The Sierra County Artists’ Studio tour was an enlightening and mind-opening experience this past weekend. I was able to see behind-the scenes workplaces, hear about works in progress, and discuss creative processes. With so many professional artists in this area, I couldn’t fit all of it in, but I spent in-depth time at the stops I made.
One artist who makes found art assemblages as well as murals and small-scale paintings said she pays attention to her energy while she works. If it goes down when she makes a particular choice, she knows it wasn’t right and changes direction, but if her energy goes up, no matter how wild the choice seems, she knows to follow it. I’ve been applying that insight to writing, and it’s saved me from plodding through wrong turns. I recently followed a wild idea in the first draft of book eleven in the Mae Martin Series, and it’s opened up the story to unexpected twists.
Another stop included a painting with the words “Here now” repeating into seeming infinity. Since seeing the painting, I’ve used the words as a mantra during breathwork. Inhale “here.” Exhale “now.” Vital words for finding peace and presence.
