Comments on: Breaking through blocks: 10 ways to reclaim your practice

By: Angela Bordio

Angela Bordio — Wed, 19 Apr 2023 19:07:51 +0000

Thank you for the great recommendation! Setting goals is always easy, but achieving them and staying focused is challenging. So I was looking for some tips on how to be more productive and avoid the pressure of procrastination. Thanks again!

By: Marilyn Martens

Marilyn Martens — Mon, 14 Nov 2022 19:55:33 +0000

This sure came at the right time for me. I have been procrastinating since the passing of a close friend. I couldn’t seem to get my ‘artsy’ me back even though I knew she would want me to make something. We had spent so much time together over the last year between Dr visits and tests of mine and taking her to her appointments. She went through a major surgery and was convalescing the last while. We lived in the same seniors lodge so I was at her place almost more than mine. I now am trying to get back on track. I finally finished the applique part of a wool applique wall hanging last night. Next will be the machine quilting of it. But I promised myself that I would get the borders on a queen size quilt first so that it can then go to the quilter. I next have to get my cupboards organized so that I can see what I have to finish. I know that I made and finished a Christmas quilt in February because my friend bought it. Hopefully her grandkids will enjoy it.
I feel more energized now that I got that wool piece to its next stage. this article has helped me figure out how to get back to making art. I used to start about 8 every morning to do my 15 minutes which almost always lasted about 1 hour.
Thank you so much for this timely article.

By: Melissa Matthews

Melissa Matthews — Mon, 15 Aug 2022 21:27:11 +0000

I am 62 years old and went back to school almost 10 years ago and finished my Geography and Planning degree in the sciences in 2015 (with a minor in Art Studio). After working in municipal government jobs for 7 years, I found myself needing inspiration and incentive to do some serious artwork (I make cards all the time and quilt but it’s been a while since I have created something of greater significance). I signed up for another university course this Fall- I was able to audit it for $25 with permission from the professor and start class again on Monday. It will be tough with my full-time work schedule but I think it will be like going for a cup of tea or a bowl of ice-cream at the end of a long work day. I am so excited, a bit nervous, and I hope to be able to maintain my strength and sanity. There is no incentive like an assignment being due in a course full of 19 and 20 year olds!

By: Melissa Matthews

Melissa Matthews — Mon, 15 Aug 2022 21:16:47 +0000

In reply to Carole Free. This reply just made me so happy. I am so glad you have continued your work. And yes, the dishes will wait.

By: Laura R.

Laura R. — Sun, 07 Aug 2022 12:43:37 +0000

I really enjoyed this article. Thank you.

By: Linda Price

Linda Price — Wed, 03 Aug 2022 02:40:24 +0000

I started to reconnect with my inner artist by getting involved with community textile projects. They are led by artists and include people of all abilities and backgrounds. Some have been on zoom and latterly in person. It’s been a refreshing way to get back to textiles and there’s a community goal at the end of the project. So there’s a start and finish with no gaffing about whether to add more or whether you’ve done enough. The exhibition process has been gratifying and fulfilling too. You can also help others and working with like minded artists helps you to zone into your work. Being accountable to the group is a great way to focus and be organised. Your 10 tips will be a great help to pass on to new group members. I’m hoping that these projects will give me the confidence to start on my own projects too.

By: Kate

Kate — Mon, 01 Aug 2022 19:28:35 +0000

I keep several small notebooks in my living area and frequently add ideas to them when they occur to me. Less intimidating than a sketchbook, they are places for inspiration that can then be fleshed out in the studio or in a more formal sketchbook if they seem to be going somewhere. They are places to park my thoughts when they occur to me, and, in the practice of writing them down, start them simmering into something more concrete. Lots of scribbled and erasures, lots of discarded ideas, and lots of clarity emerge from these little pages.

By: PAT H

PAT H — Mon, 01 Aug 2022 19:25:28 +0000

In reply to Trisha. Perhaps the comment earlier by Angela who suddenly realized she didn't need to finish all her works but could regard them as samples (practice/reference pieces) would remove the pressure many of you are feeling. Just start to "experiment" and enjoy the process like a child does.

By: Lynn E. Claytor

Lynn E. Claytor — Mon, 01 Aug 2022 17:33:26 +0000

Thank you,,,thank you,,,thanks a lot!!!!! I have been out of sorts with my work as of late and after reading these reports from others gives me the enthusiasm to start it up again!!!!!

By: rose

rose — Mon, 01 Jun 2020 09:37:09 +0000

if i have something i consider “difficult” i have one compact disc (showing my age there..) which i put on and by the time i have been bathed in the music of Mozart, i have if not resolved the problem, i am on the way to a conclusion. maybe not mozart for you, but some other genius will help you through….