As some of you know, I held a one day workshop the first week I was in Durban, so I came armed with sketchbooks, drawing materials and watercolours. Now I have a confession to make: this holiday I have done very little drawing or painting. For once I have NOT followed the advice I give my students - draw while on holiday - do something small every day.
My holiday in South Africa is drawing to a close. I fly back to Australia on Monday. These five weeks have been a time for family and friends. It's been a time of returning to familiar places, but also a time of discovering that familiar places no longer look so familiar - change happens everywhere.
Over numerous cups of coffee and delicious meals, I have been fortunate to reconnect with a number of my artist friends. It's been wonderful to be welcomed back and to catch up on all their news. I've been to a couple of the galleries that haven't taken a holiday over this festive time to see the work currently on show.
It's also been a time for reading. I have borrowed a number of books and it's been good to relax, to be with my grandchildren, to watch them swim; simultaneously satisfying my love of reading.
I've also been thinking which for a creative mind is often as important as making art. Our lives are usually so busy we don't make time to day dream or make plans, but the fresh year is a good place to do just that.
At the beginning of the New Year there's always a rash of motivational posts. There are tips on making resolutions; tips on not making resolutions; how to get fit and loose weight; how to run; how not to run (I translate that into "don't run" I will be walking though...) become rich; become famous etc.etc.etc.
I look forward to the weekly updates from Maria Popova's Brian Pickings, there is always something both stimulating and inspirational. So when I found this post on her Facebook page How to Master your Creative Routine and Pace of Productivity it seemed to be directed at me. http://www.brainpickings.org/index.php/2013/05/22/manage-your-day-to-day-99u/
(sorry for the clumsy link but Blogsy isn't playing nice today - it keeps want to post a link to a "How to" video LOL !!)
Popova draws from a number of inspirational writers and Gretchen Rubin in particular. There are a number of quotes that spoke to me but I decided this one needed a little more attention:
Please click through and read the whole post. Then do yourself another favour - sign up for the weekly newsletter. It will be the best thing to hit your inbox.
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