Ice Cream & Consistency
A while back I read an article in the Wall Street Journal that interviewed Jeni Britton Bauer, founder of Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams. I had just had some of her ice cream at her store in Nashville, so it seemed rather serendipitous that I was now reading an interview with her. What I loved most about what she had to say was how she approaches food with simplicity, and lets the flavors shine. She doesn't try to do anything crazy, she just amplifies what is already there. Her investment in simplicity is so attractive, and something I need to apply to my life and my art practice. Instead of doing 7 different things sort of well, why not do 2 things in an extraordinary way? Why not push the boundaries of one subject until I can’t take it anymore, rather than barely scratch the surface on several?
Another great article I keep coming back to is Maxie McCoy's guest post on Carly the Prepster on the topic of consistency as the key to growth. Even when I don’t want to, or I’d rather just stay in bed and lounge all morning, I MUST get up, go to my studio, and do the work. Otherwise nothing will get done. Even taking 30 minutes in between appointments or errands to stop in my studio and do something is better than nothing. Progress doesn’t happen overnight, and neither does success. Small steps culminate in a long journey - I can’t wish things into action, or rely on social media to do all of the work. I have to make work, because without it, there’s nothing to share or post about!
Both of these articles seemed like they were written just for me, and certainly gave me pause. Taking my time, investing myself in fewer things, and being consistent are the foundation of success. It's always nice to know that I'm not alone in struggling to establish consistency. My art needs me like I need it. I have to be careful with my steps and make sure that anything I do is worth my time and any risk. I have the power to say no, and to dive into the things that will carry me the furthest.
Speaking of, I should probably keep some ice cream in my studio freezer, to, you know, remind me of this inspiration and all.