Jump Start

As I sit at my computer I can hear the freezing rain tapping on the window to my left. The wind is howling and I'm about to turn up the heat again. The view out the window might as well be a sepia toned photograph because I don't see any color, it's a wash of browns and grays. January tends to be a time of renewal for people. We're all going to eat better, lose weight, spend less, and give more. But in my second year working from home, I am realizing that what I need most right now is inspiration and creative action. My creativity and my camera are pleading for a fresh start. Believe me, I am inspired daily by what I see on Flickr or while reading blogs. But being inspired by others is only half the battle, actively participating is the other. So I am giving myself a January homework assignment to lift myself out of this creative slump. And if you are feeling the same, please join me.

My self-imposed January Homework Assignment (Starting Monday):

1) Take one photo everyday until Jan. 31st that is colorful, cozy, cheerful or just makes you smile.

2) Do something creative with your hands 5 days a week. It could be drawing, painting, origami, scribbling, doodling, writing, or anything else. But it may not involve a camera or a computer. I find that doing creative things with my hands makes me more creative as a photographer and designer.

That's it! That doesn't seem so difficult right? I'll let you know how it's going for me later this month, and if you feel like participating I hope you'll come back and fill us in on how you are doing.

Comments

[Charlane]

sounds like a good challenge! I might take you up on it.

[Kimberly]

ack! it can't involve a camera *or* a computer??? (insert shutter here)
okay, let me sleep on it this weekend, maybe practice using my hands for something else... oh, but what to do...?
(i can do this. i can do this. i can do this.)
sometimes i just need a good kick in the pants to get going - so thank you.

[Janie]

I can totally relate to what you're saying about the need to get away from the computer or camera. As much as I love both, when I reach a creative void, I have to use my hands. I've got some awesome projects cued up for this weekend and plan to revel in paper and paste. Great challenge!

[jen]

Ill try to do this
sounds fun and motivational

[maz]

My current creative slump began a few weeks ago as winter set in; it's the same every year. I've given myself the challenge of Project 365 on Flickr, which has got me using my camera daily, come what may (and it may well turn into a rod for my own back!) , but I agree it's not the same as doing something creative with my hands, paint, paper, scissors, ink..... This aspect of my creative life has taken a complete nosedive and now it's so hard to get started again...why? Fear of failure is my biggest problem. So I will really try and join you in this. I am going to focus on the process (therapeutic, important) and not the end result (a distraction, unimportant.) Good Luck, and thanks!

[sharon]

I am on the flip side of things here. I've been an amaatuer photographer off and on for about 25 years. For the past 12 years (last 5 professionally) I've worked as a textile artist , but the last year has been a real struggle. I walk by my studio. The fabric taunts me as it sits, untouched. I avoid the studio. It feels confining. Where's the spark, where's the passion??

The restlessness led me to picking up the camera again. My artistic passion is reignited! I am portable - not confined to the studio all day. I went to the beach this week (I live in Copenhagen) after a snowfall - it was freezing, 20 MPH winds and I shot till I lost feeling in my fingers. Yesterday I discovered a colony of Herons at a local park. I filled up my CF card in an afternoon! Yes, it is bleak, overcast, the landscape a gray-brown monotone, only about 7 hours of daylight, but looking through the lens I am seeing a whole new lay of the land. There's a quiet beauty here I'm just discovering. It's bubbling up from within me.

[Marcie]

I'm familiar with the work-at-home Januarys..and how hard it is to come up with your own inspiration. I like yours intentions - something colorful..creative..and makes you smile. How's this????

http://www.marciescudderphotography.com/index.php?showimage=653

[Jen]

Sounds like a good one...count me in!

[ELK]

Paige wonderful kitty capture!

your post is true in so many ways...for me because I work at school returning home is.....a haven, an inspiring corner where the sky's the limit...your challenge is a wonderful way to recharge and I hope you do

[Kelly]

I could not agree more with this challenge. I just shot a wedding this last weekend, and I've been feeling so guilty because of all the follow-up work I have to do on that, I haven't wanted to touch my camera. Yesterday, I just picked it up and shot for a few minutes, and I feel better already.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/8702729@N02/3184051841/in/pool-shuttersisters

[Kate Baumert]

http://happyinthehamptons.blogspot.com/2009/01/kim-having-crisis-are-we-michael-do-i.html


For me - when my job or life gets crazy - there is one thing that I can always turn to for support and comfort (and it doesn't talk back!) my camera :)

[Kath]

I am definitely going to participate in this. I have been looking at all my photos and I don't really like any of them. I know it's because I'm feeling slumpy. I have many other projects that could kick start feeling good about my creativity again.

Thank you for this!

[Bet]

This is a perfect challenge for January! Great post. Thank you so much for this!

[abbey]

I love your idea!! here is one that is cozy and cheerful to me... used to be colorful! ha ha!!
I will try to follow your lead...

http://www.photoblog.com/abbeyh13/

[Lee]

What a great idea - create without a camera or a computer 5 days a week? Brilliant. I need something to force me to create in a different - messier - way of late, your timing is perfect. :) Count me IN.

[~ kristina ~]

I've had a good head start on sewing projects with my MIL's visit - lots more I want to do in the next month! And I love the cat photo - looks like a twin to my sister's tom.

http://meadowlarkdays.blogspot.com/2009/01/first-days-of-2009.html

[Julie]

Oh my blogging lately corresponds with your kitty picture perfectly.....
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Juliestew/643185/
and here:
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Juliestew/641753/

Love the kitty photo!!!
Sister Julie

[Grey Street Girl]

What a fun challenge. I think I'm up for it!

[Puna]

A photo challenge in December was not so successful...too much stress on myself to get it done everyday. However, I will try and try again, and this time, I will focus on the process rather than the result. My hands will once again find my printed photos and put them in albums...for that gives me great pleasure.

Thank you.

[Amy Kingman]

Awe, I love this challenge. Your photos are just gorgeous. They've inspired me! I know what you mean about the gray and the brown and the white. Maybe I just need to look a little closer to find a bit of color and cheeriness. I also loved the Calico skies suggestion in one of your photos. It's gorgeous. :) Thank you!

[maya | springtree road]

i started knitting late last year - i've been trying to do that every day.

but it doesn't stop me from taking pictures of it or getting on the computer and blogging about it. :)

http://www.springtreeroad.com/springtreeroad/2008/12/knitting-project-three.html

good luck, paige. sounds like fun!

[kosenrufu mama]

sounds funny, i will try....
http://esterdaphne.blogspot.com/

[Chris]

Take a picture everyday for the month of January? No problem. Do something creative with my hands 5 days a week??!! Are you crazy??!! (Rhetorical question, really. lol). Everyone who knows me knows I am the most UNcreative person out there. Really! So ladies, any suggestions for this uncreative person that does not involve my camera and won't scare me to death?! Any help appreciated! lol

[Robin]

i hope to spend this weekend working on a scrapbook of my wedding and setting up my studio.

[spread your wings]

sounds like a really good challenge. my challenge is to try to paint more this year - working on one now.

[Toni]

This really is a challenge. Taking the images shouldn't be too hard - I've got two perfect subjects that make me smile (my dogs). I'm a glass artist and I haven't been in my studio since June. I'm getting Directv installed in there today and combined with this challenge, maybe I'll actually start creating again.

[april]

ok i just came across your site. I have a canon rebel xt and have no idea how to use it!! I seriously wanting to learn how to handle it and all the features, can you point me in a good direction?

[Suvarna]

sounds great count me in

[kristin]

searching each day for the light and gratitude and color....
http://www.flickr.com/photos/14811117@N02/3180475117/

thank you paige. great start.

[Alex]

That sounds perfect, a practical take on the book blogging club I just joined! Thank you!

[Lu]

sounds like you are doing something for the same reasons I started the diptych project on my blog. I needed something to get me going creatively and what better way than with someone else. i have found looking at other people's take on a theme is very inspiring. i love the idea of your colorful image concept. definitely something i am going to do.

[Chataqua]

I'm def in. I started a flickr ground for a photography board I'm on and I've taken the pics (think I've only missed 2-3 days:) But your project will def get me to thinking. I'll be sure to post em on the flikr ground. If anyone wants to joint the "LDPT 365 project" feel free. Thanks for the lil' push

[Carol]

Well I'm doing Project 365, very daunting but I'm committed, and I'm in the middle of sewing a quilt for my step-daughter. The sewing machine has taken permanent residence on the kitchen table. And that picture you've taken of the cat, well that just pure and simple makes me smile. Gorgeous work.

[Liz]

this is a great idea! mine will be found here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/lilybeth29/sets/72157608605055285/

[Lori]

What a wonderful idea for a challenge. I'm going to take you up on it. I'll come back and let you know how it's going.

[m]

what a simply gorgeous cat !

[Teri]

I can totally relate to this post. I have started the new year with project 365. So, I have been thinking, looking and composing photos, but I need to do something else with my hands. So, I think I will add that part of your assignment to mine. Thanks!

[Wanda]

Here's my opening salvo: http://whatwouldwandado.blogspot.com/2009/01/jump-start.html

[Amy]

I've been playing along and here's my running set: http://drawingsinmotion.blogspot.com/2009/01/shutter-sisters-inspiration.html

Thanks again for the inspiration and the excuse to look for things cheery colorful and cozy!

[smilax]

i do agree absolutely with your and i'm gonna do it too! But may i start this friday? Just to have the most of the days in january as I can. This is my birth month which it means I find this task a very enjoyable one!

By the way I'm from spain and I'm here thanks to Amy's.
My name is smilax and you'll hear from me again!

[smilax]

here you haver the url of my January Homework Assignment

http://reflexionesdesdemiazotea.blogspot.com/

come and visit it!

Thanks a lot for the discovering!

[Domain registration]

I find this is a interesting blog , and it is very useful and I will be back .thanks for sharing this article..