Hello from inside THE ART CAVE

HI FRIENDS! Happy September!

I’ll be honest, I was stressed about writing this post because I’m overwhelmed and in the throws of a deadline. I’ve been feeling stretched thin, vulnerable, and isolated - tucked away and focused on finishing a book. Today though, I’m eager to chat. I feel an upswing of social energy AND I’ve just missed you.
(tbh I also ran out of paper and as I live over an hour away from a decent art supply store, I’m waiting for some to be delivered…perfect day to write!)

Many of us make art as a means for connection but creating alone, nose to the grindstone, can feel like the antithesis of social connection. The isolation of making art for a living can be rather brutal. It’s nice of course to make your own schedule and draw in your pajamas but I’m not talking about working for yourself - I’m talking about living in the THE ART CAVE, where you don’t come out to eat or wash your clothes or do anything that makes you feel human.

I’m getting better at being a human outside of my work but that’s because I’ve lost myself enough times to know it’s not worth it. Today, I’m sharing a couple tips that have helped me when find I find myself insanely busy and unable to break away from a major deadline. Let’s jump in!

When I’m writing, I sit in silence or listen to instrumental music. I find something I can zone out to if I’m doing idea work. Everyone is different though, so if you find your best ideas with The Office on in the background, by all means, do it! Find what helps you get into the right headspace.

Currently, I’m doing paintings that I’ve already drawn out so I’m past the ideation phase. When I get to this ‘busy work’ side of things, my mind is happy following along with audio books or podcasts. I’m currently listening to the audio book, The Essex Serpent by Sarah Perry. Dark and spooky! (I just read that Keira Knightley is starring as Cora for an adaptation of the book - that’ll be lovely…I can’t wait to see her in men’s tweed jackets, so cute!) Check your local library for audio books through Overdrive, a free app that lets you access your library’s digital books!

When staying focused is hard, set a timer. Even if it’s thirty minute intervals. If you need five minutes to get up and stretch every half hour, do it! Task switching takes so much mental energy yet for many of us, it’s the norm. We think we’re focused because we’re standing at our desk, but we check texts, do a ‘quick’ scroll through instagram or tiktok (where did 40 minutes go?!) pop on to see if we got an email (“oh I’ll email them back later”, meaning I’ll read the email twice and waste time that I am sure I don’t have!)
We need to FOCUS. When we’re ‘in the flow’ that’s all fine and dandy but client work doesn’t always invoke the mysterious and captivating sense of flow. So wind your clock and press on!

This is the other side of setting a timer. Take breaks like you mean it. Scrolling down a rabbit hole of someone online who you’re envious of isn’t a purposeful break. But walking your dog is. Stretching or sitting with a cup of coffee is. Calling a dear friend to say, “I only have a minute but I wanted to hear your voice” is. Try not to check email on a break. Email is a whole other part of work, it’s not a break. Social media is not a great break either, as it can leave us feeling even more isolated. We want to feel rejuvenated when we set the timer to jump back in, not even more behind.

Last week, I ate frozen pizza almost every night, I looked a wreck in dirty clothes, didn’t move my body (even to stretch) and it felt like a miracle that I showed up for myself to meditate and journal. I felt awful and resentful. It’s really just the littlest things that can pull us back into ourselves, though. This week, I’ve found short simple exercises to do (like this 30 min cardio from fitnessblender ( I love them!) which makes my body and brain happy. I also planned easy meals with lots of plants - throwing a bunch of frozen veg on a pan to roast alongside some tofu is just as easy as a frozen pizza, (think something like this) AND I baked a batch of apple cookies because I needed to feel like myself again in the kitchen. This isn’t to make anyone feel shame either - eat what makes you feel vibrant and move in a way that is joyful - those are the takeaways. For me, it makes a huge difference that I show up for my body and mind.

There is the satisfaction (and paycheck) that comes when we finish projects but honestly that doesn’t motivate me. Besides connecting with people which IS motivating, I also need treats. While I haven’t done it in a while, I used to plan an hour massage after every book I finished (hope I can do that again soon). I schedule a pedicure, plan a little trip for myself, make a complex and fun recipe, or just soak in the tub for hours listening to Agnes Obel. Also, chocolate.
When we take time to treat ourselves and relish in the feeling of completion, it makes jumping into the next project much more doable.

I do want to add one more thing that I feel should be a guidepost in nearly every situation: gratitude.
Yes, it sucks to be super stressed under deadlines and not be able to poke your head above water. The past year and a half has taught us a new a humbled reality and with it, intense loss, isolation, and sorrow. When I feel myself slipping into despair, I always ask myself what AM I grateful for and there is, of course always something. I am thankful for work, for healthcare workers, for food on my table, for safety, for people who love me, for the overwhelming but nonetheless comforting truth that nothing lasts forever. So if today finds you in a spot you’re not thrilled to be in, know that it will pass, keep your head down but your chin up, work hard, and celebrate as often as you can. <3

I hope you have the best start to September, a month full of Autumn dreams, crisp winds in the air, lots of coffee, and fiery moments of joy. I’ll be back soon to share exciting news, updates, books in the works, and a membership to boot! OH and probs lots of apple desserts because now everything Fall is FAIR GAME.

Spidewebby hugs to ya!
xo,
Becca