Lately I’ve been having some trouble focusing on art-making. Several artists I know are having the same struggle. Over the past few months, I’ve been struck by how many artists have said to me (unprompted) in conversation, “I’m just not sure what to make anymore. I feel like I’m re-thinking what’s important in my life,” or something along those lines.
I’ve been similarly confused. Is it just because we’re getting older and more tired or is there something more to it? What work is actually necessary to make – for ourselves and our audiences? What is the best way for each of us to spend our increasingly limited time? These big questions are (perhaps too heavily) weighing on me as I continue to work with my performance company Red Metal Mailbox on a piece for The Chocolate Factory this March.
this reconsideration business, I think, isn’t limited to artmaking. I know a lot of people making big changes in their life right now, and I honestly think it’s because of Obama. CHANGE. it’s in the air. it’s a great time to rethink, because it feels like things could actually get better (even with the economy around our ankles). to positive changes!