Being sick this last fall and into winter slowed me down, and I am just now starting to get back to work and feeling like myself fully. This can be frustrating, as I usually like to accomplish everything all the time. I gained new insight as an artist, and during my downtime, I paid more attention to the small details around me. It's as if being forced to pause allowed me to see everything in a different light, sparking creativity in unexpected ways.

When artists take the time to slow down and engage in other activities like cooking or gardening, they often find that it can significantly enhance their creativity and positively influence their work. It's important to remember that creativity isn't always about constant work but also about giving yourself the space to recharge and explore different experiences. In my way, stepping away from my art and focusing on other tasks led to new inspiration and fresh ideas that I wouldn't have encountered otherwise. It's a reminder that creativity is a multifaceted process; sometimes, the best ideas come when we least expect them.

As an artist, I have embraced the idea that each day presents an opportunity to engage in various activities. Whether it's the simple pleasure of baking bread in the morning, tending to my garden, or finding inspiration while sketching on my porch, I have learned to welcome these moments as essential to my artistic process.

I am currently exploring, along with my fairy tale paintings, the process of using Japanese paper and oils. This process of cutting out used to frustrate me, but now I find it relaxing. On goes my music, and I allow myself time just to be. It is a lesson well learned.

Aurora, 36”x36” Mixed media on cradled board

I really did cut out all those flowers and it was wonderful

Goose Girl 24”x24” Mixed media on cradled board

I have been spending a lot of time in the kitchen, but I am unsure if this is not a case of procrastination.