Design Principles: Solitude and Reflection
Squares #4 ©2006 11" x 9"
Some more thoughts on the design principles from my kids’ Expeditionary Learning school and how they relate to being an artist.
[All my posts on design principles.]
Design Principle #9: Solitude and Reflection
Solitude, reflection, and silence replenish our energies and open our minds. Be sure students have time alone to explore their own thoughts, make their own connections and create their own ideas. Then give them opportunity to exchange their reflections with each other and with adults.
My kids write a lot of reflections in school. When they go camping or backpacking or on any of their expeditions a portion of the time is spent sitting alone writing about the experience. They also write reflections on their major projects each year and include them in their portfolio of work. My 15 year son considers this a minor drawback for a really awesome school. My 12 year old daughter says it’s boring.
Mom thinks is wonderful. To sit and reflect and then journal about their experiences and then to share their thoughts with their peers and others. Great way to integrate all they are learning.
Journaling
I’ve mentioned a few times that I journal each morning and each evening before bed. Although much of this writing is not directly art related it makes a big difference in how I travel through life and approach my art. If I fall out of the habit of writing things get a bit disorganized in my head and it takes only days to set things right again when I start writing.
This blog is a public version of my writing, journaling and thoughts about being an artist. It’s much more directly related to my art and in the 3+ years I’ve been writing I’ve learn tremendous amount about my art, motivation and inspiration.
Taking the time to reflect and to write the words down, on paper or blog, is one of the important ways I spend my time alone. The silence and solitude are key to finding the place where I can think, reflect and write. It’s a chance to discover what I’m passionate about, what motivates me, what feeds my soul and what I am grateful for. I understand my art, and through that myself, better each time I sit down to write.
What type of writing do you do and how does it impact your life?
Studio Newsletter
Yesterday I got serious about packing. I intend to finish the majority of it today and I’ve taken monday and tuesday off work to prepare for my move. In addition to fun things, like hanging out in the crawl space under my new house as they clean, inspect and certify the furnace, I am going to get the June addition of my studio newsletter written and emailed to subscribers.
Like last time, I’m going to make available a couple ACEOs or other small works for my subscribers (last time they sold them all within hours). I haven’t decided yet what to make but I want to spend a bit more time in my studio before saying goodbye to the space where I got my art career off the ground. The studio will be the last thing I pack.
If you missed my March newsletter you can read it here: Lisa Call Studio News.
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Squares #4
The artwork pictured at the top of this page was complete a few years back. I usually complete small hand stitched piece each year. Some how this was the last piece I completed. The Artful Home (ie guild.com) is having an online art sale from July 1-15 and I just uploaded this piece to be included in that sale. When they have the sale work online I’ll post a link to the 14 pieces I’m including.
Posted by Lisa in: Being an Artist
Tagged: design principles, journaling, newsletter, silence
Olga said,
June 23, 2008 @ 2:30 am
The process of blogging is a fascinating one because although we are alone with our thoughts as we type; they are read by more people than we know, and are thus much more public than if we had talked about those thoughts. The physical presence of the readers does not ‘crowd’ us, nor inhibit us, because we are alone when we read what they have written in response. It is a very strange disembodied form of communication, and a most seductive one which appeals to me indeed because of this very solitary aspect.
I have always enjoyed writing, but not the writing of a personal journal as such. I like exploring an idea or describing an experience, or sharing an excitement in my blog, this taking over from all the letters I used to write to friends.
Tracy said,
June 23, 2008 @ 8:22 am
Insightful observations form both of you about journalling. I also find it important, though I’m not consistent about it. Looking back I find more entries when I’m troubled about something. There’s value in journaling when you write as well as a tool to look back and help to see your “big picture”.
Best wishes in your whole move process. I know when I last moved it was the full gamut (?sp?) of emotions. Definitely had to spend solitary time in every room especially the studio to reflect.
Congrats and enjoy the journey!!
Lisa Call said,
June 23, 2008 @ 8:44 pm
Olga - yes - exactly - you are so excellent and writing in a way that really resonates with me. The solitary yet public nature of blogging is very seductive. I love it.
I agree Tracy, I find blogging super helpful when I have things to work through. I am doing exactly what you say - spending some time in each room - just being and creating the space necessary to leave in peace. Tonight I took myself out for a long leisurely dinner and said goodbye to a town I’ve lived in and loved for 13 years. It was a wonderful experience and the lobster was super yummy.