Where has all the stuff gone?

Maybe I was just meant to fly. I fly from project to project and from art to craft and back again. Evidence of varied artistic interests over the course of thirty years lay tucked safely somewhere in my studio. But where? Oh, in that pretty avocado green box (the color of the year) jammed in the hard to get corner of the closet sits long forgotten dried up oil paints, a discarded technique since I was introduced to those fast drying acrylics. I embrace those lost long-handled brushes like they were my favorite childhood toy. I stare lovingly at them thinking of a new life for them. Yes, let’s just cut those handles off, just like I used to cut the hair off my dolls. I know my husband won’t mind if I use the forbidden table saw just this once, after all it isn’t an apple, and it’ll be just once. I am excited to resurrect something that served me well and bring them back to life to join the new fold of stuff on my desk. More stuff. Just can’t have enough.

I jostle my way out to the garage sidestepping the three cats that think they are going to be fed again. To the left, more evidence of hobbies now extinct. To the right, garden tools and more power tools. And somewhere in between - Home Depot – a passion or necessity? Maybe for my next blog! My heart pounds. I worry about my fingers. I’ve been preached to time and time again. I can hear his voice as if he was my conscience. “Don’t use these power tools unless I’m here.” Should I or shouldn’t I? Thoughts and voices rattle in my brain. “You cut their hair!!” “You used the saw!!”

The supplies in my studio must multiply throughout the night. In the morning, I am always surprised at all the stuff that found their way out of their hiding places. Don’t get me wrong. I love my hobbies. They come and they go, they overlap, and they merge. I especially love certain parts of them. The purchasing of all the newest and latest stuff knowing deep down that this will be exactly what I need to produce something over the top. I bring home all my new supplies to add to the already existing stuff. Now I’m ready to begin.

I have all my supplies ready, but where did I file my exemplar and where did I put the file? Did I file it under the artist or under the subject matter? I don’t know about you, but by the time I flutter through my files and piles of paper my great idea has lapsed and I’m ready for a snack.

I’m looking for your ideas and queries on organization for a variety of artists. Are you a stamper, collager, bookbinder, calligrapher, beader, pastel, watercolor, acrylic, oil painter, etc. I’m interested in hearing from you. I’d like this to be a “Share and Tell” so we can learn and glean ideas from each other.

My personal tip for the day: I resist using all those beautiful colored containers and stick to clear see through. If I can somewhat see what’s in the container, I don’t have to open it to refresh my memory and it saves me time.

I love quotes. My quote for the day:

“…I learn by going where I have to go…”

Theodore Roethke.

Meet me here again tomorrow.