Art Blog - Carol Anna Fullerton Samsel

I was watching Tim Gunn's Guide to Style on the television. There was a life coach on the program, and he asked a client to write each thing stressing her on a ball. Each ball was then tossed into one of two baskets. One was for things she could do nothing about; the other was for those she could control.

I thought this might be helpful for me to do, so I placed scraps of paper and three bowls on the kitchen table. One bowl was for things I could control, another for things I have some control over, and the third for issues I have no control over. Here's the list of things I can change.

I'm behind in the housework.

Today I did some kick-butt housecleaning. From 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., I got more done than I'd have believed possible. And getting the housework done is important to me. It's part of being a team member with Sam. He's earning the money and goes to work whether or not he feels like it; whether or not he expects a busy day or difficulty with coworkers. When he comes home, I want him to relax. I spend time on my art pursuit, and I want him to have free time for individual pursuits as well.

Plus, I remember how it was when we both worked outside the home. We'd both come home exhausted, and have more chores to do. There never seemed to be down time, and we were constantly sniping at each other. Things are good now; will continue to be good if I can get a grip on my own feelings of inadequacy and self-imposed guilt.

But seeing how much I've gotten done today, I think I might be able to set up a repeating eight-day schedule that allows me to work on my art, but keeps me on track with the household chores. The days can be shuffled as necessary.

Day 1----Grocery shopping and errand running

Day 2----Yard work (during spring, summer, and early fall)

Day 3----House cleaning

Day 4----Laundry, correspondence, and odd jobs

Day 5----Create

Day 6----Create

Day 7----Sketch; practice my art skills

Day 8----Art outing--visit a museum or gallery, take a studio tour, attend a lecture or workshop, etc.

I need to attend more art events (exhibitions, lectures, workshops, etc.).

See eight-day schedule.

I need to draw more to improve my skills.

See eight-day schedule.

I'm afraid I'll have to teach again in the public school system.

This will happen only if I apply for such a position.

What if I never sell any artwork?

Very unlikely. Even as college student I managed to sell some. And I wasn't even trying.

I'd like to develop a network of art friends and acquaintances.

This may happen naturally if I regularly attend art events.

I'm afraid that if I become successful, I might not be able to handle the challenges.

I tend to see the pitfalls more than the rewards. Various experiences led me to adopt the belief that I should work hard, but never receive benefit from my endeavors. Again, I need to switch my train of thought toward the wonderful things that success could bring.

I'm afraid that working from home, I may eventually become agoraphobic.

Doubtful if I get out regularly.

I think I watch too much television_and I'm not getting anything from it.

Don't turn it on.

Excerpted from An Artist's Path, pp. 13-16, http://bit.ly/7TKrSu

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