Lots of work and illness is to blame for my lack of posting recently. But, throat is pretty much recovered now and probably meant I had a good, if slightly painful, break from things. It was nice to get some extra sleep at least!
This time in two weeks I shall be boarding a plane for Tokyo – and I am so ridiculously excited that I am having mini-palpitations just writing that. I am going to attempt to go the whole time (18 days) without using the internet, unless it is to look up holiday things. I will probably fail, but I am getting really sick of computers and the weird, unhealthy habits I am developing. I check everything way too often and I am starting to feel RSI in my right hand and wrist. The way I internet also seems to make more work for myself somehow too.
I’ve had some interesting conversations on twitter about this – with some very helpful suggestions coming my way about efficiency and happy-making strategies. These include the Pomodoro method – based on tomato-shaped kitchen timers. You use 25 minute-timed periods to work on specific tasks, taking 5 minute breaks in between. After 3 pomodoros you have a longer break. I’m sure there’s more to it, but I don’t intend to buy a book to find out. I tried it yesterday and I was much more productive than normal. Another one was to check email and social media only 3/4 times a day: 10am, 12.30, 3pm and 7.30pm. I didn’t stick to that AT ALL. Oops.
We had a power cut for a day on Monday, so I did some writing by hand and realised how out of practise I am! I had a veritable claw by the end. Not great. Must do more.
So yep, time for a much needed break and chance to change my routine. I will be coming back to what seems like a mountain of work too, so I feel like it’s double-important to clear the decks somehow.
Before I go, I have a bit of lecturing to do and will be speaking at this event on 12th March.
https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=15036154835…
Modes of Practice in an Age of Austerity
Delivered by Artists Emily Speed, Rich White and Anna Francis.
How do we survive the cuts without sacrificing or compromising our practice, ethics and professionalism?
Modes of Practice in an Age of Austerity is an event for artists and other creative practitioners to explore and discuss strategies for survival in a time where cuts threaten to obliterate the art world in the U.K. and beyond.
Really looking forward to seeing what comes out of it – will keep you posted.
