I have a tendency to look at all my artistic projects as units of a grand army. Each project, a painting, a song or even a non-artistic project, (such as the never-ending fence project) are visualized as my forces, set to advance in battle and with a goal to eventually reach success. In my mind, I see this army much like those tin soldiers of yesteryear. If you look at these tin soldiers, they usually are created to show an action. Cavalry riding forward, soldiers aiming their guns, cannoneers ready to fire. Seeing this visualization helps me keep anxiety and a feeling of “powerlessness” at bay. It tends to work as I can either push a unit forward with great attention and focus or decide to move all the units forward at once. Key to this strategy is the all-important nudge. A nudge for me is the understanding that I will slowly advance something. If the momentum is forward, then all is well. My grand plans may have to wait a little longer to reach fruition, but in the meantime, I proceed with the nudge to reach those plans.
A good case in point are my paintings. I have painted two new Irish watercolor scenes to replace ones that had been sold. I realize that it would be even better to have painted five pictures perhaps, but the reality is that I don’t have the time to do all my Irish art and have time to pursue all the other art projects. By nudging and deciding “two will do” for now, I advance forward toward my ultimate goal of having big sales and an exhibit or two to boot.
The same goes for my book. I have had to satisfy myself with the understanding that currently forward movement is painfully slow here. In order to finish this book (and be able to start on others) I have to nudge my way to completion. Now that I nudged two pieces of Irish art forward, I can pivot and nudge along the preparation of the book. Both units will advance and all will be well.
At home, it seems every project requires a nudge. Sometimes a nudge is called for when the money is not there all at once. I have to content myself with financially nudging along a project until it reaches accomplishment. The key here is to again, keep things in perspective. If I can build forward momentum, however slow, I am moving forward.
Throughout all this is my visualization of the grand army. If I hit a setback, I can still advance on another front. Keeping all my little tin soldiers moving forward allows me to move with control.
My little troops will continue to be nudged along, especially this summer as I travel the roads with Switchback. Summer will speed by like so many mile markers on a highway. I have to be ready to accept that my life goes in many directions at once. As long as I can keep nudging things forward, all will be well.
READ MARTIN'S OTHER BLOG HERE.