A while back, after the open studio day I had, I wrote about the studio being my space, and not a social space. My studio at home (dining room) had always been social as well, and the stuff of art frequently moved aside to cater for family and friends. This was never begrudged, it was just how it was. Having a separate studio, away from home made a big difference to how I work. Even this space, I wrote, occasionally gets invaded by people who don’t understand the boundaries… some people still just walk in unannounced without even knocking… some people knock and politely wait to be called in. Occasionally, I have started to hang a sign on the door so I am not disturbed. It doesn’t say “sod off”, it says “please do not disturb, recording may be in progress” – and this isn’t always a lie.
The business of being an artist isn’t always visible. The work I do doesn’t always involve me doing something with my hands. Sometimes the most creative bits are when I have a mug of tea nestled in my hands on my lap, my eyes gazing unfocussed in the middle distance. This is hard for the non-artist to understand… hence the sign.
Also, the timetable of the newly self employed artist isn’t always predictable, if there aren’t teaching sessions or workshops booked. It is sometimes difficult to convey the need to work. THIS is my job now. I have to do things, I am highly motivated to get my work into the world, get it earning its keep. So no, I don’t have to be at work at times set by other people, but it doesn’t mean I am free.
At the moment I have a lot in my head. I need a good stretch of time to deal with some of it. Some of it is making, yes, of course, thank goodness! Some of it is the form filling. Some is record keeping and financial planning (doesn’t take long if you have no money). Some of it is the abstract thought… this is the one that takes the time and needs the space.
Yesterday I was thwarted. Yesterday I was angry that the time and space I need wasn’t respected.
This morning, less emotional, I understand that this transition isn’t just mine, that others are finding it difficult too. All I can do is be patient and explain what I need and why.
So… this morning I am off to the studio earlier than ever. A proper working day even. I intend to stay as long as it takes, not time limit, not limited by me or anyone else. Going with the flow, getting engrossed, letting it make me tired.
I have often joked over the years that I don’t have a very strong work ethic. I now think this was wrong… I think I was just doing the wrong work for it to apply!
I will be hanging the sign up… it might not be a lie.
