THIS is not at all the post I had intended to write this month; following on from my post last month about feeding your creativity I was looking forward to telling you all about the workshops I have coming up.
However, events have rather overtaken us and instead we find ourselves in strange and uncertain times.
Having gone from having a diary packed with workshops and events (and payments!) I suddenly find myself with time on my hands. Unfortunately I also find myself unable to concentrate or focus on anything much at all so despite having time I’m not being terribly productive but I am remembering to be kind to myself and remember that, just like everyone else, I’m adjusting to a difficult and unusual set of circumstances and I will adapt but it will take time.
In many ways I’m used to uncertainty; choosing a career in the arts and being self employed tends not to go hand in hand with security and a regular income. This is a new kind of uncertainty though and so brings new challenges. Luckily, I am an adaptable person and over the coming weeks and months I’m going to be looking into different ways of sharing my skills such as online teaching and who knows, maybe I’ll even make a start on one of the books currently floating around in my head. I’m also hoping to put together some kits and patterns in my online shop so do keep an eye out (but bear with me if it takes me a while!)
Whilst having all this time does offer up opportunities it is also, because of the circumstances, rather unsettling. Over on my Facebook page and Instagram feed I’ve been sharing some of the strategies I’m using to help me through these strange times and I’d love it if you popped over, had a look and said hello! One of my main strategies involves, you guessed it, being creative. From doodling to crochet, knitting, stitching and generally making stuff I’ve always found that activities that involve using your hands to make something have the power to help calm and soothe the mind and lift the spirits.
I’ve long believed in both the physical and mental health benefits of having a creative outlet and if you’ve read any of my previous posts you’ll know that I’m always championing creativity. In difficult times I think it’s more important than ever to prioritise creativity. Now is the time to open that needle felt kit you bought three Christmas’s ago, to get out all those gorgeous colouring books or just to pick up a pencil and doodle on the back of an envelope.
One of the truly positive things to have come out of the current crisis is the way that creative souls have come up with a whole range of amazing ways to share their creativity to lift peoples spirits and bring us together (in spirit if not in body!) For example, musicians have been doing live gigs from their living rooms and artists and makers have been sharing video tutorials, images and free downloadable patterns and templates. Keswick venue The Makers Mill have been running various ‘Quarantine Crafts’ on their facebook page as have The Eden Workshop. When we come out the other side of this remember that these venues (and the artists who work for them) will really need your support so do go and give them a ‘like’ and then maybe a visit when they’re back up and running.
For now though, my advice to you (and myself) is to turn off the news, make something (anything) and then share it; we’re lucky that we live in a time when we can still connect with our friends and families via the wonders of technology, even when we can’t be with them.
Until next time, stay safe, stay sane and be creative!
Helen
