I’m sat by the window reflecting on the last few weeks and my week off work (I work full time as a lawyer and focus on my art and photography around this). A few weeks ago I kept dreaming about an art retreat - of sequestering myself in a beautiful place, sketchbook in hand and the sounds of nature around me. A place where I had time to draw and photograph through the day. I didn’t really want a physical retreat though - what I needed was mental space. I wanted just a little bit of time where I could sit, watch and listen, to let my mind roam and to see where it would take me. I wanted a few weeks of wandering without a map or a purpose - no end destination in sight. When I realised this it also dawned on me that I could make this happen - it was totally within my control to simply stop, tear up the to-do list and step away from social media. I could create a retreat of sorts whereby for a few weeks I would remove any expectations or requirements I had placed on myself. In this time I would create only when I felt the desire to, using the medium that spoke to me in that moment and creating whatever it was that came to mind.
Looking back now at the end of the process I can see how much I needed this. The warmer April weather and increase in daylight hours might have helped but as these last few weeks come to an end I feel recharged (despite being often woken up at 5.30am by my eldest) and full of creative energy. I have picked up pencils and pens and drawn botanicals. I have worked on an illustrated counting book for children with each number relating to something found in nature in England. I have photographed for the joy of taking photographs and in so doing have taken at least one photo that I want to explore turning into a print for sale. I have found myself writing often, the words flowing more freely and the ideas turning into a new section for The Sketchbook.
Most importantly I have given myself permission to practice, to make mistakes and to keep trying the same thing over and over, learning as I go. I have felt myself mentally slow down a gear and without this feeling of being rushed and of time running away from me I have actually created more. This retreat has given me so much out of so little really. I think it will be worth repeating - perhaps in June as Spring drifts into Summer. In the meantime, I have some new ideas to focus on that I’m looking forward to sharing with you and I’m ready for a little more structure and direction to move these forwards. I don’t want the rush back though thanks - I’m going to try sticking in the slow lane for as long as I can.