Chunking it down

and appreciating life in bits and pieces

This seems like a rather lame title to synthesize what’s going on in my head these days. It is however, apt. Heatwave (from winter to summer) here has caused me to work and make in slow motion. The interesting revelation is that this is perfectly ok.

In my working days as a counsellor I often spoke with youth and adults about approaching overwhelming tasks in little pieces “chunking it down” . Somehow life doesn’t swallow you as much that way. The wise words shared with others didn’t always translate to the personal it seems - yet here I am now..giving it my best shot!

Breaking away from the day to day expectations of being overly beholden to minute by minute performance in the salaried working world seems to be a process. During this time -my art making time was precious and slipped in whenever there were gaps

I can be a big procrastinator..I wander .. think ..put some clothing on the line ..look at my phone (Blegh yes!)..sit with a tea and talk with my partner..wipe a counter..check my mail..phone .. check the chicken coop due to excess rooster squawking etc etc..Total avoidance of the “thing” that I enjoy doing the most !

When you are dripping from the heat its hard to draw without getting overly smudgy . its difficult for ideas to flow nicely with all that sweating.

So making art is falling under the spell of my new approach also . I spent a little time updating my online shop two days ago -and although cumbersome I decided not to spend more than a half hour on it - to be repeated later in day ..or the next..

For the tasks that are not true deadlines I give myself permission to work in small increments . Especially the sitting /screen oriented tasks. This works far better for me .

I am being kinder to my eyes too.. if they are tired..offer rest. If I only read for 30 minutes at night before nodding off then this is wise also. (The new me hehe)

The Spring and summer months here remind me that there is a lot of winter cleanup to do.. Chunking it down to a little each day has kept me aware that all will get done in time .

I have also lowered my expectations..never having being a pristine property owner I am pleased to lower the bar further and give back to the grass,dandelions and meadow where they rightly belong . The butterflies,grasshoppers, snakes and toads will definitely benefit!

A little vegetable garden was beckoning to be nurtured -and when I applied my new rule of little bit every day somehow it came to fruition just fine. The extra bonus is that I did not injure myself by overdoing the physical part. I also am no match for the blackflies and now mosquitos . I tease them with bits of my presence ; lots of material on my body and supposedly deet free lotion liberally applied.

What’s percolating in my art world ..

I am continuing to sketch daily (mostly :-) for the 3 materials drawing challenge (an observational sketch 30 minutes or less daily for 100 days using 3 materials per sketch - an online challenge by

Naomi Tipping

originated by @Kathryn_Boyt.

A short tour of my sketchbook for 3 material challenge..some pages were created while in Scotland ..Im almost 1/4 way there..day 23!

This weekend I am looking forward to completing an entire sketchbook (eeek) over two days ! I will definitely loosen up with this challenge as I intend to work fast! Thanks to

Cathy Cullis

for the prompt and inspiration!

As mentioned I have (turtle speed) updated my Etsy shop with a few new works -originals and mounted prints from my recent nature exhibit . I’ve also changed my listings to Canadian currency which I believe will benefit everyone!

my etsy shop

Also I have been actually working in a process style ..Taking small steps towards what will be an interesting collaboration and exhibit in 2024 . Dedicating a sketchbook or two to drawing and painting out concepts has been quite gratifying so far . The show is called “Clotheslines” -and it’s wonderful to work with an open ended theme like this!

Please comment and let me know what you are conjuring up art wise these fine summer days !

Also share if “the chunking down” tasks to bite size works for you !

and finally..a short poll if you don’t mind..:-) It will help me moving forward to try to meet your needs!

Cheers, until next time ..Heather