Back to the Creative Process (finally)

because distractions are real and when you are the one creating them you need have a mini intervention with yourself

Art in a REALLY clean studio

The title of this article may be misleading. It is more about finally getting back to the painting process. It's not that building a house, decorating it, and styling it isn't creative—it actually really is! But it is time to get serious and begin painting and writing again!

Gathering art supplies, revisiting ideas, and actually pulling out brushes and squeezing paint has been a bit daunting for me.

First of all, the studio is just SO clean!!

Did you see how we prepped the studio spaces I made a highlight on my Instagram feed? We prepared them for making a mess, but my first few painting sessions had me wiping drips up from the padded flooring. We added the flooring to make sure the drips didn't get on the white oak flooring…so I am finding myself cleaning what is supposed to get dirty. I am in a loop.

I should add that, at this point, Michael and I need an HGTV show that helps artists design studio spaces. If anyone knows someone...

We've both had some funky ones, me in attics and corners of the rooms and his in lofts and a barn he shared with some horses on Nantucket! We are all about "zones" for the working studio artist.

It takes me a bit to get the feel of things, like where my couch should go, although I do believe moving and purchasing furniture may be a sophisticated form of procrastination.

This morning’s view

Here are some older studio shots for your emtertainment.

My first out-of-the-house space with a visiting canine

I promptly went on to kill that fig tree ;(

These two pictures are from the same corner in my old space in the Mill Building in Pawtucket, RI. Does a dark floor make for dark art? ;)

There is nothing a good giant drop cloth and a bigger disco ball can’t solve

Since I have had a slow time getting back into "Monica-the-artist" life after the big move and the show in Brooklyn (which went very well!), I have been grappling with ways to enter back into the creative flow. I've always liked to read about creative people and their processes, but now I have found some excellent documentaries!  And I've found out I have been paying for Disney+ for the last year without realizing it, so everything works out in the end. 

Here are a few I have really enjoyed lately, along with their trailers to give you a taste:

Jim Henson Idea Man, directed by Ron Howard, is a good look at his process, dedication to his craft, and eagerness (boarding on obsession) to keep himself in the zone.  

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For anyone who grew up with the Muppets, I also recommend the Sesame Street documentary. What vision these creators had!

Street Gang: How We Got Here

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Ed Sheeran: The Sum of it All was a short series that not only covered his early life but also fast-forwarded to the last several years of his writing and music-making after his wife's cancer diagnosis and the loss of his best friend. The songs that spill out of him are astounding.

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Home on Apple TV This series has several seasons, and it is simply fabulous. It showcases really unusual homes, featuring architects and homeowners from all over the globe. It is fascinating and an incredible look at the questions creative minds pose to themselves and how they eventually solve them. These episodes are beautifully filmed and so much more uplifting than you would expect. 

I am looking forward to Diane Von Furstenberg's new documentary, which should be out soon. I am always ready to glean something from someone else creative journey.

Drop your favorites in the comments. I may or may not have seen them, but I am always happy to sit with a bowl of popcorn and immerse myself in "creative learning." 

Until next time, Monica for The Smart Creative ;)

*Collect art from Monica on Saatchi.

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