Great post, thanks. David Hockney! 😍 I am working on the doing nothing. My work as a freelance translator has slowed this summer but I’ve often found myself semi-working at my desk, slowly, and mainly faffing. I think it’s because I’m not used to the lack of pressing deadlines. Frustrating as I think I could be working more efficiently then have more proper time off. Work in progress!
Ha! I know exactly what you mean Marta. I'm the same. I WASTE time at my desk when I don't have burning deadlines. And then think that I should just say to myself 'F**K it, I'm doing nothing today'. But don't.
Exactly the same here! I’m going to try a different approach this week - new term, fresh start. Create specific space for my passion projects alongside my day job. Build in down time. And limit social media. I’ll see how it goes!
Yes, doing nothing is essential to creativity. No less a sage than Bertrand Russell sang its praises in 'In Praise of Idleness', where he writes: 'If you ask an actual worker what is the best part of his life, he is not likely to say 'I enjoy manual work because it makes me feel that I am fulfilling man's noblest task, and because I like to think how much man can transform his planet.... I am never so happy as when the morning comes and I can return to the toil from which my contentment springs.' I have never heard working men say this sort of thing....' https://kamprint.com/views/workathome/
Love this, thanks for sharing. I do get a lot of satisfaction from the work I do but it’s joyful to do nothing and let your mind go for a spin somewhere else. It’s just allowing yourself the freedom to do that that is the hard part!
'Mind go for a spin somewhere else' -- well put. There's a time to focus, and a time to un-focus. The essence of art is the kind of spontaneity that catches you unawares in daydreaming or immersion in something, the chance reverie. The sort of art I do is a peculiar blend of technique and momentary perception, photogravure etching, web images at https://kamprint.com/
Everyone needs some down time though. I find myself feeling guilty for doing nothing and I think that might be because I have trained my brain that I must always be productive.
Couldn’t agree with this sentiment more... the art of doing nothing. I think I had a book with that title once. I’m going to dust it off and revisit...
Great post, thanks. David Hockney! 😍 I am working on the doing nothing. My work as a freelance translator has slowed this summer but I’ve often found myself semi-working at my desk, slowly, and mainly faffing. I think it’s because I’m not used to the lack of pressing deadlines. Frustrating as I think I could be working more efficiently then have more proper time off. Work in progress!
Ha! I know exactly what you mean Marta. I'm the same. I WASTE time at my desk when I don't have burning deadlines. And then think that I should just say to myself 'F**K it, I'm doing nothing today'. But don't.
Exactly the same here! I’m going to try a different approach this week - new term, fresh start. Create specific space for my passion projects alongside my day job. Build in down time. And limit social media. I’ll see how it goes!
Sounds like a plan! Let me know how it goes.
Yes, doing nothing is essential to creativity. No less a sage than Bertrand Russell sang its praises in 'In Praise of Idleness', where he writes: 'If you ask an actual worker what is the best part of his life, he is not likely to say 'I enjoy manual work because it makes me feel that I am fulfilling man's noblest task, and because I like to think how much man can transform his planet.... I am never so happy as when the morning comes and I can return to the toil from which my contentment springs.' I have never heard working men say this sort of thing....' https://kamprint.com/views/workathome/
Love this, thanks for sharing. I do get a lot of satisfaction from the work I do but it’s joyful to do nothing and let your mind go for a spin somewhere else. It’s just allowing yourself the freedom to do that that is the hard part!
'Mind go for a spin somewhere else' -- well put. There's a time to focus, and a time to un-focus. The essence of art is the kind of spontaneity that catches you unawares in daydreaming or immersion in something, the chance reverie. The sort of art I do is a peculiar blend of technique and momentary perception, photogravure etching, web images at https://kamprint.com/
Gorgeous stuff Peter! I like how you describe your work as a blend of technique and momentary perception. It really has that sense about it.
Nice sentiment but isn't doing nothing is a luxury that most people can't afford?
Everyone needs some down time though. I find myself feeling guilty for doing nothing and I think that might be because I have trained my brain that I must always be productive.
Couldn’t agree with this sentiment more... the art of doing nothing. I think I had a book with that title once. I’m going to dust it off and revisit...
Sounds like an excellent book