Who likes being in in-between spaces, in-between jobs, and in-between projects? After graduation and grad show, it seems anticlimactic to begin anything anew. But that must take place one way or another. I was stuck behind this truck below in traffic, when it suddenly occur to me how beautiful the colors were. This photo doesn't do it any justice. They are these mundane moments when ideas are suddenly became clarified to me.
Did you know that the saying "there is an exception to every rule" is true. For example, one might think that the worse time to go swimming outside is the winter. In fact, it's quite the opposite. Because the temperature on surface is so cold, the water temperature is unbelievably inviting. Yes, it's hard to get out of bed at 5 am in the morning, but I like the quiet drive to the YMCA. The locker room is so cold when I change into my suit, let alone walking outside to 39 degrees on the pool deck.
However, it's unbelievably beautiful to watch the colors of the sky change as I swim the backstroke. I love sipping my coffee in-between each sets. "Is that Vodka?" My friend in the next lane joked. The hot shower is very rewarding after a long swim. In sum, swimming in the morning is a good synopsis of what I have to do each day: I don't want to search for jobs, but I do it anyway. One of my inspiration
is Elizabeth Elliot's TEDTalk about the key to being creative is to show up.
https://www.ted.com/talks/elizabeth_gilbert_on_genius
Setting Parameters to be Creative
1. Drawing through a stack of paper & back
This is not my idea but my teacher's, Rob Clayton. But I thought this is a good practice for me as an artist-teacher. For kindergarteners, they have to look at and draw something used every day (e.g. scissors, toothbrush, fork, chopsticks) and describe how the object is used. If I become an art teacher, it would be amazing if I can inspire them what I draw & use everyday.
2. Develop an MVP, or minimal viable product
As artists & designers, we are not the most keen in developing business ideas. We have great ideas but don't always follow through to develop further. Three books I am committed to reading are, "The Lean Startup" by Eric Ries, "Discipline Entrepreneurship" by Bill Aulet, and "Patent it Yourself" by David Pressman. It is hoped that they will guide me in the process.
3. Make videos to teach kids visual arts
Make simple lessons to teach visual arts at the elementary schools. With testing and budget cuts, teaching visual arts is not a priority at most schools. Teachers don't have enough time for students to make art, let alone preparing lessons for them. If I make videos of simple art lessons, teachers can just play them in class and kids can use materials that are easily available in the classroom or in their homes to make work.
4. Peloton Bike
This was a present from my brother awhile back. It's a bicycle situated at your home, but you're able to ride with people all over the country through the internet. https://www.onepeloton.com. Making art is not just the execution of it, but it requires a lot of planning and thinking time. I do most of that when I exercise. It helps me to think better. Plus, its keeps me accountable, because I have a weak spot for cookies.
Who likes in-between spaces? I do! This is where changes begin to take place.