We had a smaller crowd for the 24 September Coffee House. Even president Bobi was away! But she left an (impressive) written summary of the last few months.

Since the last Coffee House in June, we’ve held two shows, a Write Thing, an Affordable Art $ale and a Bake Sale. The two Museum shows were well attended and generated 14 sales. The June Write Thing was fantastic, as usual.  The Affordable Art $ale was fun though not well attended. Its future will be determined over the next few board meetings. The Bake Sale was held on a Friday as recommended by board member Susan Irving. It was a huge success, raising $1136.22 – a record by almost $200.  

We’re entering our slower season, but there are still things to look forward to. The Write Thing takes place Wednesday, 15 October.  There will be another in February – something to look forward to in the bleak winter months. 

Then we tackled our discussion topic, Getting Unstuck. Knowing nods from around the room: almost everyone has experienced dry periods of varying lengths when the artistic muse is  . . . gone. How to get it back?

Seems there is no one way – members had many ideas. Again, Bobi shared her take on the subject, read by director Elaine. Turns out Bobi is visiting her daughter in a teeny town (pop. 50-60!) two hours from Winnipeg. Yes, there will be socializing but also LOTS of quiet, private time for writing, songwriting etc. away from the daily grind. For Bobi, peaceful quiet stretches of time help unlock her creativity.

Edwina reinforced that peaceful notion with a stern call to turn off cellphone and other devices.

However, Susan says she’s helped by painting aps on those very devices. With electronics she isn’t concerned about squandering supplies. It sparks her creativity and some of those electronic doodlings morph into canvas and paint works. 

In fact, any doodling can be a good jumping-off spot for creating. Also, small sketches and/or a painting journal. Edwina is a fan.

Photographer Milo S. said he doesn’t really get stuck. He’ll go for a walk and photograph everything. Back in his studio he finds inspiration culling, developing images and using interesting crops.

Writers and painters shared they frequently freeze when confronted with a white page or screen. Lynne suggested setting a 5-minute timer and just writing – not thinking, not editing – just spewing words.

Laura is a fan of mind mapping – brainstorming and visually structuring ideas.

Ditto with a canvas. Scribble with coloured pencils; splash leftover paint all over to create a ground. Carole enjoys “messing up a canvas” then finding an image within. She went on to say you may end up with “piles of yuck paintings”. That generated laughter!

It’s also key point: Just do it! That phrase generated many knowing nods around the tables. But why don’t we listen to ourselves and do it?

Procrastination can be a problem. About half the group found deadlines helped get past that. Sandra is in that group. The other half said deadlines paralyzed them!

But everyone agreed on fear.

Fear of not measuring up to our own standards or what we believe others expect of us. Fear of not delivering. Fear of wasting time, money (supplies). Fear of rejection or failure.

So, how to get past the fear, past the block? Some ideas, in no particular order.

Banish self-judgement, silence the inner critic. Speak kindly to yourself. Be curious.

Play music that gets you going: classical, heavy metal, jazz. Lucie suggested having a ritual. Perhaps light a candle for ambiance with your music. 

Several folks recommended meditation or centering yourself. Or, before sleep, focus on an intention: wanting a topic, or solution to a creative problem. Then your sub- and unconscious may work on that overnight, supplying a resolution in the morning.

Lynne, Elaine and Susan recommended spending time in your art space – even if you’re not actively creating. Reviewing older works, organising supplies, tidying – all are activities that keep you thinking about your art.

Helene was clear. Stuck? Break for a coffee or a walk. And, clearly, bounce ideas off other artists, compare notes. Like at a Collectif Coffee House!

Special thanks for the shots of VERY engaged Collectif members: Photos by Milo Smith