Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.
Anne Lamott
I feel like it's been ages since I painted or wrote a blog post.
In reality, it's been 2 weeks.
Yet, I feel frustrated with myself for taking a long(ish) break. I'm also itching to get back to work (which I take as a good sign).
I think that after having let so many years pass without making art, I'm fearful of returning to that state. I know though that I love it too much and it's so solidly part of my life now, there's no going back!
This time of year is a busy time for most of us. If there's ever a time to break from one's usual activities, the holidays are it.
We all deserve a break, don't we?
I have to remind myself that it was a good year for my art.
I finally established an *almost* daily practice, which was jump-started through a 100 day project.
I explored all kinds of new-to-me materials (here's one example).
And not only is it okay to take a break, maybe it's beneficial.
A few years ago, I was taking a daily beginner French class. I found that after a long weekend, the lessons sunk in more and I returned to class with better skills.
I'm hoping the same to be true in the process of making art.
After some time away, perhaps we return with some clarity or a fresh perspective.
So let's not punish ourselves for taking breaks.