Lately, I haven’t spent much time in my studio, working on collages. I’ve been spending the majority of my work time in the kitchen. I just finished a wedding order that’s been on my calendar for many months, my now normal bread baking happens twice weekly, and I keep picking up special orders. I’m not complaining, certainly. It’s nice to be busy and to keep my business chugging along. Even though I find that my creativity is not coming out on paper like I’m used to, it’s showing up in other ways.
One of the reasons that I enjoy baking is the need for troubleshooting that inevitably presents itself. For my wedding cupcakes, I needed a flavorful, seasonally appropriate decoration for the top. The cupcakes were carrot cake, and I used to make little carrots out of candied citrus peel and springs of rosemary. They were cute (and tasty), but they didn’t indicate the flavor of the cakes under the frosting. Years ago, I started candying carrot strips and twisting them into roses. I was planning to do that this time, but the carrots weren’t cooperating. They weren’t the right thickness or stickiness, so after playing with possible forms, I came up with a little bow. I felt like they were sweet, but not overly cute for an elegant wedding. I’m working on another recipe for an event that needs to taste delicious, and exude the flavors as well as visuals of Africa. I really enjoy these challenges.
Another activity that I’ve been funneling my creativity into is making playlists for my dance class. One of my teachers got very sick in March, and ever since then, has needed my help running our workout. There are some parameters: the playlist needs to be about 20-25 minutes, with a crescendo from slow stretching to fast dancing and then a cooldown, and the songs need to be rhythmic and fun to lead an energetic mix of dance, stretches, and strength training to. I choose music that really speaks to me. I often listen to music while I’m working in the kitchen, and always when I’m driving in the car. I designate songs that I like with a heart, and they are all filed together in one long list. Then I start with a song or two that I’m especially feeling that week, and a theme develops, leading to the next and next. One week’s playlist had a bluesy feel, another felt like warm weather, vacation, and escape. It’s like a puzzle, trying to assemble them in a way that flows.
I’m taking baby steps to get back into my art. I know that this is a seasonal shift for me. Every year sees this ebb and flow through the seasons with how I spend my time. Right now, I feel content that although I don’t have much to “show” on my desk, the gears are turning. Ideas are percolating beneath the surface, for when I do have time. Until then, I’ll do my best to celebrate the creativity that is coming through in other parts of my life.