Ah! Decisions, decisions…..
December 2nd, 2005I feel that periodically I reach a point where I wonder if I should be taking part in as many collaborative projects, joining many more swaps, when perhaps I should just concentrate on developing my own art. Rather than constantly chasing my tail to meet deadlines, maybe I should explore my creativity and play with all the wonderful ‘toys’ and materials that I have, try out the projects in magazines that I have bought rather than just reading them and filing them away. I want to make stuff to decorate my home, give to others, and, who knows, maybe make something good enough to sell, rather than always making art to swap and send away forever.
But then we announce swaps on the Group, some which genuinely excite me and others that I feel I have to sign up for because it looks bad if I don’t. I can’t take part in every swap, but I know there is a little resentment there already because of those I don’t take part in. Then of course there are the swaps run by other groups, that really inspire and excite me, swaps that are a challenge. So, eventually, because I am weak, I am tempted by the thought of creating so much beautiful art with people, and find I am committed to far too many projects! 
And so it goes on for another 6 month or however long it takes to finish the round. BUT perhaps it is those deadlines, and that pressure to ‘perform’ that provides the adrenaline for me to complete work. I think if envelopes were not constantly ploppingthrough the letterbox, I would just sit around watching TV - my new fascination - how much crap can I watch in one day? I have worked out that it is possible for me to go from TV show to TV show from and hour after Miles leaves home in the morning (I am checking my mail online), until 30 minutes after he gets home at night (Home and Away finishes at 6.30pm).
Now, I have just announced 2 swaps to the Group, a AB round robin, and a ‘With One Stamp’ round robin, I know I’m going to have join in with those. Leandra will be announcing the new round of swaps soon, I’m sure, and AUK are about to start sign-ups for what sounds like a fab round robin, making an Everyday book. Not sure I’ll ever use a book like that but might be fun making one and the calendars that the same group made this year, are really quite lovely. Most peoples’ work is smashing. Ahhhh…. decisions, decisions.
