Have you ever experienced Empty Easel Syndrome?
OK, so there is no such thing as Empty Easel Syndrome, but there should be, because I feel it every time I complete one of my art works.
It’s the feeling that I get when I’ve worked so hard to get to the end. I get that euphoric feeling when I look at the finished product. I tidy away all the fibres, all the mess, and I am left with…an empty easel and a studio area that is WAY too clean.
At this exact moment I find it really hard to gain enough momentum to start my next piece – even if I have a great concept in mind. I’ve come to realise that starting is my least favourite part of the whole process.
I think, as humans, there is always part of a process that we do not personally like. Some of us might be ideators or starters, others are tenacious finishers. Some might enjoy the process as it unwinds, others enjoy the post-process and retrospective analysis.
I realise that I struggle with being a ‘starter’ and so I have to be super-careful when it comes to procrastination. Once I’m underway with something, all good, I can push anything across the line when needed.
What’s your strength and weakness when it comes to jumping into a creative project? It helps to be self-aware so you don’t get caught in situational paralysis!
Do you share my empty easel affliction? What’s your least favourite part of the creative process, and how do you overcome that hurdle?
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