Does Creativity Rest?

Holidays are busy and full of things that press us for our energy and time. But they also present us with the opportunity to be quiet and still.

“Even a true artist does not always produce art.” – Carrol O’Connor

The night leans in, the days are shorter, and the cold finds its way through our clothes. It’s a time for closure, for long walks, and for rest.

For me, the holidays are about home. There’s really no other place I want to be right now. My batteries are sapped and I need to recharge. Quite a few hours over the last couple of days have been dedicated to watching TV, catching up on shows that I probably wouldn’t have missed. Sinking into grandmother’s old mission style chair as images dance across the screen and time floats away. I’m drinking a lot of tea, and occasionally some bourbon.

After Hours – oil on panel – 18”x 24” – Gabriel Mark Lipper

As artists, we put a lot of pressure on ourselves to create. It’s thrilling when we do, but it’s easy to forget that there is also a time to just … be. To absorb. Closing our eyes, switching off, letting go of the idea that we need to be doing something to justify our worth. And in letting go, we make space for something new to arrive. Creativity is not always proactive. It can be receptive too. The feeling of waiting is uncomfortable, but it is also an integral part of the creative process.

I still pop into the studio and move the paints around just to see if something is ready to emerge, but I’m not trying to make anything. I pick out old canvases that have given me trouble and see if I can’t close them down. I use failed paintings as playgrounds, and begin to play with colors, shapes, and textures in the abstract.

The new year will bring with it new energy for new ideas, but right now is about letting go. The year is coming to a close.

There’s nothing to fix, it’s time to make peace.

Some of the best music is found between the notes.

Do you give yourself down-time?