Who else needs a pep talk right now?
By Maria Prus, M Designs Studio
Is there anyone out there who has been struggling to get motivated over the last few weeks?
I know I personally needed some help to look beyond this stressful time and make time to be creative. So I dug out a book I purchased last year at Powell’s books on a trip to Portland, OR (doesn’t traveling again sound nice?)—“Creative Pep Talk: Inspiration from 50 Artists” by Andy J. Miller. Inside are pages of beautifully illustrated motivational quotes provided by the selected artists. Here are three lessons from the book that I am using to keep me going creatively during this difficult time.
1. “Turn a negative into a positive” - Bob Ewing (p.50)
Even during normal circumstances, it is easy to let setbacks and disappointments take control. Thinking about negatives as opportunities for growth and change is one way to try to make the most of a situation. Being stuck at home is something that can feel restricting but I have been impressed by the number of ways that people have thought to bring positivity to this situation. Start by scheduling a Zoom meetup with your friends or family, think about Konmari-ing your belongings or work on prepping that garden that you’ve always wanted to start.
2. “I make stuff because I get sad if I don’t” - Will Bryant (p.24)
This one really hits home for me. It is easy to go through the day doing tasks that “need to get done” but might not necessarily involve creativity. However, making things doesn’t have to be a big effort or a perfect finished piece. Take out a coloring book page, cut up some old magazines for a collage, even making dinner counts as a way to be proud of what you can do with your hands!
3. “Make work play” - Erin Jang (p.62)
Many of us are working from home right now. But what if we thought about the concept of “work” differently? What if work became an opportunity to experiment and try new things? If you can’t get to your studio space, maybe try using a different medium at home which could lead to a new direction for your practice. Even if you are not an artist, bringing a playful spirit to your work can bring a new perspective on tasks that you may have previously considered boring or routine.
Hopefully these words of wisdom are helpful to you as we all continue to cope with the changing world.
~Maria Prus
Maria is a Providence, RI based glass artist making colorful, functional glass art for the home.
