Seasons of Life as an Artist

Living in tune with the natural ebb and flow of energy is something that we've lost in this modern world. I've been living as a full-time artist for a decade now. Before this, I used to work in an office and before that I was in university. 

I used to wake to the blaring sound of an alarm which cared not for the weather or seasons. It summoned me to the same productivity that was expected of me year round. Produce. Produce. Produce. Forty hours a week. Perform. Perform. Perform. 

When I started my life as an artist, I was not forced to wake and perform. I decided my own task list and due dates. I decided what was on my plate and what was not. 

Initially, I would pile two weeks of work onto my singular day and then berate myself for being unable to achieve an unrealistic amount of work. Then, I would do zero work and berate myself further for not performing. 

It took some time for me to learn how to balance. It is always worth noting that balance is an active process. As you stand on one foot, all of your muscles work and shift constantly to keep you upright. Balance in life is a lot like that too. You must make constant adjustments to keep you in line. 

So now, after a decade of life as an artist, I have found the flow. The flow doesn't just exist in a day-to-day or week-to-week cycle. Instead, it is an annual flow that changes with the seasons. 

On the darker days of winter, I desire more rest. I want to slow down. I do not work harder. I do less. 

In the past, I would be harsh on myself, pushing myself to do more. I used to believe that the 'push' was essential for success. 

However, I've learned that the constant push is a recipe for burnout. Rest allows you to go deeper and connect to other parts of your soul. As an artist, the real true work comes from the soul. And the soul cannot speak if we are constantly pushing to produce more and more. 

I now honour this time of rest. I do other tasks that allow for dreaming. I do less and spend more time with my family. I often do website work that I don't do any other time of year.

In the past, our ancestors would be shifting their actions based on the weather. A snowy or cold day might necessitate staying closer to home. In the winter, different tasks would be done. Life changed and shifted with the seasons. This part of us has not disappeared because of the modern world. 

100 years ago, we did not rely on grocery stores and most people worked at home on farms or subsistence living. 75 years ago most families only had one working parent. Just 50 years ago, the stores were closed 1 or 2 days a week and after 5pm. 25 years ago we did not know the 24/7 demands of social media. 

We are not meant to produce at the level that is expected of us. As an artist I hear things like 'post blogs 3-4x a week', 'post daily on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok', 'offer next day shipping'. Produce more. More. More. More. The consumption machine is endless. 

Only we can choose to say no. Not only is this unrealistic but I refuse to participate in it. 

Notice your seasonal shifts in energy, calls to do different things and change your energy. Listen to your instincts which seek to keep you healthy and from burn out. Stop berating yourself for 'failing' to meet these unrealistic and ever-accelerating expectations. Be kinder to yourself. 

In 2024, I was much gentler with myself. I observed my seasonal changes. I made time for life and I happened to make art that I felt consistently proud of. Normally by December I'm burned out. By the end of the year, despite being tired, I was not burned out. I am very proud that listening to those instincts was the best thing I did all year. 

Wishing you a restful 'dark' season. 

Erin

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