Creativity Relays on the Ability to Dismiss the Unusable
I HATE and LOVE spring cleaning.
Obviously, I hate the time consuming and work involved. Though I consider other family members as hoarders, as they seem reluctant to depart with various items (or part of items) that should have seen the trash bin long ago, I too, am reluctant to part with my own junk and am somewhat a hoarder.
"Garden #2" - Watercolor on Acid Free Paper, 33/33cm @Barbara Adler Art 2022
We all are
The thought that we “just-may-need-that-screw” puts us automatically in that category. Our desire to be beneficial, productive and efficient makes us save invaluable junk “for-a-rainy-day”.
Actually, this human habit of ours can be very counterproductive, stopping our creative flow, giving in to the “efficiency-mode”, which can be economically fantastic in the work place making all the accounts and logistic people happy, leaving us creatives feeling down and dry.
I am not implying that we need to throw out everything old and not in use. Often, we look at an old item and the creative juices begin to flow. This is precisely the reason I hate spring cleaning. The thought of “what- if” means that each object destined to the trash needs to go through the painful time consuming (we would prefer to do almost anything else) “what-if” or “how to” phase.
IS IT USABLE?
"Garden #1"- Ink on Acid Free Paper 33/33cm @Barbara Adler Art 2022
Spring cleaning should begin in the dead of the winter so it can be done by early summer!
Spring cleaning is like early morning running. The most difficult part is to get out of bed. With spring cleaning, the most difficult part is to “face the space” with a very large bin. With running, I feel wonderful already mid run! The quiet, soft light of the early morning is so refreshing. I finish my run on a total “high” ready for what ever the day may have for me. With spring cleaning, I feel light and clean. Not only the closet appears less cluttered, so does my mind.
My studio needs a spring clean
I have a habit of buying paints and markers of various qualities. Those of excellent quality, I squeeze the last drop out of and am very reluctant to throw out the old tube or maker. I get terribly disappointed when picking up that marker or tube of paint and nothing comes out! With those of lesser quality, sometimes that certain shade does good for me, those colors are doomed like my “favorites”. The third group are those colors that just “sit-there” and dry out. The only reason I don’t throw them out is “because -it’s-a-shame”.
Like I said, it’s time for spring cleaning! Out with the old and in with the new!
Bye!
I am off to clean…
Everybody needs art, especially after spring cleaning. Add something new to the wall. There is Art for everyone’s state of mind, desires and tastes. Flatter me! Contact me if you would like to personalize a special occasion. Nothing like a meaningful, personal painting or drawing as a gift.
All the works on this blog are Printable and for sale. They are Barbara Adler originals. I love talking about my art, my studio, running and cooking. Less about cleaning. So, feel free to DM to converse and purchase my art, making it yours.