Creativity decreased since my move

goddessofgeek · #1 08-06-2012, 08:48 PM

Hi! I'm a new member and one of the main reasons that I joined this site is because my inspiration and creativity have really taken a nose dive. I figured this would be the best board to get advice on how to jump start my creativity or at least channel my frustration.

So the back story is that I moved from Chicago (where I was very happy. I love being around the midwest and northeast) to Honolulu where my husband is stationed with the Navy. We've been here just under a year and I'm still dealing with a pretty bad case of culture shock and island fever. I actually never wanted to move to the tropics since the four seasons are extremely important to me, and I basically feel that my self pity and unhappiness here have really affected my artwork. My doctor recommended anti-depressants, but I don't do my best work when I'm on pills. I am of course trying to enjoy myself, find things that I enjoy, and I am finding some great subject matter. But I just don't feel that happy, tingly, peaceful feeling when I'm doing my artwork. My husband and I go all around the island and do lots of activities with friends when we get the chance, but it only helps so much. Any ideas on how I can conquer or channel these difficulties would be greatly appreciated! Thanks guys!

SJM · #2 08-06-2012, 09:00 PM

I've had good luck getting a kick start of creativity by using the methodology developed in Julia Cameron's "The Artist's Way." There are two companion pieces - her original book and an accompanying workbook. The original book explains her principles of creativity, she guarantees you will have a creative breakthrough, if you follow her principles. The workbook is a daily reader/journal and outlines the daily tasks to do. The tools include morning pages, art excursions, and exercies. If you give it a try, I think you'll have a good experience. I followed her practice and within 3 months, I'd completed 60 pieces of art, and was loving life. Good luck to you.

**La_** · #3 08-06-2012, 11:47 PM

'homesick' ... kinda sucks
but you know what, it's temporary so to be blunt, sometimes we just have to suck it up and take advantage of the new environment/influences around us.

what kind of art do you/did you do in chicago? perhaps you could try some techniques used by your (now) local artists, expand your knowledge of the cultural differences/supplies/mediums/influences?

and/or i expect there's folks in hawaii who have NEVER seen snow! do a few snowy scene pieces and share with them ... = )

without knowing what your normal genre is it's hard to speak further ...

la

AnieWade · #4 08-08-2012, 02:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by goddessofgeek

Hi! I'm a new member and one of the main reasons that I joined this site is because my inspiration and creativity have really taken a nose dive. I figured this would be the best board to get advice on how to jump start my creativity or at least channel my frustration.

So the back story is that I moved from Chicago (where I was very happy. I love being around the midwest and northeast) to Honolulu where my husband is stationed with the Navy. We've been here just under a year and I'm still dealing with a pretty bad case of culture shock and island fever. I actually never wanted to move to the tropics since the four seasons are extremely important to me, and I basically feel that my self pity and unhappiness here have really affected my artwork. My doctor recommended anti-depressants, but I don't do my best work when I'm on pills. I am of course trying to enjoy myself, find things that I enjoy, and I am finding some great subject matter. But I just don't feel that happy, tingly, peaceful feeling when I'm doing my artwork. My husband and I go all around the island and do lots of activities with friends when we get the chance, but it only helps so much. Any ideas on how I can conquer or channel these difficulties would be greatly appreciated! Thanks guys!

How long have you've been in Honolulu? I think what you feel is pretty normal since you've just move in. Try to make friends first. I think you need a little adjustment. You'll soon get over with it. Be positive and as much as possible, do the things which you normally do when you're still in Chicago.

ryansumo · #5 08-09-2012, 10:39 PM

Maybe try something new? If you usually paint at home or in a studio, try going out and doing some plein air sketches of Hawaii's natural scenery, or Urban Sketching.

Set a schedule for doing artistic endeavors. Push yourself to do it until you come out of the creative rut, so that at least even if you're feeling down you're productive, which is itself a reason to feel better.

Good luck!

imFragrance · #6 08-10-2012, 11:05 AM

woww exotics must be so cool ! go out and explore their nature etc. I am sure that you will be inspired

Aires · #7 08-10-2012, 03:55 PM

Would it help to consider painting the beautiful tropical scenes as a way to recall all these places you've been during your husband's moving around years? Homesickness is difficult and adjustment can be painful - give yourself time to adjust without beating yourself over the head because you aren't producing art. Perhaps then you can paint memories of all the varied places you've had the oppotunity to visit during the years of moving around.
Believe it or not, someday you will enjoy these memories and your artwork will enable you to recall things that might otherwise slip from memory.
Good luck and happness - even happy painting!

**vmrs** · #8 08-15-2012, 01:23 AM

As a military wife of 24 years (my hubby is now retired), let me tell you what you're feeling is perfectly normal.
Most people don't get the military life. They move because they choose to do so and usually move where they have some kind of support system. They don't know what it's like to be thousands of miles away from the everyday normal things usually in communities that while giving lip service and kudos to the military have an undercurrent of resentment for them as well.
Then there's the non stop tension of having a spouse in a dangerous line of work.
Then there's everything from housing to gossip and so on and so on. Most people have no idea...it's a wonder we're not all completely bonkers.
It's okay to not like where you are, it's okay to be a little ticked about it. it's okay to be homesick, it's all perfectly normal and I'll bet you money there are many others feeling the same way. And remember it takes most of us at least a year or more to feel at home somewhere.
If you need an anti-depressant then take some, they can give you a low dosage for a short time, three months is normal for us. If it affects your creativity then the dosage is too high. You would be surprised at how many spouses need to do that. I've had to myself and I am normally a very optimistic person and a bit of a gypsy to boot.
You may need to take a break from your art for a couple of months or you could do things like the monthly challenges here or paint something totally different then you normally do to shake yourself up. Or take a class, or start a blog, but whatever you do, don't be too hard on yourself, let yourself feel what you're feeling and give yourself time. It'll be alright.

darkwolf29 · #9 08-15-2012, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vmrs

As a military wife of 24 years (my hubby is now retired), let me tell you what you're feeling is perfectly normal.
Most people don't get the military life. They move because they choose to do so and usually move where they have some kind of support system. They don't know what it's like to be thousands of miles away from the everyday normal things usually in communities that while giving lip service and kudos to the military have an undercurrent of resentment for them as well.
Then there's the non stop tension of having a spouse in a dangerous line of work.
Then there's everything from housing to gossip and so on and so on. Most people have no idea...it's a wonder we're not all completely bonkers.
It's okay to not like where you are, it's okay to be a little ticked about it. it's okay to be homesick, it's all perfectly normal and I'll bet you money there are many others feeling the same way. And remember it takes most of us at least a year or more to feel at home somewhere.
If you need an anti-depressant then take some, they can give you a low dosage for a short time, three months is normal for us. If it affects your creativity then the dosage is too high. You would be surprised at how many spouses need to do that. I've had to myself and I am normally a very optimistic person and a bit of a gypsy to boot.
You may need to take a break from your art for a couple of months or you could do things like the monthly challenges here or paint something totally different then you normally do to shake yourself up. Or take a class, or start a blog, but whatever you do, don't be too hard on yourself, let yourself feel what you're feeling and give yourself time. It'll be alright.

Families are often the hardest hit by a military move. My Dad was in the Navy for 27 years. The civilian world does not, truly, understand. You never really can, honestly. I'm not knocking any average family. But, military life is not like a normal family at all. You never know when your Dad/SO is going to come home and say.." I'm packing to go...OUT. I'll be back in a month or so...maybe". Talk about suck!??? You never know where they are until they appear on the news...and then...it's because of something bad. That's just a little of what we have to deal with as a military family member. I can only imagine how my Mom felt.

But, I suggest goddessofgeek, that you do take the antidepressants. They cannot hurt you right now. Just watch the dosage and try and see if you can find the bright spot in it all. I, personally, went through the same thing when we moved from Maryland to California. Talk about culture shock? Everything I knew was thousand's of miles away. It does get easier, but not gone. My Mom refused to move back to Maryland after Dad's tour in CA. I wanted to go!!! So, now I was stuck in CA until the late 90s. Once I left CA, I swore I would never do that to myself. I then, did, move to Georgia...

Argh!!! So, yeah...I feel ya.

The one thing you can do is to start drawing/painting/sculpting scenes that you remember from the Midwest. That will help keep your mind occupied and active.

THe other thing you can do is collect a folder of images from the internet, your personal files, etc, and turn them in to a screensaver.

The major thing to remember is that you are homesick, ultimately. You've been ripped out of your world and shipped to some foreign place. It doesn't matter that it's a vacation spot for most people. And you have to work and live through it.

But, please...know that you are not alone and that there are a lot of people in your shoes.

And we do thank you for your service, just as much as your husband's.

goddessofgeek · #10 08-17-2012, 12:34 AM

vmrs and darkwolf29!

Thank you so much. You're words are so encouraging since you guys know how different military life is. I am going back to my doctor's in a week and I think I am going to start taking the anti-depressents. Also, one of our friends just got married and his new wife is coming over next month, so I'll have someone to hang out with too (most of the guys are single or the wives are busy with kids). Thank you to everyone too! It's definitely about adjusting to what actually works, not what I think SHOULD work. You've all been a great help!

lovin art · #11 08-18-2012, 06:42 PM

No way , should u be taking anti **** me up pills ....that's only going to compound ur probs ....more so,...

Im in a bad funk ATM Myself but no way would i take drugs like that ..... la is right we just gotta ride the tough times out....I know when I get like this I am very sad but I also know that the upswing I will be oh so much stronger for it......

Kick it in the face .!!!... Show the world you can't be beat ...there is so much more to us humans then we realize ....all my best !

Biblioscape · #12 08-19-2012, 01:56 PM

Sandra - Depression usually has a biological component even if a bad experience sets it off. If you can kick it without meds, great for you, but sometimes that's what we need to get back on track. That said, the best thing for depression I've used lately is Alteril, which is an OTC sleep aid containing tryptophan and melatonin. When your sleep is better, things don't bother you as much.

SJM · #13 08-21-2012, 10:23 AM

Hi again GoddessOfgeek,
I love your user name. I've been accused of geek-i-ness on occassion. My thought - why isn't everyone?
So much of what you have been feeling resonates with me. My son is in the military and he and his wife just finished a tour in Hawaii. Newly married when they arrived, they thought it was paradise at first. After a while, they settled in, and she found a job. He trained a lot and was gone for weeks at a time. At the 6-month mark, I could hear the stress building in their voices, when they called home. Island fever, they call it. Because the island is so small, it has some of the insular qualities of a small town. I could tell they were both homesick and a little depressed. Depression runs in my family, and I've been helped a great deal by medication. It addresses the physical portion of the disease and gives you the breathing space to make some changes in your routine. I found doing something for myself every day helped a lot too. Here's some of the stuff I did that brought the joy back: took a walk, painted my finger nails, took a bubble bath and played with the bubbles (fun), cooked good food, played with my dog (other furry animals work, too), phoned a friend or two or three, drewin the sand, went swimming. Most important of all -- exercise, exercise, exercise. I took yoga, and there are many on TV these days, but being around other people helped a lot. I hope you feel better soon. Here's a big 'ole e-hug ((((((((((((((GoddessOfGeeK))))))))))))

CallMeCordelia · #14 08-21-2012, 08:57 PM

Hey there. I sympathize with you! Our family moved to a new state, without any family or friends. It's been a culture shock, too, especially socially. I understand that homesickness is very real and that it feels like you will never feel better, while you are in the midst of it!

I have found that sketching every day has helped. I have to force myself to do it, but I always feel better, afterward. I don't like my surroundings, in general, so I sometimes look for inspiration online (WC has a great reference library) or in books. Google satellite view can take you anywhere in the world, even back to the windy city. Sometimes, sketching images from "home" helps some, as it provides an escape for a while. I also try to do lessons, from books, etc., to help sharpen my technical skills in preparation for the time that we move somewhere great that really inspires me to draw/paint up a storm. My sketchbook used to be full of lots of paintings from life. Now, there are more exercises, like working hard on portraits or other subjects I have found challenging and put off doing. At least I feel like I am accomplishing something and I hope to be thankful for those sharpened skills down the road. I hope that some of these things might work for you, too. Hang in there and best of luck either settling in or being able to move somewhere that you like better.

Noelle

P.S. I am glad that you joined WC! I hope you'll find a sense of community here!

goddessofgeek · #15 08-22-2012, 04:21 AM

Thanks guys! I'm really glad I found this site too. I'm already on deviantart, but everyone there is in high school (or so it seems), and it's so large it's hard to get a real sense of the people you're interacting with. I've been forcing myself to get my stuff going and it's helped a lot. That sense of accomplishment is a real boost. I'm taking the anti-depressants every now and again and it's been good so far. I've taken half the amount and am still able to work fairly well. Thank you for all the advice and well wishes! You guys are awesome!

Salute to our Partners