Inviting a Project
Photo by Artsy Vibes on Unsplash
What are you up to these days? Sometimes, for me, the projects are all crowding in, jostling each other, vying for my attention. Other times, it’s pretty slow. Where does a project come from?
If you think, as I do, that imagination is non-personal—that it lives everywhere, not just inside you—then ideas are all around us, so it’s a matter of receptivity. If you’re too busy to host an idea they probably won’t darken your door. If you’re too exhausted to entertain a project, then it’s not a good time. But, say you have a clear space in your schedule and you’re caught up on your rest, and you’d love to do something creative, but…there’s just nothing going on. Then what?
It’s really sooo much like socializing. You’ve gotta let the project know you are thinking about it. What project, you say?
Ok, backup. You feel like having some friends over, but you’re not sure who. (Pretend it’s not a pandemic.) You’re not sure what—a picnic? A dinner party? What are you going to eat, and drink, and wear? In some way, you sift through possibilities and some choices come to the surface. Maybe you go through some recipes. Or the weather’s beautiful, and you know you want to be outside. Or there’s a special occasion coming up. Someone in particular is coming to mind. When the pieces start to come together, you think about inviting.
It’s the same with any project. If your mind is a blank, and all you have is a vague thought of doing something, just start poking around. What is interesting? What is calling your attention. I find my old journals to be huge sources of inspiration—that’s where I write ideas down, after all. That’s where I chronicle curious dreams, insistent memories, inspiring visions…I might do quick sketches of projects I hope to get to, but then lose track of…. If I look back, aha! It’s still there. Sometimes (not always), still alive, still interesting to me. Or sometimes these older ideas spark newer ones.
Along with that, I rummage through my supplies. Just like when I’m figuring out what to cook, I want to know what I have to work with. Maybe that’s the only thing I do know, is that I want it to be yellow, or to taste like lemons. Of course, that can result in a trip to the store. Shopping itself can be an inspiration, but usually for me, I’m the type of shopper who likes to know what I’m looking for before I set out.
Once the images and ingredients start coming together, that’s when I make notes about the details, the order of things, maybe try some things out. Mess around. When I have clarity about the project (or the party), I’m ready to commit.
I don’t invite people over unless I’m planning to be there—I’m planning to have the space and the time, and hopefully, I’m going to be present with a hospitable attitude. Does that sound obvious? Your friends probably won’t come over if you’re too busy for them. If you haven’t seen them for a while, you may have to invite them. If you invite them and then you’re not around when they show up, they may not come back. Or what if they show up, but you won’t talk to them—you ignore them—or you say, “This is stupid. I hate this! You are SO UGLY!” That’s even worse!! Right? Yeah. Well, people do this all the time, when it comes to their creative projects. If you just yell mean things at your work, it is likely to leave abruptly, with bad feelings.
It’s simple, right? Make space and time for your projects, and be kind and welcoming when they show up! And some good coffee or wine wouldn’t hurt!
