Wednesday 10 July 2013

Overwhelm, My Outdoor Studio/Warm Up Journal & a Vlog


Hi guys, I've quite a lot to share in one post today
however it all mainly sparks from what I mentioned in the TAT post yesterday about how I'm feeling creatively right now. While I was in London I was completely switched off, not thinking of anything back home, including all my creative projects I currently have on the go for my videos, for a friend, for the blog, for a relative, for the shop, for a surprise, for this and for that (...well, I might have thought about Sweepiebum once or twice, but he was very well looked after). Then I came back and the first day was really nice; I was just chilling, my mind was still carefree, I was having some fun and then BOOM! That night I was plagued by a dozen or more new ideas that were screaming 'GET ME STARTED', 'WORK ON ME IMMEDIATELY', 'I AM MOST IMPORTANT' blah, blah, blah.


After all of the TAT interviews I've done, as well as just general chit chat with artists, I've realised the collective number 1 challenge against creativity is fear. Mine, however, is not. I, in honesty, cannot remember the last time I felt fear in my creativity. I never question myself and think that I might not be able to do something, because I know I can, and I do truly believe anybody else can too...it's just that sometimes you might have to figure out alternative way of doing what you want to do, in order to make it work how you want it to work. The nearest I come to fear is I might worry when I put something new out, that people may not like or appreciate it, but still it does not worry me enough to the point of not doing it. Overwhelm, however, it is completely and utterly my number 1 for giving me creative paralysis. 

BUT I'm going to take the advice from an artist in a video I shared a couple of TAT posts ago and just carry on regardless, which is obviously not as easy as it sounds, but what I did was carry on-to another project. So I made this journal page in my new outdoor warm-up journal:


In another environment,
My Outdoor Studio:

me in my outdoor retreat last night
...this pic makes my area look a lot nicer & more tropical than it actually is btw lol
but still it  is*my* space ;)

So today I have discovered (or perhaps re-discovered) that doing *something* is better than doing nothing and not to let that overwhelm completely paralyze you from creating. It might not be the projects you wish to work on, but until that overwhelm bunny stops bouncing around all over the place and making you stress about 50 projects at once, a creative retreat/task/environment/journal of your own is a good way to tackle it. 

Here is a quick flip of my Outdoor Warm Up Journal, a little bit of a peek at my outdoor studio and a little bit of a vlog on Overwhelm:

 

Separate vlogging to my main channel has been something I've thought about for years, but it was only this morning I woke up and was like 'that's what I want to do, it feels right'. So this is just a little tester really, we'll see if it sticks properly but please do tell me what do you think - do you want more personal chilled out vlogs on here where I can discuss/show what I've been up to that day/in that blogpost?
Would you guys like that or not?
Let me know
Much love

28 comments:

  1. More vlogs, more vlogs, more vlogs:) The overwhelm bunny....yeah. You know the scene in the move Scrooged where the ghost of Christmas future shows Bill Murray Greed and Want under his robe? That's what the inside of my head looks like:o The bunnies have lots of relatives and there is mayhem and foolishness all over the place. I'm telling ya, we need a support group. Don't sweat it, sweetie. Can't wait to see the outside studio.

    Kathy(queenbee)

    ReplyDelete
  2. I like Sweepiebum. Maybe he can appear more often in your vlogs and video's. For the rest i like your post,so keep going on. :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Yes, I particularly like the vlogs because I don't have to take the time to read it myself. Sometimes with a blog I decide I don't have enough time at the moment and I try to come back later to read it--but I'm not always successful at that. So I'm happier with the vlogs.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Jenny, I so enjoyed seeing your outdoor studio journal and the sneak peeks of the outdoor studio! I loved your vlog and would enjoy seeing more. However, I worry that the editing and such will add further strain or stress on your time table and I surely don't want that on your plate either so I guess I will say: "Do what you wish as you will ... and I'll love it no matter what, simply because you're a sweetie to do any of this for all of us!" :-D Love to you and Sweepie!! (((hugs)))

    ReplyDelete
  5. I Think its an Awesome idea and I just subscribed to your new channel!! :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. I love it best when you do whatever you feel right doing at the time! Whatever and however you share, it is a gift to those of us that follow your journey!

    ReplyDelete
  7. thanks so much for sharing. I like everything you put out, but informal vlogs are great to see your 'everyday' projects for extra inspiration. loved this first one, so thanks again!

    ReplyDelete
  8. I appreciate everything you do on your blog and your you tube channel. Whatever makes you happy and not stressed will in turn put a smile on my face. I LOVE everything about your Art and sharing it with us is a blessing!!! Big hugs to you and Sweepie!!!

    ReplyDelete
  9. I think it's a great idea! I love when YouTubers have multiple channels.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Loved the Vlog. would like to see more more more yes!!! You're awesome. I have been struggling with creative paralysis from overwhelm for a couple of months now. The new e-course I'm doing is helping a lot (Facing your Fears). But I must find a way to break out of the paralysis and a "warm-up" journal seems a great idea! thanks for inspiring me - as always. much love.

    ReplyDelete
  11. I have just recently found your blog and also regularly watch your Youtube channel! I love to watch your videos be it a vlog or a tutorial or just a show off! :-) Thank you for all your inspiration and please keep up the good work!
    Lots of hugs to you and Sweepie
    Cardarian
    P.S. At the moment I certainly need a boost as I have lost my mojo completely!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Jenny you inspire so many of us and I personally love the time you take to show us your artsy day! I'm a music publicist so daily I speak with people who cannot really even discuss their art. I'm always reminded of this quote

    Asking an artist to talk about his work is like asking a plant to discuss horticulture.” Jean Cocteau
    And I think you Jenny, are quite an inspiration because not only are you a remarkable artist, you bother with the technical stuff (which is decidedly unfun) in order to share with US your adoring fans! LOL. Thank you for taking time to discuss your art and your processes so eloquently. GO JENNY!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  13. do not overwhelm you... and more vlogs is an awesome choice! like you said... one thing at the time... :) you're a rock star, lady. thank you for sharing you with us.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Jenny, I enjoyed watching this!
    Do whatever your heart desires.
    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Love any videos you make--vlogs or otherwise. I watch them all! :)

    ReplyDelete
  16. do what u luv n luv what you do!!!

    ReplyDelete
  17. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the more personal, spontaneous post!!! I really appreciate your tutorials but I find these types of post allow me to know you better as a person. I feel more connected to you and your art that way!!! Having 2 pups myself, I enjoy hearing about Sweepiebum too!
    Hugs, Emie

    ReplyDelete
  18. Love the Vlogs and the how-to videos. Of course the cameos of Sweep are always great to see. :-)

    ReplyDelete
  19. Jennie, I must agree with some of the others above that you should do whatever is best for you and your time. I always enjoy anything on your blog whether it's written or it's a vlog. So, my choice is to leave the final choice to you. Linda E.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Yes, Yes, Yes bring on the Vlog x

    ReplyDelete
  21. Yes, Yes, Yes bring on the Vlog. x

    ReplyDelete
  22. Yes please more Video's, doesn't matter what you discuss, show or complain about. I've been enjoying your Blog and video's for a long time and still can't get enough.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Somehow, art journals have become things that are suppose to be art and perfect and "show" pieces. Having a separate one for play gives permission to use the art journal as it was originally intended, I think. Calling it a warm up journal is brilliant and thanks for giving us an idea of we can PLAY. Using all the "stuff" we don't normally use is another way to "de-art-ify" the warm up journal and another brilliant idea. THANKS for a great Vlog. Mary W

    ReplyDelete
  24. More vlogs! This was great and lovely. I appreciate you letting us in :-)

    ReplyDelete
  25. Yes.....share often! Even the smallest things can be inspirational. Look up this site from a lady in Florida, USA. I eagerly await Every post she makes at Www.iloveshelling.com I look up your site everyday to see what you have posted. I am currently making art journals from scratch. Using recyled food boxes applying mixed media techniques....what fun....keep it coming !!!!

    ReplyDelete
  26. Oh, YES....please do share more. I think I can safely say that there are a lot of us that are quietly, privately being creative in our own little corners. As for me and maybe for others, seeing your vids etc. is a connection to another creative and we can all share our stuff and be inspired. I go from art journals to painting...and can always learn new things.
    So please keep going and sharing with us.

    ReplyDelete

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...