How do you play under pressure?

With my open studio looming, economy of motion takes center court. Years ago, I landed a membership at a tennis club and jumped in with both feet. Tennis is immediate, and that decisiveness resonated with what I already understood about painting. It’s a game that demands your presence. Each step, each swing of the racket, plants you firmly in the now.

“Pressure is a privilege – it only comes to those who earn it.” – Billie Jean King

An infinite month ago in a parallel universe, I had all the time in the world, but today it feels like I’m moonballing every brushstroke. Deadlines force the play. We adjust our tension to stay sharp and focused. This is when I’m at my best. Alone on the court with one opponent. The painting responds to every mark, and every choice of color. It sends me stumbling back with a lob or leaning in for a chip shot.

In art, the pressure of the show demands our best. To show up for the final strokes, the match point.

Tension levels goes up, but this isn’t a negative kind of stress. It’s a privilege. It drives us to step up our game, push past the self-doubt, and play with everything we’ve got. There’s no waiting for the perfect moment, no time to indulge ourselves in endless rallies. You just have to take the shot.

Come enjoy the after party with me on the19th! 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM!

And?? Is it worth it?

Some of your most transformative breakthroughs will come when your lost deep in the match, racing against the clock. The work is raw, instinctive, and often stronger because you have to get out of your own way. No time to overthink it. The deadline, rather than limiting you, gives you the focus you need to finish strong.

Next Saturday, October 19th, Enclave Studios and Haines and Friends will be hosting the Southern Oregon Open Studios After Party from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM and beyond.

There will be incredible live music by Jeff Pevar and refreshments by Grandeur Wines. I hope that if you find yourself in the area, you will attend. See you next week!

Enclave Studios
1661 Siskiyou Blvd, suite 3, Ashland OR 97520

What are your creative “match points”?

Have you used deadlines to improve your work?

How do you play under pressure?