Episode 62: Getting Through Winter

Rebecca and Ross discuss the difficulties of dealing with the extreme winter that many artists are experiencing. www.rebeccacrowell.com www.squeegeepress.com www.facebook.com/messystudiopodcast Podcast notes: Getting through Winter Intro: A lot of our listeners live in places that have had a very difficult winter this year with lots of snow, below zero temperatures, and bad roads, and all of this means added stress, challenges and time-consuming chores that can interfere with the more creative aspects of life. Last week Rebecca asked our Facebook friends to comment on how they are coping with this difficult season. Today we’re going to discuss some of their answers and strategies— Winter in Wisconsin/upper Midwest--what that has been like March especially frustrating since it is spring elsewhere the realities of things like the need to shovel one’s roof, cars that won’t start, impassable streets etc. A few people weighed in from the opposite extreme of climate, very hot weather such as in Australia winter—any extremes are difficult Answers from facebook post— Winter as a time to hibernate, create, excuse to say no to things and focus on your inner life Works best if your studio is in your house And if things are basically settled and peaceful in your life Means accepting a lower activity level and smaller projects or level of ambition; enjoying a hibernating feeling One person commented that an artist’s work is always going on even when not physically making art—planning, reading, thinking Some draw inspiration from winter, such as using warmer palette or finding beauty in the starkness Difficulties: Suffering from SAD and isolation Lack of motivation Lack of exercise (other than snow shoveling!) Feeling blocked and struggling with difficult feelings of lack of worth for the work as result of emotional stress Physical difficulty getting to studio’ Frustration with deadlines that still have to be met Lack of daylight Unable to have usual ventilation/doing things outside/ interruption of usual routines to deal with weather, hard to keep a schedule Suggestions: Scale back, Accept that smaller projects done at home may be necessary at times Not planning big projects or shows; but of course, this may not be practical—life goes on Imagining this ahead of time and planning/getting set up, realizing that it may be hard to motivate from the beginning once winter sets in Look for some way to do exercise—stationary bike or other equipment mall walking, x-c ski Even a short break if possible, in better weather can help Reach out to other artists in your area, even a call or email can help Move