Herban Sprawl

The Big Kitty has been encouraging me to “do art” again. In spite of a degree in art, I consider myself a dilettante. I never got a lot of help with technique, so most of what I do is what my hand does without any conscious effort from the rest of me. It’s awfully intuitive when it probably needs to be more consciously thought through.

A long time ago I clipped out an ad from a magazine that said, “Creative people don’t work by the clock; they work by the idea.”  Big Kitty has discovered this on occasion when he’s come home and dinner isn’t merrily bubbling on the stove. So, I sure hope he knows what he’s in for!

There are those of us who drag our heels when it comes to taking the big leap. Some of us spend a lot of time organizing and collecting supplies. We stall by setting ourselves up with insurmountable obstacles. All of this is because deep down inside, we are very afraid that we will not measure up to our most exacting standards; that we will fall short.

My friend Karen, who excels at pastoral counseling in her lay ministry, had her way with me not long ago, and I resolved to hunt up a project I owed her. It may or may not be exactly what she had in mind, but until I put brush to paper, we will never know. She is always free to suggest ways I can make it more like what she wants. I’m pretty flexible and will be happy to oblige. She seems to have faith that it will work out.

But this great idea comes with a huge price – it means that I have to conquer the problem of my “awfiss” once and for all or else there will be no room to “do art.” The clutter has to be brought under control, supplies have to be properly stored so they aren’t damaged, and the space has to be made for a few of the ideas I’d like to try. The challenge is to do this without dampening the creative urges that strike without warning!