Studio time is important for creative work, but it's easy to get caught up in it and forget to take breaks. For a while, I had built a habit of taking walks, particularly after lunch, to clear the mind and get some exercise. Fresh air and a change of scenery can be good for everyone, and even a small amount of exercise can be beneficial. However, when winter arrived in Colorado, the cold weather made it difficult to maintain the routine of daily walks, and the habit was broken.
Once the weather warmed up again, it became a struggle to remember to go for walks and to recall how beneficial they had been.
Being in the studio can be very absorbing, as it's the place where all the my stuff is! All my art supplies and music equipment are here. It's easy to get caught up in projects and find reasons not to leave the house. I have a strong tendency to be a bit of a hermit, and spending too much time in the studio can reinforce that inclination. As I’ve grown older, I recognize the importance of making a conscious effort to get out of the studio and go for walks. It helps disrupt the monotony of studio life and provides a sense of renewal. Walks offer a different kind of distraction from the work in the studio, allowing the mind to wander and be refreshed. Oftentimes, I’m able to find inspiration in the sounds of nature and the environment, which contrast with the typical distractions of studio work.
I can focus on the sounds of the wind rustling through the trees, the steady hum of traffic, and the rhythm of my own footsteps. These create a kind of soundscape that sometimes sparks new ideas. And of course it’s a nice break from the intensity of studio work.
Of course it’s important to have dedicated studio time for completing projects, whether I’m working on art or music, but sometimes the best thing for my creative process is to actually get out of the studio.