28 Days and counting!

I've known that I have to do something about my chronic disorganization and out of the clear blue or the cyber-blue, I found out about a program offered by Alyson Stansfield (www.artbizcoach.com) called the Artist's Breakthrough Program. I have been working with my little art marketing group following Alyson's "salon" workshop/guides and have a copy of her book "I'd Rather Be in the Studio." In cruising  her website, I ran across her program in which she serves as a guide for a dozen artists who are stumped (or at least stalled) in some important aspect of their artistic endeavor. She writes that the ABP is designed to -- 

1. "Give you a thump on the head when you need it.
2. Help you focus on overcoming a major obstacle in your art career.
3. Provide support and inspiration that helps you avoid a career crisis.
4. Get a focused picture of where you want to be and how you'll get there.
5. Develop good habits for your art career.
6. Maintain motivation and enthusiasm."

Okay -- I certainly need/want all of that. However, when I looked at it objectively, what I really need is to get my sh*t together! Or as an old friend used to say after she had kids -- "get my poop in a group." Working at two computer desks in my office and at 4 distinct work stations in the studio, I have stuff spread out everywhere. My sweet husband refers to it as living in Colleen's "art factory." While I like that title, there still is junk everywhere.

One way of motivating ourselves and staying focused is to actually state our goal for the ABP and then be accountable to both Alyson as the group moderator and to the other members of the group. (We "meet" every Monday night for 90 minutes via a group phone call.) So here are my first week's goals.

I. Breakdown what I need to do in measurable and do-able "baby steps."

        1. Label boxes for each specific work area:  Office - writing, computer, bookshelf, peripherals; Studio - construction, wet area, sewing, embellishment.                                                                  

        2. Clear each of those 8 surfaces into their own  box.

        3. Empty at least one box every day. This means sorting, discarding, and putting things where they should be permanently housed.

II. Continue to create. Do not let organizing serve as an excuse for not arting.

      1.  Re-visit techniques learned in Lynne Perella class at Art Fest. Determine if they can be incorporated into my creatures' bodies.

      2. Create the wood components for at least three bodies and backs.

      3. Create at least one prototype for fabric book idea.