I took a quick pic of the table today though because I noticed that I was simultaneously working on three sides of the table, on three different pieces with another half done on the floor. It seemed symbolic of my life and I had to laugh at the realization.
Why the mess? As a mom you get used to using the small moments. I keep my stuff out during the day so I can quick put a seal coat on when I've got a few minutes. Then later, another free 5-10 minutes come my way and I'm able to do some drilling..... It's truly snatches here or there but it gets the job done. I also experience the benefit of "found" inspiration when I'm working on multiple projects at once. The bit of ribbon I left on the table because it didn't work on one of the projects is often just the thing I need to finish another.
Plus, like any stay at home mom, I spend an awful lot of my time cleaning and picking up Star Wars toys, dinosaurs, and the like. I find that sometimes, it's sort of cathartic to make a big mess of my own.
I really like it when you say it's cathartic to make a mess of your own. bcos you're always picking up other ppl's mess. I feel like I'm doing something out of the ordinary when I dare to be messy to do art, even mess up a little in my art. I find that so freeing!and it's also such a reward to see I can create something beautiful out of the mess!
ReplyDeleteI work the same way you do, leaving everything out and working on multiple pieces at once. I have three "stations" around the table, with the center of the table being where stuff tends to collect. It can be so fantastic to leave your stuff out all day and not clean up! You are right- us SAHMs clean all day long for others, so its so nice to make our own little chaos! I once had a friend look at my studio work table and comment that it looked like my table had thrown up! Omigod, it was a real mess...
ReplyDeleteJust read a post from you over on Kelly Rae's site and wanted to see your blog. I LOVE IT!!
ReplyDeleteI actually used to live in Mpls who when I saw that you live there my heart skipped a beat. I went to MCAD and studied photography there....
we must connect.
See you over at the e-course!
*Catherine Just
Wow! Your table is just inviting me to come over and play! (fellow flyer)
ReplyDeleteI agree with Johwey! I want to punk down with a cup of tea and craft with you right at the wonderfully bright table. I love what you're working on!
ReplyDeleteHi Jen
ReplyDeleteThanks for flying over to Tanglefrost and for your kind comments. Had to return the visit and soooo glad I did. Have been a while wandering around if truth be told - what a gorgeously inspiring, creative space you have here. Its sooo real, authentic and fun - looooove it!
Big hugs
Jo xxx
love your work!!! i myself cannot create without leaving a hurricane of color and mess behind me...but i realize that in order to make beautiful things there needs to be a mess some where to keep balance (or so i tell my very tidy husband)
ReplyDeleteohhh ... I do this too but I tend to do it when my husband is away for a few days ... he's a neat freek and would have a heart attack if he walked in and saw what I do on the kitchen island when he is not around. I have a studio in the diningroom but the light and space in the kitchen is sooo much better:)
ReplyDeleteI just got the extra bedroom with big windows for my space. I have my sewing table, my jewelry bench and my computer area all in that room...I love it. No one else would be able to find a thing but I know where everything is. I actually feel I create better when I can actually see things I have to choose from.
ReplyDeleteI haven't created a thing since the ecourse started as I have been reading...a lot! It such a great adventure.
Love your site and your work,
Jodi
I just remembered, you are in Mpls and I am in St. Paul! There could be a coffee meeting in our future!
ReplyDeletei just love the style of your writing and how you talk about your highs and your lows, i can relate to so much of what you say. i really enjoy reading your blog. my "studio" is also our kitchen table. i'm a SAHM too and my kids are little so we share 3 meals a day at the table so my mess has to be cleaned up before each meal. because of this i usually only have one project going on at a time because it all gets piled up on the counter top. after i complete a project the mess gets cleaned up and i start onto the next.
ReplyDelete