During the last creativity club I confessed the apathy I've had of late regarding my art. The resulting conversation revealed I had forgotten entirely about how to rest - I also discovered after further reflection that I was no longer grounding myself at the easel, embracing the energetic fields around the work, giving things the space to mature - I was primarily showing up in the studio because I thought that was the central aspect of my job and trying to force feed the paintings. The art became stilted and the sustainability/full circle aspect of my creative process (in expending energy, creating something that in turn invigorated more) was disrupted. I've realized that my job isn't just showing up to make the art - it's tending that flame at the center of it all, and that happens in many ways outside the work space. I've lightened my days the last couple weeks, more time just sitting on the deck or my yoga mat, wandering in the woods, lingering with my books, hopping on my bicycle, just because these things call to me and not thinking about return on investment. I am not forcing what I define as the work part (both the business side of things as well as the creative process), doing the bare minimum computer/maintenance wise. Yesterday a couple things slid into place in an effortless and delightful way (like they used to), I got that familiar partial visual of something super exciting in my head, a third party (stranger to me) unknowingly pointed the way, and today I got a lovely few hours with my paints chasing it down. I'm taking it slow and it feels right. Here's to getting back on track and staying focused on what matters.

No! This happens a lot when you're an artist. Labor for exposure is a popular one. But I wasn't expecting it to happen in communication with a dedicated live/work artist collective I'd applied to in San Francisco. I put in an application to Project Artaud about 8 months ago. Twice now they have emailed to ask for free labor for their events. This time I offered to help thinking I should be political, and ingratiate myself (something I never do and don't believe in). Immediately no. My craw had the biggest ick stuck in it! It is predatory to pull labor from a list of people who are hopeful for space when you don't have any and don't know when you will. So I asked... "..., can I assume that if you are calling in help from prospective applicants that there is available space on the property?" Response: "No, it is a chance to get to know the community. There is no implied studio available at this time." I told her I'd be happy to allow another applicant the opportunity to get to know the community as I'd spent two days with them during their spring open studios, but I'd still help if their were no other offers. Her: "Fine. I will take you off the list. Sorry to waste" your time. (Methinks a bit of shadow in her SnapBack as I was very polite and still said I'd help.. she knows on some level) ----- I just couldn't do it. The median rent for a 1 bedroom in San Francisco just hit $4000. I've been priced out of my city. I have to commute to paint in my studio at about $10 a day for public transit. I'm tired. Artists who have low rent and workspace in the city should not be preying on hopefuls for free labor. A better system could be created. This is lazy, Animal Farm type shit. There have been so many moments lately for me to draw a clear line in the sand for myself about my standards. No regrets, I'll figure out something else.

I so love the beauty of a stitched line. Also reframing what was traditionally thought to be women’s work by inclusion in contemporary media/art. I’d love to see what artists you all are looking at who do this. https://www.instagram.com/jackiemulder?stkn=MWJhY2lkd3A0ZnB0dQ==

Anne Brierley @anne-brierley-7522 painter printmaker sometimes teacher Welcome Anne!

When to decide when to keep working vs stop?