where is my self control?

I’m feeling a little full. Like I have eaten too much. Once again, I feel like I have too many projects happening and each project has a different style of its very own. I want to able to focus and have more self control over my work.

You see, I have trouble making decisions :: I went out recently with my husband to a fabulous French restaurant. I wanted almost everything on the menu and wine list but I also wanted to eat simply and not indulge. I wanted to remember every taste the next day.

If I list all the things I am currently doing for love or money, or both, I feel like I’m dabbling in too many styles.  It is like I  have ordered a glass of champagne, French onion soup, grilled figs stuffed with chevre and wrapped in bacon, a glass of sauvignon blanc,  courgett flowers with crab, lemon sorbet, duck l’orange, crème brulee, and squeezed in some cheese and a glass of dessert wine.

Now I’m not trying to say that my work is by any means like a good French meal. I just feel like there are so many techniques and genres I want to explore, and because my time is so interrupted I jump from one plate to the next .

I don’t know how to order simply, savour the flavour and extend the experience. I’d be happy to eat French fries and green salad everyday, and know that after some time I have truly appreciated every bite.

So, I guess what I am trying to say is,  I want to make decisions about what area of my work I should really focus on. What is it that I should really be doing? Why can’t I just work on one area and be happy with that?

Any tips or advice on self control would be greatly appreciated. And hey, any feedback either via comments or email, about what you think are my strong or weak points would be wonderful. I am about to launch into a new website design and I really need to sort these issues out.

Comments

[Kajsa]

What? I must say I'm surprised to read you think like that! I really have the impression that you have one style and a line, a colour scheme...that really is you! Are you sure your post isn't about me? I often feel my head is going to burst of ideas and lack of time to full fill them.

And - frankly I get scared of blogs that are so simplified and consequent that no one else than a super human can be behind them. The good and charming part of handmade is the variations and surprises. That's creativity!

[Amy Schimler]

I am so glad to see how many people can relate to this dilemna. I agree that this "problem" is a symptom of the truly creative. I think it is important to remember that there is time in this life to explore different avenues. I read a great quote recently, "Ask your hands what they want to do." I loved that. Perhaps that will help.

[Mae]

I just wanted to remind you Tiel that it is because you are talented in so many areas that you are struggling with this.My thinking that an artist is always evolving and growing as I think you are and I hope you will continue down this path!

[Anna Bartlett]

Tiel, after reading your post and totally identifying with you, then reading these comments - it's actually nice not to be alone on this quest to find 'a style'! I read on another blog that 'your style finds you'. I'd like to think that with a little more time available to me, I'd find it a little faster, but hey, if I didn't have the kids I'd be a total art-workaholic. So they actually provide a break that is a little distracting, a little inspirational, and this sends us off on another tangent. I actually can't imagine life without the ideas-overload that I live with everyday... it's just nice to know I'm not the only one living like this! I'll be checking on your blog from now on - I really love what you're doing and am looking forward to catching up with Larah on her return.

[Sonya]

I don't know how to help - I am in the same boat. Too much, too many idea. I need some focus as well. I need to write things down and think and then see if anything cohesive comes out of it. Also, I am trying my very best to say no to things and not make anymore time commitments. Good luck.

[Toni]

I haven't read all the comments, so forgive me if I'm already repeating what's been said. Just last night I was talking with my husband about this very thing!! I have been asking my self these same questions for a very long time. My creative interests take me all over the board and I feel just like you! It can be frustrating and exciting all in one. I've pretty much decided that that's who I am, and to force myself to stay with one thing would not be good. I wouldn't like it in the end. I must keep my iron in many fires. From the little bit of your work that I've seen--it's all fabulous. Do what sparks your fire, what fills you with creative satisfaction--even if it's all over the place!

[monica]

oh but everything you do is 'you'. I like your prints the best. oh and your quilting. And although they may appear different for you they're not to me, it's your choice of colours/your angle that make it yours and under the same umbrella.

I couldn't focus on just one thing. I'd get bored and restless... but that's just me!

Follow your heart girl!

[broderie]

keep doing just what you are doing! it is all fabulous! you have a great talent, so use it while you are able.if you enjoy it all, then let us all enjoy it with you!

[Kris]

Hi Tiel!
I agree with everything that has been said. You have a uniqueness. A style of your own that is visible no matter what you do. We live in a world where we are continually told to focus, to specialise, to narrow down our choices, our possibilities. It starts in High school before most of us even know who we are. Surely anything is possible!!! Keep exploring and doing all those things that you love. Most importantly - enjoy the ride!!!!

[Anna]

i have the same situation... sigh. so, sorry, I won't be any help. :-)

[Zoe]

Well, Tiel. You may be feeling out of control and you may not be able to see it but I can. A style all of your own...and the things you do may not all be the same but your style shines through in everything you do so there is a recognisable, but beautiful style there and I think that maybe you become so close to what your doing or working on that you can't see it any longer. It is so much harder when you don't have a full day every day to focus and concentrate, (I know that being a working mum) so you're bound to feel like your dipping in and out of things and not devoting all your creative energy to finding out what it is you're supposed to be doing. I can say all this because I know that feeling too. Just breath, step back and appreciate that you have a talent and no matter what you do it'll always reflect you and your very individual style. HUGS X

[nichola]

I don't think there's anything wrong with having your fingers in many pies, it's just how FULL those pies are that can be the problem. You and i are alike, i want to do all these different things and take them all on only to realise it's just all a little too much and i need to 'pull a few fingers out' :)
You'll work out what's best for you.

[lotte]

OHHH MY GOD !!!!!!Gosh!!!! ALL these words is what i´m thinking everyday...frustrated about all the things I´m doing...many at the same time...I hate IT...and still I can´t help it...Yesterday I was knitting-crocheting-drawing-blogging-doing the dishes-washing clothes-painting-baking muffins and bread...and and and almost at the same time...
I´m going nuts...
So not many graet advice from me you see...???
I like all your things...and the blog...sooo...?

Because of that problem I gave myself a task also yesterday...So I could concentrate on one thing...a day...I hope...
SO JOIN IN …
My task for the next 5 days “SHAPE YOUR OWN WEEK”
check FruensWerk2…
Big hugs...

[.cecilia.]

hello tiel!
we are two women who water :)
a hug

[jonipossinj]

I've got my fingers into too many pies!! And I love it all... but I'm so eclectic. I noticed it especially on my blog. There is no central theme. Hmmmmmmm...
Joni

[greenolive]

The struggle to find your "true" style, the tension of multiple mediums, the desire to focus - everyone else has covered this already. And, importantly, you are not alone in this regard. If you had only one style that might mean you aren't growing as an artist. I suspect you have a restless mind (like another person I know!) and that is why you need to explore and branch out. Often we can't define our own style because it is the essence of us, it is so familiar that we don't notice it or can't articulate. For what its worth, I think the essence of "your style" is a simplicity, a whimsical-ness, a language of nature: pods, leaves, birds, flowers, but some objects, a lovely, muted, restrained and warm-ish colour palette with browns, greens, muted purples and blues and it has a retro style, but not in an expected way, but in a way that for me is about a simpler, more genteel time. I'm thinking Andy Wharhol's early commercial illustrations but that's not right, but your work does make me feel very late 1950s for some reason. Does all this make sense? Oh, and its painted, with a bit of drawing/linework. You can draw and paint girl and that's a great gift/talent!

[Linda]

I was thinking perhaps the French à la carte menu would suit you best. A little bit of this with a little bit of that. There's nothing wrong with being curious, restless and multi talented. Your works are AMAZING and so inspiring. Your style is so simple, natural, and unique. But yes, I know how you feel. I am still developing skills and find it hard to decide on one medium to concentrate on. But it is my hobby, and i'm the only one who puts the pressure on me. Do what make you happy first, and it will sure make others happy also. All the best.

[dawn b.]

the funny thing about all of your different styles is that it is clearly your work. there's something special about your touch... you don't ever seem to lose who you are in whatever you are creating. i think you should keep doing what you are doing :)

not everything has to be so organized.

[Amy]

Like the rest who felt that they had to find a "one voice" or style--or simply a label for what they're doing, it's a difficult struggle. I find myself wanting to define who I am, and what I am good at as well, but sometimes overthinking anything is not good at all.

There's a chinese saying that goes "come what may, and I'll let it be", which is what a lot of us needs to remember to produce anything that you're going to be proud of, and it's something I still need to tell myself everday. :) Good luck!

[Ali]

I think self control is over-rated. And your work all has the singular essence of Tiel-ness. I can spot something you've done a mile off and I love that.

Wasn't it the French who invented the taster menu? It's what I'd opt for every time.

[Eric Orchard]

You're so multi talented and I really think that's amazing, but I visit your site hoping to see more illustrations. However I think the current design/illustration market is pushing many of us in multiple directions, I don't think we've ever had so many amazing options before.

[nicolette]

If you were the kind of artist that would be happy to stick with ‘one style’ as you say, you would have done this already. But you aren’t and that is what makes your work so special. You definitaly have a style of your own, whatever you make it’s always a ‘Tiel’ piece of art. I think you won’t be happy if you had to make a ‘choice’.))

[Jade]

I'm envy your talent and your myriad of styles. I've only got two: the hi-brow and the kiddy style...no time or space to explore others. Besides I'm too busy with the sewing at the moment. If you're feeling a bit overwhelmed at the moment, maybe you can compartmentalise each style you want to explore and allocate a day (or a week) just to work on it. That way you get to play with all of it!

[Tara]

Tiel - that is soooo funny! well in the nicest possible way, because i was rambling away on exactly the same subject last night to my husband on our night out! I don't think I have a style either. BUT I thought you do! It features a beautiful softness - lightly touched by nature. I have started to make lists: what i want to do, what I need to do/finish, what I want to explore. My next step might be making up little 'speech' type cards and putting each idea or project onto the cards. then i can shuffle or prioritize what i want to work on any given week. I think that will save me the internal angst of 'what about this' or 'what if i..?'
I think we need the freedom to explore just to see what possibilities may arrive. Because if we stop at number 10, how do we know what we might have discovered at number 15. The fact that we are going down lots of streets just makes for an interesting trip i guess!

[cindy]

Great topic! It's amazing to know how many people are feeling that way. I don't think you should change a thing. Your work seems very focused to me based on your style. I love all that you do and would hate to see it change. I love the whimsy and the way you play with color. I know there is so much to do, and so many new things to learn, but when inspiration takes over we need to go with it. Jack of all trades, master at none. I feel that way, but hey, I love what I do. Art is not something that should be compartmentalized. Sorry I don't have any tips for self control...I'm kind of an instant gratification kind of girl. And again, I love your work! Maybe if there were too much focus in a certain area it would seem too contrived. Contentment, it's a toughie.

[Uschi]

Hi Tiel,

everything important has already been said, I believe your feelings are truely common. One point more is, that I believe, we, living in superabundance, are stamped by this surcumstance.
Just as a small way I can recommend the following book. I just read it and its mainly on cooking but also a focus onto the world:

http://www.amazon.de/Tomato-Blessings-Radish-Teachings-Reflections/dp/1573220388/ref=sr_1_4/303-9315628-3321810?ie=UTF8&s=books-intl-de&qid=1191731587&sr=1-4

Big hug!!

[Kirsty]

I'm with Jenny!!! In the past I have been almost envious of artists that can seem to stick to one style, medium etc. I felt that it was a fault of mine that one week I was painting and the next I was needlefelting or printing or doing some collage.
I recently had an exhibition in Adelaide and i actually wrote for my bio in the catalogue that I had "finally" made peace with the fact that i jump all around the place. Then a couple of my customers said "thats what we love we don't know what your going to do next"!!
Saw some of your work in One small room the other day, looks great.
I am struggling at the moment with not having ANY where to go to do my art. Next year we are building on a studio and I feel like my creative life is on hold till then. Which is a bit silly, but with four kids I just can't "set up" somewhere and leave it all out. It really is doing my head in and making me a little depressed and irritable.

[stephanie]

i agree with Jenny B. 100%. And...don't think you're alone in this situation, either. i am currently struggling with the same exact thing. there are so many ideas in my head....things i want to try. i keep wishing my store looked more "consistent". I wish i had a "style" or at least a common theme to my work. but, as jenny said, i am learning every day to just appreciate what i create. what matters most is if I like it...if i am satisfied with what i produce. i am learning to allow myself to explore and even spend TOO much time on something, just to see how it turns out.
keep doing what you are doing! when you posed this questions i popped over to your etsy store to see what types of things you have posted. and i have to say...you definitely have a "style". your ideas and designs are so unique and expressly YOU.
My 2cents is this:: give yourself the grace to explore all that is in your heart!
loves!!

[jenny b harris]

This struck such a chord with me, I hope you won't mind if I write a long comment, because I can totally relate to what you are struggling with, and I wish someone had said this to me a long time ago.

You clearly possess a nimble creative mind that wants to try it all, follow every thread of inspiration, every medium, every idea. My advice is go with it! This is so typical of an active, enthusiastic spirit. From where you sit, it probably seems like each direction is so different, and you've probably heard that you should "have a consistent style" so you think you should pick one and stick to it. Been there. But to those who look at your work, it is consistent because it all looks like YOU. Your best work is whatever flows from that part of you that says "ooh, I want to try it this new way" and then you follow that desire. If you create based on whatever you think the world expects you do do, it won't have the same spark. Does that make any sense? I hope it does. One of my artist friends has always worked in one medium, one style, and never had the desire to try anything else. Her work is lovely and that's great, but I could never be that way. My work has always been all over the place, because that is how I am, and I could never be happy if I had to stick with one style, and the work would show that. There is no one path that all artists follow, there are as many paths as there are artists. Do whatever feeds your spirit and allows you to love your work!

Okay, enough rambling, I just wanted to give you a teensy pep talk. Keep doing what you're doing because it is ALL wonderful!!!