Artists and finding motivation to create art during dieting.

Hi everyone, My name is vanessa and I am an artist in the Atlanta Metro area.  I have found that the discouraging results I am getting form dieting and also the lack of energy I have due to cutting calories and still trying to exercise, I have lost my creative itch to want to start or even finish a project!  I actually even backed out of an opprotunity to do a show tonight because I have no umph!  I also have toddler twin boys to add to my daily stress, but I dont know if it's because of T.O.M. or the diet or all of this.  I was wondering if there were any other artist out there on Calorie Count who find struggles with maintaing their professional artistry and still maintain their healthy diet and lose wieght!!!

I'm not a professional, strictly a dabbler, but I find any time I am tired or run down I have this problem.  Probably a dumb question with the toddlers, but are you getting enough sleep?  Also, have you tried upping your B -12 intake (or taking a sublingual supplement)?

Not a dumb question at all! I think the misconception of women with twins is that they enver get sleep.  I for one make sure i get sleep, but sometimes have trouble staying asleep or if I've been exercising throughout the week I'm so uncomfortable that it's annoying to not find a comfy position to stay asleep in.  I try to go to bed aorund 10pm, maybe 11pm at hte latest and normally get up no later than 8am.  that's plenty of sleep right?  As for the Vitamins, I take a daily multiple, but mostly just try to get my vits through healthy meals, and i'm a bit of a hoilistic freak with the teas.  My mind seems vacant...I mean...really.  I couldn't even exercise yesterday I tried to do a session for an hour, and stopped half way through because i was jus tnot feeling it and was very blah...blah...blah.  What do you do when you feel this way?

I really need a lot of diversity in my life - short attention span is definitely a problem for me.  Several times during the year I find myself getting in a rut and lose my zest; every body has different things that help them to recharge, but for me I generally start by taking a block of time (preferably a whole day, but in your case that might be difficult) and just do something by myself - ALONE!!!!!  As a parent with a job, three kids, and unending overcommitments I find that just stopping the whirlwhind helps me to refocus.

During that "Me" day I wing it, and do what I feel like doing.  The alone time seems to not only reenergize me, but helps me to slow down long enough to listen to my inner self and figure out what I am missing.  While refocusing I (more often than not) think of something that sounds like fun as far as a change in my routine, and that is step 2!  Even something as simple as buying a new book to read, or a new picture/photo book (even better for me!) for visual ideas, or a decadent magazine and  a good-smelling candle or body spray can perk me up!  Also, I'm a sucker for a good kitchen gadget once in a while.

If you can't completely take a mini-vacation, maybe you could try just making a change to your exercise routine.  Sometimes when you get in a rut it is a sign from your body that different muscles need attention.  If you normally run or lift weights, try a dance class or video - or even a sport!  This year I took up softball for the first time since I was in middle school, and I can't believe how much fun I am having! 

If nothing works and you are still feeling down, you might want to talk to a doctor to make sure the problem isn't physical, or that you aren't becoming depressed.  That can sneak up on you sometimes!

If you want to talk more, just add me to you friends list and keep in touch. 

 

Hi. I'd like to talk to you about art, any kind. I find that what best motivates me (especially when I'm not feeling my best) is to imagine what I COULD do. Look at other people's art. Talk to other artists. And really just sort of immerse myself in that sort of atmosphere, but not putting any pressure on MYSELF to do anything.

Usually I do this on the internet...deviantart, elfwood, and other sites like that. I'm not a professional artist.. just a student so far.

If you'd like to talk or share your previous work, pm me. If not just good luck!

Thanks that really makes a lot of sense. And I really do appreciate you giving the advice.  I have a very short attention span and currently have been off my medication for a month.  I will be starting back up again because I have switched locations for my therapy due to moving, but I am hoping I can get on something for the attention deficit too.  When I do try to get away for some me time I tend to still think about other things, tasks, children, and not liking being by myself for long periods of time.  I used to like to shop for clothes but nothing really fits to well.  I would buy new t-shirts, because my size up top never really changes, but i have plenty of shirts for the spring/summer.  Reading! haha!  Very hard to stay focused ofr even 30minutes on a book!  I love novels though!  I like to flip through (not really read the articles if they are too long) photography magazines too for the visual ideas for new projects!  I will just try to relax these next couple days and try to meditate or soemthing.  Maybe even try to walk on the tredmill.  We will see.  oh. I am not too sure how to add people.  how do i do that?

Feanor,

i would love to chat more about art.  It's so funny that you seem to do better by talking to others aobu ttheir art. Most of my friends who are artist are all going through their own depression right now too, so it's kind of like, misery loving the company.  I'm trying not to feel so bummed about not participating in the show tonight. That will only make me more emotional, which will only make me eat more!  As an artisit it is very important especially emerging on the scene to incorporate yourself in all that is going on and participate in as many shows/exhibits as possible.  For my first year I emmersed myself in as many shows and had quite a good year.  Even sold three pieces and donated two others.  So I can say my hard work paid off, but this year I want to do more.  I want to host my own show this year and branch out on a few new projects I've been thinking of, and really putting htem to fruition!  once I start on my creative rollercoaster I ride it out!, but I'm having a hard time getting in line right now.

How long have you been dieting? I know I was feeling pretty crappy when I started, it gets better.

I like art but have no motivation, so can't help there lol.

You could slow your weight loss down.  At first I was losing about 1.5lbs a week and I had no energy and just wanted to sleep.  I've slowed down to a more managble and realistic everyday routine and I'm much happier.  I'm not going to reach my goal by the time frame I had at first set for myself, but I will reach it my goal eventually.  Learning how to eat right and take care of yourself should be long term.  I imagine many people have a hard time going from diet mode to maintain mode but I suspect it'll be easier for me because the weght loss has been so gradual.  I'm much happier and I feel tons better.  I no longer need that afternoon nap.