“As spring returns, I always remind myself that just as the plants are unhurried to emerge, I must be as well. “ - Jacqueline Suskin, A Year in Practice
Photo by Bernd 📷 Dittrich on Unsplash
Even though the light and calendar have shifted to spring, my inner clock feels like it's still in the midst of winter. Slowly moving, requiring more rest and warmth than I care to admit, my body and soul moving a bit more gingerly through my thoughts, days, to-do lists and work.
I have many big (and small) projects on the brain - works to create, books to read, places to explore, ideas to put into action.
Creatively, I feel compelled to be in the studio. Painting and collaging ideas of works that have been floating in my head for a bit now. Somehow the thoughts keep coming, and I dance with them JUST long enough to roughly sketch and color them out in my sketchbook. But the deeper, more considered work of committing to a significant medium and project? As of late, that's evading me.
Strategically, I'm mid-starting a website and branding redesign. An online gallery that will more fully reflect my latest larger paintings, and art - rather than the more graphic work and wallpaper of prior years.
These things feel at once joyful and heavy in nature—hence my snail's pace in tackling them. All require a lot of thoughtful strategy before taking action: calculating steps, and learning new skills along the way, this thoughtful pace is where I often get stalled.
Currently, I’m stuck in the loopy loop of overthinking and busywork. Burying myself in the work that is being a human these days - laundry, news, taxes, cleaning house, making appointments, driving kids to all the places - necessary, yes, but purposeful? NO.
That's precisely why I dubbed this the year of intentional action—my subconscious knowing all too well that I would need a rally cry, a centering thought, a catchy quip pulling me towards the action side of my work.
I write all of this today, with no clarity of next steps. No prescription to get moving quicker, no book, article or podcast that has helped jolt me into more consistent action. Only a quiet acknowledgement, a subtle welcoming that perhaps, slow is good.
Maybe, this slow-going, too, is spring. Is humaning. Is needed.
Each of us moving at our own pace, emerging and flowering at precisely our right time, again and again.
Loving Lately.
One of the most beautiful things I have seen lately, this Tate Shorts profile of Agnes Martin and her amazing work. The way she talks about her work, her process, always improving - and the time spent sitting, waiting for the work to inspire her. Perfection.
I had a last minute escape to Round Top last week. A quick, barely 24 hour trip, connecting with a dear friend, perusing amazing fields of vintage home goods, art and accessories. We stayed at the cutest spot - and I can’t wait to return for a show soon!
We’ve been eating a ton of salmon lately, and this is the my current favorite prep.
Anyone else flirting with the butter yellow trend ? Currently eyeing this, these and this.
Until next time, friends -
Jill
That Tates short about Agnes Martin was my first introduction to her work several years ago - definitely worth a rewatch. And by happenstance I just ordered a book about her work which is arriving today.
This! "Each of us moving at our own pace, emerging and flowering at precisely our right time, again and again."