Wednesday 16 October 2013

Play Time

My head seems all over the place at the moment... At the moment? Who am I kidding, I seem to have spent most of my adult life feeling like this. Too many differents things going on and too many things pulling me in different directions. Piles of stuff that need sorting out, deadlines to meet... and endless paperwork.
 
 
I'm finding it hard to focus on one thing or another and as I result I feel that I don't focus on anything very well... and all this goes on against the backdrop of usual family dramas ranging from panic attacks to flat batteries! (Neither of them mine I might add)

 
I'm not entirely sure what the answer is. There is nothing obvious I can give up or change so instead I'm trying to work in my sketchbooks... just a little each day. Nothing mind blowing or ground breaking... but just doing.

 
Last week at Spectrum we did mono printing so I've been cutting and sticking some of my images and making nice pages.

 
Taking time out from all the things that have to be done...

 
Time out to play.

21 comments:

  1. I recognise those feelings so well! Hopefully working in your sketchbooks will give you grounding and space to breathe. Your work looks great.xx

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  2. You can only spread yourself so far Gina, so you do right to make a little time for play!!
    I especially love your first image!
    V xxx

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  3. That all sounds pretty normal to me! I tried to be organised years ago but it didn't work so I've muddled through ever since. Hope you hit a nice smooth patch soon. I love your prints - beautiful shapes - very impressive 'play'.

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  4. Yes, it does sound familiar. But I think it's made worse by the way everything happens so fast, with all our technology, it's very easy to get caught up in it, with not much chance to pause, think, reflect. The sketchbook is a great way to give yourself a bit of space, and keep the creative link going. The prints look wonderful!

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  5. Working in your sketchbook can be good therapy fulfilling the urge to create without pressure. Love what you're doing especially the ivy leaves.

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  6. You've summed up my world almost exactly, except I'm not taking the time to play so you're way ahead! Last week I did one page in a sketchbook, does that count for anything? Thought not...Seriously tho, those poppy seedheads are beautiful. Very effective.

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  7. I know where you're coming from there Gina! Is it modern lifestyle that causes this? Love your pages.

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  8. I've been all mixed up these days too, and haven't been blogging or visiting anyone as a result. My therapy has been purging crafting supplies, finishing up WIP (hate it when they start feeling like a chore!), and forcing myself to deal with bills etc. I think it's working. I've had to catch up with your last few posts ... love the blue socks you've knit up ... such a lovely pattern and gorgeous shade of blue. Your sketches or prints are wonderful! The leaves in the black print look so haunting. It's good to get back to basics and ground ourselves again. Enjoy the rest of your week, and I hope you feel back to yourself again soon. Wendy x

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  9. Beautiful Gina! Were you like me and thought that things would slow down once the children left home? It's been quite the opposite -- not sure why. I hope things slow down for you soon!

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  10. I do like those new images. Are you able to have a day out, relaxing somewhere? That might help with the jumbled head.

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  11. Certainly a productive down time and some wonderful images. Hoping you find some smooth sailing soon

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  12. I feel the same way, but I am a lot older and think it is the way things are, for the moment.

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  13. You always seem to do such alot and I think you have more hours in your day than I do! I always thought as I matured life would slow but it hasn't now there are different challenges.

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  14. I can totally relate! I always have more plans for creative project than I have time to do them!

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  15. They're back!!!!!
    In times of crisis and doubt, you've remembered to 'Keep calm and whip out those ivy leaves'.
    Yay!!

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  16. Sometimes you have to say "Good enough IS good enough". I so know the feelings but looking back I should have taken much more time out to play. No-one would have really noticed!. Take care - I love those latest bits and bobs. x Jo

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  17. Just doing, is good and while your right brain is working your left brain will be sorting it all out (or is that the other way round?). Keep allowing yourself the 'me' time and I hope things calm down for you soon. xx

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  18. Never underestimate the value of 'play'. Sometimes I think the best ideas originate from it.

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  19. Lovely pages Gina, we all learn through playing, so keep it up, enjoy yourself and try to avoid the things that put you under pressure; difficult I know.

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  20. Glad to see you've given yourself some much needed playtime, Gina :)

    Time spent like this is more relaxing and restorative than any amount of sleep and helps you regain a little control and perspective...which is why I've been spinning like mad this week!

    It's also just as valuable as time spent dashing about trying to be all things to all people.

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