C&T Publications Eye on Fine Art Photography - June 2014 | Page 90
Number 4: Unstring the Bow
An inability to get out of a rut can be the death knoll for an artist, whether you're a writer, a painter, or a photographer. And
sometimes, the answer is inaction not action. In contrast to the first three points above that focused on actionable steps, this sharpenyour-talent suggestion goes in the opposite direction. Intentional inaction, or to use the phrase: unstring the bow.
To mend creative dullness and get the juices flowing again, action steps that literally shake the rot usually prove just the tonic
needed. However, there are times when, emotionally, you cannot even think of trying something new, or challenging yourself; when
the thought of tackling a new project sends you into a flat panic. You feel spent, empty... running on fumes. In this case, rest is the
only antidote.
And I'm not necessary talking about going away on holiday, although that is always a treat. However, too often, a holiday getaway
can add to the stress-what, with planning, and travel, and the expense involved. Learning to unstring the bow-putting tools down,
turning the phone and computer off (including ALL social media), disengaging the mind, fanning the flame of other interests, and so
on-is the only way to truly recharge your soul. In fact, don't wait until you're burnt out to develop a lifestyle (and workstyle) of
carving space in your schedule for rest of this kind.
Just as an archer regularly unstrings his bow to keep the strength in his bow and the tension in the string, so artists need to regularly
disconnect from the intensity of their craft to stay fresh and sharp.
Number 5: Reflective Questions
Every artist knows that wonderful, thrilling feeling of being "in the groove"-where inspiration flows unabated, and everything you
touch turns to gold. And every artist knows that awful, terrible feeling of having crashed "in a ditch"-where inspiration has
dissipated, and everything you touch turns cold. Staying in the groove, or knowing how to find your groove if you've lost it, is
critical. We've already looked at four ways to keep sharp in this series. In this post, we look at a fifth suggestion: having resolved to
carve out times of rest for yourself in your schedule, in these moments, ask reflective questions.
Reflective questions? How will that help? Reflecting regularly on one's work-questioning why we do what we do, for instance-does
at least three things. Firstly, it purges us of false assumptions. Along any journey, we develop assumptions upon which we act. These
assumptions can often be incorrect, especially when you're overworked, reacting to challenges at work and home, or battling against
due dates. And as we all know, operating on one shaky assumption after another ultimately leads to a mistake.
Secondly, reflection allows you to take responsibility for shortcomings and wipe the slate clean. Nothing kills creativity or robs
peace of mind like a heavy conscience. Through reflective questions, we get honest with ourselves, affirm our strengths and
acknowledge our limitations.
Finally, reflective questions can ignite creative thought and fresh energy. Through reflection, we reconnect with our convictions and
passions. We remember why we do what we do-not just in our head, but in our heart. We feel envisioned and often get back to the
basics; pruning back the frills and fluff (things that often merely add gloss, but create heaps of pressure and complexity).
Here's a reflective question you can ask yourself: how would I start again if I was just getting going today? A question like this often
allows us to see beyond the intricacy of what we currently do, putting fresh eyes on the simple matters that actually make it all worth
it (and fun).
Socrates once said, "A life without introspection is not worth living." And the man was fairly smart after all.
Lorna Kirkby has been a professional photographer for a decade. Based in Melbourne and much sought-after as a newborn
photographer, she mentors and coaches both those new to newborn photography, and those looking for refreshment. View her work
here: http://www.lornakirkbyphotography.com.au.
Her blog is loaded with articles and resources for photographers: http://www.lornakirkbyphotography.com.au/blog.
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