Procrastination

Procrastination..........the avoidance of doing a task which needs to be accomplished. 

If you have chosen to be an artist (visual or otherwise) there are times when it is difficult to 
begin to create.  There can be many reasons why: work or family commitments, money, space.  The most debilitating reasons though are fear of failure and trying to live up to the expectations of friends/family/others.

To help me keep on track I have devised a number of strategies:

• Writing a blog means that I am aware that each week I need to accomplish something. It doesn't matter if it is a failed experiment for from failures we can still learn.
• Writing lists with tasks I wish to achieve and setting myself deadlines.
• It is all very well having loads of ideas but without action you have nothing tangible. Therefore it is essential to find the courage to be brave and start making.  
• Not beating myself up if I am not happy with the piece of work I have made. 

• Having a couple of projects on the go at once.  That way if I am struggling with one I can go to the other then revisit the first when I have mulled over the problem,
• Taking a break.....whether to the beach, my books or for a cup of coffee and a sweet.
• The biggest thing that has aided the kick starting of my practice though is my dedicated studio.  A room in which I can leave my tools and paints out.  A space where I can pin source material and inspiration to the walls.  A refuge where I can close the door, be uninterrupted and make daring and frightening leaps of faith without the gaze of critical eyes.
  

• The only company I allow is music and today I have been mostly listening to Henryk Gorecki.​

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