Friday, August 31, 2012

 
Well, it's finally happened....
 my mind has run-a-mok!
I think I think too much.
My head exploded and out poured 100's of ideas, images and patterns.
 I opened my mouth to speak and instead of words,
swirling color and popping lines poured out.





 
 
I started too many projects lately instead of finishing any.
I have started way too many pages in my sketchbook without finishing them...
I have started at least 4 watercolor mandalas, I have 3 acrylic canvases in the works, a doll, a stuffed bird, an embridered hoop, some paper clay figures, 3 videos and soooo many ideas for rocks and art and more.
Yes, there's more, I just don't want to face up to it!
I haven't finished any of it.




Some are close to completion, most are not... It reminds me of a line that William Hurt said in the Big Chill, which I have to admit, I watched close to a hundred times years ago...."I'm not hung up on the completion thing."



It could be because the river is so unusually low that my spot has all but turned to dirt with just a thick layer of dried algae where water flowed.



It could be that lack of sleep has made me manic.
I had to look up the definition of manic after I wrote that..."overexcited: in a state of unusually high excitement especially because of tension."
well maybe....but not quite.

 
What do you do with all your ideas when there will never be enough time to accomplish even half?
 

 

Colorful messes

Chaotic creation or

a lack of focus?

 
 
I will finish something and post it soon, I promise!
Linking to Paint party friday and Haiku my heart! see ya soon...

39 comments:

  1. Know exactly how you feel!!! Chaos indeed!!! If I could just FINISH something! I too am working on that!! Have a grand weekend!! Cathy

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  2. I'm sure it's not a lack of focus. I think it's the creative energy that flows through you. Jot down the ideas, pick a couple of projects to finish. Don't discard anything and never not think you will finish them at some point. (Some day you'll be old and be looking for something to do).
    Besides, I do the same thing. Loads of stuff waiting to be finished or worked on. I haven't done one creative thing all summer, but as i noticed, it's dark earlier and the leaves are yeoow. There will be time to do art coming soon. Love the Haiku, and I think I answered your last line in the beginning.

    Peace

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  3. Lots of creativity here ~ What I do is meditate, walk my outdoor labyrinth and have a mantra ~ 'focus and center' I finally am getting closer and just focus on asian style brush painting, haiku and photography ~ i do get off track but then just get back on ~ I am learning slowly what my style is and going with it ~ I still get caught in thinking I want to paint like somebody else ~ especially when I see all the varied styles here ~ Thanks for asking this question it helps me to 'get back on track' ~ enjoy the weekend ~ and You are lovely just the way you are ~ (A Creative Harbor)

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  4. wow, I thought I was bad - most of my ideas are still stuck in my head just waiting for me to find time to lay them on the canvas - your post made me exhausted just reading it!! So many projects! I think I would get a little manic too if I had so many to complete. I've never seen the big chill but that quote sounds pretty apt!! Here's to getting at least some of these amazing projects finished!

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  5. Right there with you- looking around at all the in process projects- and I like them. I once tried to get them all "done" and my studio felt bare without a multitude of projects at various stages of completion.

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  6. oh wow!
    You just wrote about ME!!
    I elect to choose creative chaos!!
    ~carry on and color your world~
    your paintings are delicious!

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  7. I know exactly what you are feeling...reining in all of the creativity... panicking about time...I think it is the summer ending...winter is calmer somehow. Some folks don't have any exciting creative ideas, so count yourself blessed :)
    Love♥

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  8. The way this words/post came out give a good idea of how you must feel... it goes all different directions but has a read thread: creating! LOVE the glimses you show! I do know the feeling of wanting so much - having so much ideas and so little time. I always jott it down, and try to stick to two or three things at a max every time... I cannot handle any more 'in the works'... but that's me.

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  9. Maybe it's all of the above! Great haiku - so glad you explained it first. I love the part about your head exploding...I've been feeling just that way lately, as well!

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  10. Take a deep breath (or ten ?) and enjoy the flow ? Finishing things is over rated ! I always think that on the last day of my life, there will still be things on the to-do list. That will be a sign I lived a full life, each and every day.

    I hope the mania gives way to a calmer, energized flow for you soon.
    Happy Friday, Talented One !

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  11. There's a David Weinbaum quote I used recently on my blog: The secret to a rich life is to have more beginnings than endings. So although you may be experiencing chaos and mania - looking at the pictures of what you're creating, I see incredible richness and creativity. I hope you can feel more in the flow of things soon, and maybe find some endings, but I certainly hope that the beginnings won't stop!!
    Alison x

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  12. Hello Andrea, you have somewhat described my life... I get really frustrated with myself for having all these projects around me, or the desire to learn something new, when the paint is still not dry on the last one... but in coming here and seeing the amazing creativity and colors and projects that you are immersed in... there is no judgement, just awe and wonder... and I realize... that it is not necessarily "the project, finished or unfinished" but the act of ideas and act of creating that is so precious. I would like to see myself begin to enjoy this energy that flows, as I am enjoying being here with all of the beauty you create... thanks for this!

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  13. I love all of these (bits and) pieces, manic or not. I think you just described my predicament.

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  14. Creative chaos spawns brilliance!

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  15. Totally sympathise with you, my brain is amass of ideas and never enough time to complete them all. Happy PPF, Annette x

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  16. I see you as being wonderfully prolific and full of amazing ideas!
    ♥♥♥
    Happy PPF!!
    Mary
    Mixed-Media Map Art

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  17. A whole lot of unfinished stuff is OK I think. We take from that particular piece what it is that we need. Sometimes it means to completion and sometimes not. Either way its a benefit to our creative self. As for all those ideas... jot them down before they flit away. You will be happy to revisit them down the road. Keep creating! Happy PPF

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  18. Too many ideas is always better than none! And I know you'll manage to get them all done....just take it one day at a time. Sorry, a little too cliche, but maybe true?
    Anyway, hang in there- I think it's neat that you have so much going on!
    Hugs,
    Stephanie

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  19. i don't think 'lack of focus' would let you create such colorful and upbeat art.....take a deep breath, and prioritize....if not, just go mad - might be a good thing, espec. with tonite's blue moon!

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  20. I don't see a lack of focus. Don't allow any of the creativity out of site. There will be a time when you will find the time for a new idea. Jot them down.
    I love what you've shown us here.

    Peace

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  21. I always have a million things started and too many ideas but I kind of don't stress ... it always works out in the end and the ebbs and flows mean that sometimes I will be a finishing kick and will finish 10 things in a week... those weeks are great fun... but if all else fails have a cup of tea and a bit of chocolate and all will fix itself ...xx

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  22. "I opened my mouth to speak and instead of words, swirling color and popping lines poured out." What a wonderful thing!
    I'm especially loving the pen and ink designs with touches of watercolor. You've inspired me to try one.
    Just think, with all those projects going, you'll have a period when they're all reaching completion.

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  23. you just keep filling up those journals!!! All lovely, all the chaotic creations.

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  24. sometimes it's hard to do the finishing thing - but theese are all great beginnings!

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  25. there is something intoxicating about the birth of creation. some of us are hard wired for creative bursts of ideas that arrive in rapid fire! that in itself is where the most intense satisfaction lies. so electric and exhilarating that even when we are contentedly engrossed in a project at hand, when the muse strikes we fickle lovers jump to bring to life that next creation.
    enjoy the ride!

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  26. This is just too funny! I find myself in the same pickle quite often. That's when I stop myself from grabbing a blank paper/canvas and rather go grab a WIP and finish it.
    Try that, it actually feels good once we sit to do it.
    If not... well... enjoy the ride anyway! :oD

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  27. Beautiful details! I know what you are talking about, it can be very frustrating and feel like one does not have enough time in this life but I would try to just finish one at the time, it is very satisfying! And some things just have to let go... :)

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  28. I think creativity is messy and unpredictable!! So it's no wonder you flit from one thing to another. It's your creative gypsy spirit with it's impish curiosity wanting to explore and have it all at once!! Love it...either that or you're a gemini!! We read three books at a time, watch tv, play scrabble and paint all at the same time!! lol You have to heed the creative spirit when it calls, maybe you have a few spirits messing with you!!! I think you have to catch the creative ideas as they appear or you lose them!! Colorful messes!!!

    Hugs Giggles

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  29. I like having more than one thing going. At least you never are at a loss for what to do. You'll probably feel better if you finish one or two, but I wouldn't worry about it. When your busy muse takes a rest you'll have tons of things you can dive right into that you already started. :)

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  30. I feel like that...a lot of projects half started but not finished, so I am trying to work on finishing things at the moment. Your work that is here looks fantastic and I will look forward to seeing it finished.

    Also I just got my sketchbook swap back and your sketches are great. Thank you!! :)

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  31. Oooo I like your blog very much, have become a follower. I love the idea of the falling ladies, that gives you so many scenarios! its brilliant. Your sketches are superb too. Michelle x

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  32. I share your dilemma. I have thousands and thousands of haiku that could be compiled and put into a book--and yet I keep writing more!

    The Color of Fire

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  33. Oh my, I am so with you on this one! Soooo many ideas, soooo little time ... But, you know, the nice thing about having so many unfinished projects, is that they often don't take too long to completely finish, and then you have a whole bunch of new art all at once. Just take out a day or 2 to finish them, and you'll feel so much better. Good luck! looking forward to seeing them!

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  34. Just keep plugging away....finish a few, then start something new....then go back and finish a few more....

    It's art.....it's good for the soul......it sould be fun, not stressful, so do the thing that makes your heart most happy...and enjoy :)

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  35. many good ideas to come from all that thinking!!! :D

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  36. Wow! This is really beautiful ! I love the gorgeous designs!

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  37. Keep creating..... when things are ready to be 'finished' you'll do them....

    Karenx

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