RTBTCKI The Creative Renewal Edition

I have been in a creative slump recently. I have been creating because I had to not because I needed to. Deadlines have a wonderful way of focusing me. I only had 5 pieces in the Dragon*Con Art Show when I thought I would have about 15 done total. And I was lucky to get those done. I had to get the three Doctors who were needed for the sketch. I had sold 1 and 5 and given 8 to Paul McGann. The 5 was my third 5 since the first one is owned by Peter Davison which he had thanked me for and I know from a third party that he has it out in his living room. All the Doctors I used were either the 2nd or 3rd time I had created them. I need to send 6 to Collin Baker. I got Captain Jack to John Barrowman this DragonCon so I might have to make another one of those since he is fun to walk around with.

Anyway, back to creative slump. When one’s motivation to get things done is panic, it is not as much fun. But panic and push was all that I had this summer which is unusual for me (which those who know me can attest to). Yes, I did have a little more travel than I had planned for and I had a couple of projects that needed to get done before I got to Dragon*Con.

Then I went to Dragon*Con and got to play with my fellow puppeteers. I renewed old friendships and made some new ones. I got to talk puppets and puppetry. I participated in the puppetry slam which was wonderful. I talked to artists I have known for years and those I just met. And I talked to the fans who told me how much they love my puppets and my dolls. I had a couple of people tell me that they were a little disappointed that I had only puppets this year, they wanted to see my dolls but for many Vincent made up for it.

I had to think on my feet a lot for my various panels. We did a costuming on a budget panel and I had the audience tell us their dream costumes and we gave them ways to reach it without breaking the bank. I found myself running through half a dozen ways I would do something and it was like a dam broke. I could think creatively without pushing. This was re-enforced when I did the puppetry on a budget panel.

I have a million ideas now and ways of doing them and I WANT to do them rather than just think about it.

So I am going to look at my list and start at the top which is finishing up Shana’s puppets and sending them off to her for the school year. Then I have some dolls to finish for a swap and I will be onto NYCC and things I want to for that show.

So thank you everyone who helped me break through my slump at Dragon*Con. I feel tired but renewed. Extra special thanks to all my fellow puppeteers. I enjoy renewing my bonds to that tribe.

I am grateful that my brain seems to be working correctly (for me) again.