fitting art-making into life

The Soul Know's - oil on wood 20x20
$600 - on view at Frameworks

Ideally I love painting in my studio with a few canvas's on the go at the same time, all in various states of flux.  The process of going from one to the other like 'a bee in a meadow' suits my flow, and encourages my voice, best.  I learn the best stuff in these moments alone, asking questions, finding my way and solving problems within each work.   BUT, this way of working only suits me when my life is ordered and has a routine, as it requires large blocks of  un-interrupted working time.

For me, art making is such an itch that needs scratching,  even when I cant be in my studio like usual, I want to make things.  I mean after all...life happens, doesn't it?  I love taking part in family activities. 

 
In these small time frames, while visiting or hanging out with family or friends, my art making takes on quite a different rhythm.   I switch to small projects, like the mini wood block paintings...they're are a good fix, letting me enjoy art-making and taking part in life too. 

They take concentration, but somehow, it's possible to work on them with other things going on around me.  I feel grateful to have a way to make my art fit my life.  I used to do  needlework when my kids were little, fitting it into small moments between naps or children's telly.  It's sort of the same way with the little paintings now.  I fit them into life's busier times.