Look Who it Was Random video

Unfolding of a Painting Series pt. 18

4,265 views · Published 3 July 2014 · 3:17 · Indexed 4 October 2026

Channel: Michele Theberge · 2014 · People & Blogs

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How to get back into a body of work after a prolonged absence

And the importance of the nap in the creative process

I had to put beside my most recent painting series for a few months while I focused on "the sky touches every world. "

Last week, I was able to begin working on the paintings again. I'll have to be honest, I wasn't excited about working on them. So much time has elapsed, that I didn't feel drawn to them nor was I as engaged with them as I had been before.

So, what was my trick for getting back into something that I wasn't feeling engaged with?

Simple -- just do it.

I didn't ponder on it for too long. I didn't overthink it or deliberate or try to develop a strategy. I just scheduled the time in the studio and jumped in and started working on them.

What I found freeing was that I was much less attached to them than last time I worked on them. At this point, I just want to finish them up. So, I'm feeling less perfectionistic and less precious about them. And everyone who is engaged in some creative activity can understand how helpful it is to let go of perfectionism and preciousness of the object.

Secondly, I want to share one of my favorite creative process tips -- the nap.

I found that when am unsure of what to do or want to gain deeper clarity on something there are two things that work magnificently. Meditation and Naps.

 So, I keep a folding futon in my studio just for this purpose. I find that looking upon my work with fresh eyes immediately upon awakening will often bring in insights that weren't there before.

What kinds of things do you do to get back into work after you've taken a break and to get fresh insight on your work?

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⭐️ Watch the entire "Unfolding of a Painting" series here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFNvPfOa2yC6PvlzdQW4h83xJWl4YVQ7c  ⭐️


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