ARTIST’S BLOCK May 25, 2007
Posted by kprsjohn in Uncategorized.trackback
Keepers have several alters inside that we consider artists or crafts people. We have a calligrapher who was probably the first artist we discovered living among us. Her name is Sara Christine. Then we have Ellen who does the watercolors and Maggie who works with pastels and Beth who works with markers and colored pencils. We also have an alter named Yashi who does Sumi art but none of her work has been put in our Galleries yet. The point I am trying to make is that keepers have many alters in our system who are dedicated to their artwork and find great satisfaction in each piece produced on whatever level.
For all keepers to get thrown off track as artists is a pretty major thing because, usually, another artistic alter comes out and simply veers our creative flow in a different direction. When keepers are feeling hurt or sad, this is what happens. The flow of creativity must continue because that is how our system survives. Even when keepers feel like we are no good at anything our creative flow is propelled forward simply because keepers feel that desperation to do that one masterpiece that will give us worth as artists. The one feeling or sense, however, that always brings keepers art work to a halt is when our system feels threatened in a way that leaves us knowing we are being intimidated by outside forces. This is what has been happening to keepers and our artwork these last couple of months.
Yesterday, Ellen tried very hard to paint. She stood at the easel (her piece has already been blocked in for a while now) trying and trying to do any stroke that would signify the end of her being blocked as an artist. Then she took down the piece she wanted to work on and tried doing an abstract where there could be much more freedom in her strokes. That did not work either so she left the easel and went back to doing other things–feeling quite disappointed in herself and very discouraged that our artistic block has not been broken as of yet.
This is one of those times when I am glad that keepers have such an incredible stubborn streak which always propels us to keep persevering–even when we are convinced that not one of us is really getting anywhere. Right now, that very stubborness is very critical to our system. This afternoon, it will have us back at either the easel or the drafting table (depending on which artist is out) trying to break our creative block in one or another. No success today will simply mean we try again tomorrow and the next day and the next until we reach that moment where our artistic flow is back in place and our work is once again our passion instead of our greatest challenge like it is right now.
A therapist once told keepers that as long as we are still painting or drawing our system will be okay in spite of our bad times. Over many years, this has proven to be true. When we are at our worst, keepers need to be in touch with our creative flow because that is what frees up our system and enables us to continue on our healing journey.that is why it is so important for this creative block to be broken and our artistic flow set free once more.
I have no idea when keepers will be actively back to work as artists but I know it can’t come soon enough for us. We need that and we want it very badly so we will keep on trying until that point where we know we are all back on our artistic track and things are flowing freely once more for us.
peace and blessings,
keepers
I know all too well that driving need to be creative. When I’m making softies, or writing creatively, I feel most alive. During the nearly 2 months since my son’s accident I haven’t had a chance to do more than fumble through my days until bedtime. My need for creativity is a constant ache deep inside.
I’m sure you will get beyond this, that your artistic parts will once again be able to express themselves artistically. I’m confident that I too will get beyond this to create more softies, stories, etc. But being in limbo, in the meantime, is the pits.
we also understand keepers and beautifuldreamer.. we are sorry to hear about your son beautifuldreamer..
keepers we have also had our artistic block for several months now.. unable to do any drawings at all.. jesse loves to draw especially.. she has now turned to trying to use PSP9.. that is helping her at least keep up some creativity.. but she dearly misses her drawing.. beth has given up trying anymore and but im hoping one day she will have the desire to return and try again..
anyway.. all this was saying we understand.. we hope in time things can come back to yall when its ready.. we love yall..
many hugs to each of you.. (((((((((((keepers))))))))))))
K n all (Dreaming2Fly)
I too, have had a creative block for quite some time. Not only my poetry, but my floral arranging and my decorating. It’s nice to know I’m not alone. I guess it’s something common with multiples. I hope we all get that desire to create back. It makes me feel happy and alive and productive.
I had one up till i tried the abstract.. im so sorry it didn’t work for you. I was so hoping it would.
but do not lose all hope as you are still writting and that is also a creative endevor. It may not seem like it but it is.
take care ok
hugs
Dear Meadow,
The only way keepers know to break our creative block is to get up every day and put our best effort into trying to draw and paint again. We are going to persevere because we know that one day we will be active again in our creative endeavors. We know you will be too.
You are so right–it is nice to know that we are not alone with what we go through. It means so much to keepers to feel like others understand from their own experiences. That has helped keepers more than anything.
peace and blessings,
keepers
Dear Wolfbaby,
The abstract is still the way keepers are trying to break our artistic block. It was a wonderful idea and we thank you for caring enough to come with the idea for us. Doing a new form of art is probably just what we need so one day you will surely see a picture of our abstract that finally broke this creative imprisonment keepers are feeling
peace and blessings
keepers
Dear Beautiful Dreamer
sometimes when we are in a stressful situation we need our creative outlets even more than usual and at the same time more inhibited so it can be a no win situation sticking us in limbo as you say. Your family and you are in our prayers always
peace and blessings
keepers
Dear K n all
We are sorry your parts are going through this also. Having alters unable to do as they need to is so frustrating. Maybe we will all regain our outlet soon and flood ourselves with artwork, crafts etc. Take care and know we are thinking of you and “all”
peace and blessings
keepers