June 23, 2009

Just Deal With It...


...clutterclutterclutter...
You may think I'm not blogging much these days but a look at my list of posts shows many drafts... unfinished thoughts or second thoughts, like "maybe this doesn't really need to be shared" kind of thoughts.

The same situation defines my studio... unfinished thoughts... works that, for one reason or another, aren't ready for prime time. In fact, that's possibly one of my weakest areas... unfinished projects of one sort or another. A current (and recurring) effort has me digging out, clearing out, sorting out... not only the studio and inventory, but all through the house. Just a shelf or drawer at a time... no need to rent a dumpster, or not a very big one. Goal: to be able to see everything in a room, closet or drawer in one glance. To cut ties with saved materials that will never see use and merely take up space. To have a clear and unobstructed view of what I really want to do next!

You see... I have this problem. Not uncommon but also not really fixable. Best I can do is deal with it... and that's where the cleansing comes in. The ole memory is not serving so well anymore. Nothing to get excited about, the usual age related dementia to be expected and most of us complain about (beginning the first time you lost your keys) and can be counted on to only get fuzzier with time.

Of our three kids, the oldest has the largest collection of my work through the years. (They all know they can have most anything they want.) He didn't realize he would pay the price by being designated 'Keeper/Manager of the Inventory' when I can't do it anymore. Because we had the job of dealing with both mother's belongings when they passed, I realize how daunting this job can be. So while I still have my wits about me, I will try to make better order and toss the nonsense.

This, of course, is not the first time for such an effort... seems to be another project that never gets finished!

7 comments:

Suzanne Ally said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Suzanne Ally said...

Karen I like this post. Can identify in many ways. I agree there is a balance. I held onto this old tattered quit for about fifteen years before I realized it needed to be in a painting - it ended up to be one of the favorite paintings I ever did. So dont be too hard on yourself if you dont go hog wild throwing stuff out. I think it was Joseph Cornell who kept drawers of stuff labeled "flotsam" & "jetsam" - always loved that.
xo
http://suzanneally.com

Cathy Hegman said...

Well, Karen I share you desire for orderliness but alas I cannot find it either...I just cannot throw anything out; it seems, I attach a part of me to everything, and then when the time comes to toss it; I feel like I am losing myself in the process..Let me know if you find a pill to cure this disease, as I need several bottles full!

Karen Jacobs said...

This isn't so much about cleaning as unloading a lot of weight and obstruction that gets in the way of good ideas. Like old work that is going nowhere! There's good stuff in there and that will be saved back... but so much dead end trash needing to be pitched!

CMC said...

Hum...think we all have some of the same genes here.

Olga Norris said...

I think that it's an ongoing problem for any creative person who builds up ideas before making them manifest. But I agree that it is vital to declutter regularly also.

When I was an editor my constant mantra was 'if in doubt, cut it out', and my work benifitted greatly from the discipline. I find it useful too with art stuff.

As for memory - well, I too who had an all singing all dancing trapeze twirling memory, am now suffering. Indeed this very morning I decided to keep a decisions notebook on me - in fact I'd better do that now before I forget!

Karen Jacobs said...

You said it so well, Olga! Not sure I could keep a 'decisions notebook' as I'd lose it for sure. Shoot, I have at least six working sketchbooks scattered around and tend to keep notes in whichever is handiest... no continuity there ;) Would like to hear more about how the decision notebook works for you...