Small Arts: November
Daily painting, use of the body, joy
I did much better in September than October, partially because of having a subject already chosen for me. With that in mind—and also knowing that it was a struggle to use a non-fluid medium all of October because of the postpartum problems I’m having with both hands—I’m going to use paint in November. October’s choice (Lyra skin tone pencils) reminded me how much harder one has to press when drawing as opposed to painting, especially with low-pigment pencils! It was a good nudge toward taking my body into account more when setting these goals.
Goals Intentions for the month:
Paint on a daily basis, doesn’t matter what or if I finish
Use my postpartum experience/body in the work I create as much as possible
I have a tendency to over-structure, and then feel like I’m failing when I don’t meet my own goals/expectations. This is especially obvious when a newborn is shaking up every routine in the house. Art-making, at its best, is a free-making process. It helps me let my muscles loosen, my mind unwind. This is what I want to melt back to this month—that sense of freedom, of joy.
I’m also remembering that postpartum is probably better as a time of intention, more than goals. My baby is still only three months old, and we haven’t gotten off the waitlist yet at daycare. The feeling of not having time is because I actually don’t have time.
If you’re setting goals or intentions this month, how are you keeping them manageable? Do you allow yourself to adjust along the way? Let me know in the comments!
Ginkgo in gold?
i love gingkos, what a beautiful and distinctive shape <3 been enjoying your frequent drawings!