Paint a Yellow Elephant
July 29, 2010During those inevitable periods of time when the demons are howling (or even whispering, which is even more annoying), trying to convince you that your work is no good, your talent is gone and your creative well has run dry, I suggest the following tried-and-true techniques:
* Avoid going to your creative space. Whether it is a separate studio, a table or just a wee corner of your house, by all means ~ stay away. Check your email 500 times, write inane blog entries, surf the web, organize your paper clips.
* Should you be bold enough to show up anyway, your job is simple: Stand in front of your easel, canvas, blank piece of paper or other project-in-the-works, and stare at it. Every once in a while it is OK to look up at the sky in exasperation ~ go ahead and throw in a heavy sigh for good measure ~ but the main point of this exercise is just to stand. And stare.
* Update all of your iPhone apps, and then…
* Spend the majority of whatever precious remaining time you have at your creative space taking a nap.
* For the artists: Add a new layer of paint to a panel for no particular reason. Do this to every unfinished piece you have.
* Go ahead and finish that bag of tortilla chips. You know you want to.
* Sweep the floor.
* Take your friend's suggestion, and paint a yellow elephant.
Repeat as necessary.
And that's ~ one to grow on.
lol I can hear your voice in this post
love the elephant and you
xo
I can picture this whole scenario…just go with it. love you! xoxo
I love it! I am definitely trying the Yellow Elephant technique in my next creative slump.
http://www.feedyoursoulart.com
I really needed this today! Thank you! I think I’ll now go and paint a yellow elephant for fun!
Brilliant! Great idea. xo
heehee! love this post!
you could add pick the lint off the carpet. however i will use these step next time my creative demons pay a visit. beautiful piece.
Terrific! We all experience those moments, but painting a yellow elephant must certainly be the antidote for ennui and self-doubt.
Yey for the nap! I’m guilty of napping at the studio myself:) All I can say is that I’m half way through your beautiful book and it has just the right words to sooth my frazzled soul. Thank YOU!
Love the “paint a yellow elephant” tip!
Ahhh haaa haaa…LOVE IT! (and yes I do want to finish that bag of tortilla chips!)
Love the elephant too–he’s a cutie pie.
How can you feel this way? You’re so talented and fantastic and creative etc. etc. etc.! I guess it’s only natural for everyone to feel this way from time to time, but I never thought people who actually ARE terrifically talented and brimming with creativity and ideas ever did feel this way. Huh. As much as I wish you didn’t feel like this EVER, knowing that you do makes you seem more human and flawed (i.e. more like me!). So thanks for copping up to it. Now go back to your work with renewed vigour and trust–deep down you know how fantabulous you are… And if you ever doubt it again, you can always email moi, a total stranger (and therefore unbiased), and I will gladly set you straight!
…after our lunch conversation this is brilliant…and clearly it worked!
This is a soothing piece of post, thank you for the golden tips
)
And the elephant looks like a work of art, it’s really beautiful.
giggle
)) I’m not painting, but I’m short before trying the yellow elephant! 
I love your elephants!