Computers & The Studio

Yesterday I decided to venture to the studio without my usual side kick, my laptop computer. A simple choice to make with profound implications.

I usually take the laptop to the art studio because I want to keep up on my emails, check Facebook, write blogs, and do some photoshoping when I take breaks from painting. I never paused to realize that this could distract me so much from my original intention, which of course is to paint, draw, visualize, and converse with other artist.

To my surprise this welcome change brought about unanticipated creativity and investigation into some subject matter I have been curious about for some time now. I have a small library of art books and poetry at the studio of which I usually only glance at throughout my day. However, yesterday I spent my breaks from painting doing a considerable amount of reading which yielded great insights and new knowledge about painting mediums and gold leafing.

This was much more fulfilling and rewarding than thinking about what's happening on Facebook , email, and blogs. Also, my perception of time was considerably different, the day seemed longer, slower paced, and I was much more focused.

I still love my computers and doing all the stuff I do on them, but I also realize how using them can be very distracting. I'm now thinking that I may go several days without using a computer and see how I feel. I mean it wasn't that long ago when computers were not a part of my daily activity and I got along just fine.

In summation, yesterday was my most productive day at the studio due to choosing a different course of action.

Saying For The Day; Try something new, something different in your life........