she met so many Indigenous Peoples and communities and she learned that winter time was a time to allow some respite. To relax and re-energize the way bears do, the way Earth does, too. I hope the little fires are easily put out and you can return to a calmer time, but also one that allows these breaks without guilt, without anxiety. We all need them. It's like a fallow field. The soil within our minds becomes fertile again after a period of rest from implantation and harvesting. That's how I personally like to think of it. Mother Nature and the cosmos always seems to let us know when we have reached depletion. Take that time. We are always here waiting. We can be patient. Hoping for smoother sailing soon.
I am in the middle of a move and building a new darkroom. This has put any real work on hold for about 6 months. It is all right for me as I don't rely on the work for income and the construction and building fulfils my creativity for now. I can already feel the pull of the camera after a long hiatus however.
In my experience there are lulls, especially in summer when photography seems so dismal. I have learned to accept them as part of the process and I know the drive will return.
Yesterday we visited an art gallery in Bonner's Ferry and had a lovely conversation with Hannah (https://www.teascarlet.com/). The conversation itself is inspiring. I always learn when speaking to another artist and that usually leads to further thoughts or exploration in my own art.
Your post really resonated because this past month I have been going through a pretty rough time due to some personal circumstances and I can sympathize with how you feel, especially about not being able to write and post. I promised myself that I was going to post an article every week when I started on my Substack a few months back but this past month, trying to keep that promise has been pretty exhausting. I skipped one week and immediately felt guilty about it. Personally, I am coming to the realization that I should take the issue of self-worth out of the picture and just focus on the process. Otherwise, it almost becomes a competition or a measurement of myself, which is not a very productive place to be.
Anyway, hope you feel better and looking forward to reading more from you!
If you are struggling, take time to rest. Also, it's Winter, a time for hibernation, reflection, going inward to see what's there. But most of all, Winter is a time to rest. If you are feeling stuck or uninspired, you might just need to take a break and rest.
yes - I sometimes end up doing other things - I end up, what I call stress cooking instead of my art/photography or writing - because of experience, I know if will come back but it doesn't always feel that way ;)
Everyone needs a creative outlet. It's really important for our emotional health. If it's just a matter of finding the time, try to make time. Even little bits here and there. If you're feeling blocked, then that's tougher. You can't fight it. If it's a struggle, then that's not a good place to be. I'm afraid I don't have much advice there, but maybe you can try to recognize the other things you do that are creative. It may help nudge your mood in the right direction.
Anyone who is a “creative” goes through ebbs, so welcome back to the very non-exclusive club that no one wants to be part of. The good part: No penalty for leaving the club early, which you are doing with this post. Think of it that way.
In all seriousness, I’m in awe of your passion and productivity. I’m working very hard to be intentional after a personal/professional s---show that was 2023, and I’m starting to see the light. Wishing you the best in finding that light too.
It’s January, Andy. The hour of hibernation and emptiness. Things will turn. Meanwhile, breathe into the season.
Don’t fight the struggle I say. It’s a little season of glum. Instead of focusing on writing why not do some things that are fun or distracting or uplifting in some way?
Dude, it's January. OF COURSE you're taking a dip. I'd like to introduce you to my close companions right now: Cookies and Morbid Self-Reflection.
A great spiritual text talks often about things "coming to pass" not things "coming to stay".
Watch a dumb movie. Chase the wife around the house. Pet a dog. Light always returns.
Completely relatable. I feel like the social media/content machine has trained us to constantly feed it. It’s hard to find a healthy balance and not feel like we’re letting supporters down.
Can completely relate! Out of more than three decades of working life, I've only been an employee for five years, so all the motivation has come from within me. I have learned that the fallow periods are really important, allowing one's subconscious to rest, recover, and bounce back full of creativity. It's a wonderful realisation and I no longer panic about not bubbling over with ideas, I recognise I need that period of quiet. So do not worry, it's normal, human and healthy
Thanks, Andy. Yes I certainly can relate. I think alot of it is this time of year. It kind of knocks us all askew, which just ripples out into all aspects of our lives, especially when we are creative. I'll echo everyone else here - this too shall pass...patience, grasshopper 💜
Hopefully those clouds are clearing for you. Ironically my issue lately is that my time and effort and ability can't keep up with my current burst of creativity, which is very frustrating. But I'm keeping a list of ideas for when that well dries up. Which as you note, it always does.
I always relate to the things you write, Andy. This is no different. I remember interviewing a woman who had travelled right across Canada, by foot, by canoe, by bicycle. She began her journey trying to accomplish this within a set number of days, but along her journey, she met so many Indigenous Peoples and communities and she learned that winter time was a time to allow some respite. To relax and re-energize the way bears do, the way Earth does, too. I hope the little fires are easily put out and you can return to a calmer time, but also one that allows these breaks without guilt, without anxiety. We all need them. It's like a fallow field. The soil within our minds becomes fertile again after a period of rest from implantation and harvesting. That's how I personally like to think of it. Mother Nature and the cosmos always seems to let us know when we have reached depletion. Take that time. We are always here waiting. We can be patient. Hoping for smoother sailing soon.
I am in the middle of a move and building a new darkroom. This has put any real work on hold for about 6 months. It is all right for me as I don't rely on the work for income and the construction and building fulfils my creativity for now. I can already feel the pull of the camera after a long hiatus however.
In my experience there are lulls, especially in summer when photography seems so dismal. I have learned to accept them as part of the process and I know the drive will return.
Yesterday we visited an art gallery in Bonner's Ferry and had a lovely conversation with Hannah (https://www.teascarlet.com/). The conversation itself is inspiring. I always learn when speaking to another artist and that usually leads to further thoughts or exploration in my own art.
Hello Andy!
Your post really resonated because this past month I have been going through a pretty rough time due to some personal circumstances and I can sympathize with how you feel, especially about not being able to write and post. I promised myself that I was going to post an article every week when I started on my Substack a few months back but this past month, trying to keep that promise has been pretty exhausting. I skipped one week and immediately felt guilty about it. Personally, I am coming to the realization that I should take the issue of self-worth out of the picture and just focus on the process. Otherwise, it almost becomes a competition or a measurement of myself, which is not a very productive place to be.
Anyway, hope you feel better and looking forward to reading more from you!
👆All true - to one degree or another...
Some things to remember:
- this, too shall pass
- guilt is a departure point, no place to dwell
- learn from the farmer, fields need to lie fallow periodically
- big moves are driven by either inspiration or desperation, (and one has a choice)
- you don’t need to listen to Dora Doom, star reporter of the Daily Panic...
Trust me, when it comes to this stuff, you’re a rookie (just an observation, not a criticism); I’m a veteran...been making images on demand since 1973
- MrPixure
If you are struggling, take time to rest. Also, it's Winter, a time for hibernation, reflection, going inward to see what's there. But most of all, Winter is a time to rest. If you are feeling stuck or uninspired, you might just need to take a break and rest.
Andy you need a holiday.
yes - I sometimes end up doing other things - I end up, what I call stress cooking instead of my art/photography or writing - because of experience, I know if will come back but it doesn't always feel that way ;)
Everyone needs a creative outlet. It's really important for our emotional health. If it's just a matter of finding the time, try to make time. Even little bits here and there. If you're feeling blocked, then that's tougher. You can't fight it. If it's a struggle, then that's not a good place to be. I'm afraid I don't have much advice there, but maybe you can try to recognize the other things you do that are creative. It may help nudge your mood in the right direction.
Anyone who is a “creative” goes through ebbs, so welcome back to the very non-exclusive club that no one wants to be part of. The good part: No penalty for leaving the club early, which you are doing with this post. Think of it that way.
In all seriousness, I’m in awe of your passion and productivity. I’m working very hard to be intentional after a personal/professional s---show that was 2023, and I’m starting to see the light. Wishing you the best in finding that light too.