It has been some time since I updated this blog. Time and tides have kept me chained to my computer with precious little creative space to contemplate.
Since 2017 I have been working on the delivery of Arts Ablaze: Regional Arts Conference for Queensland hosted by Scenic Rim Regional Council.
One of the themes of the event was transformation through Attitudes. The key note address for this theme was Jeff and Julie Crabtree, whose work is around keeping creatives healthy. There were some amazing presentations and speakers and the conversations that happened informally and the creative program of Aboriginal And Torres Strait Island culture were certainly a highlight. Being an organiser you often don’t get to participate, however I made it a point to see the presentation, panel and workshop Jeff and Julie presented.
They described the creative process as being like high and low tides with both phenomena integral to the process.
It was as though they were looking right at me.
This life is not aways creative, it is not always a bed of roses and it definitely is not some kind of creative utopia. Whilst inspiration is everywhere, time and circumstances rarely allow the execution of the myriad of creative impulses to reach creative fulfilment. The task for me is to look at my work life as a creative project and to manage the business side to serve the creative outcome. The challenge is to do this within a very structured framework. ….it can be done….but it hurts.
It hurts because you realise that the energy of creative making is intense and all consuming. It hurts because not everyone is on the same page and the creative process in this instance is about taking everyone on the creative journey and that takes a lot of energy. It hurts because when you are done you need time to reflect, recover and rejuvenate.
This side of the biggest event I have worked on, I am happy for the friendships formed, the opportunities brokered, the voices enabled, the synergies created, the place held, attitudes shifted, access made easier, awareness raised.
I also find myself at the low tide mark. Looking over my shoulder for where the next issue to solve will arise from. Feeling overwhelmed, waking from dreams about the things I need to do for an event that has now passed.
Jeff and Julie’s presentation talked about managing this creative process. Taking risks with your art and not with your body. It has helped me to accept that the highs and lows that come, will come, and they are just part of the process.
For now…
Feeling thin skinned, over sensitive, see through.
My radar is set to ALERT.
I am waiting for the tide to turn…as I know it will.