We finally did it. Last month we got a new HD tv with streaming capability. Now we have Netflix, Hulu Plus, and can add other websites/channels like TED talks on the television. The other day, after I streamed an episode of Gossip Girls off of Netflix on the new tv, I thought about what would happen if I watched TED talks (videos of inventors, thinkers, and people who are “inspired” rom the annual TED conferences) regularly instead of junky television shows?
Since then, I can’t say I have watched TED talks every day, but by watching some of the talks it has given me some new ideas and new perspectives to ponder. One talk I watched last week was by Matt Cutts entitled “Try Something New for 30 days.” In the video he shares about feeling stuck – and deciding to try something new for 30 days. He biked to work for 30 days in one challenge, and during one November (which is National Novel Writing Month) he wrote a novel.
I recently have been feeling like I am not sure what to make next for my research and artwork. I recently completed two bodies of work. I started to work with some images that I shot in the studio a few months ago but things were not going the way I wanted, and I felt frustrated. I decided to take a break and focus on research. Research for me includes reading, taking notes, and sketching ideas – not focusing on the end result.
I find that the older I get – the more pressure I put on myself to think about what will the end result be, where will the pieces show or function, and what will people think. This focus on the end result is not helpful – but it is a habit I easily slip back into. What gets me out of it? Reading, research, sketching, and experimenting.
My current interest is on food and food equity. I have ideas about making a new series of photographs, and also making a public online tool (or app?) available to others to support the creation of making images of food.
After watching the TED talk about trying something new for 30 days, I have decided that I am going to generate one image a day of food. Good, bad, and even on some days uninspired, but I’m going to make one every day to see where it goes – and to see if my work gets more direction.
My studio setup is ready to go. I start today. Not sure what I am going to photograph yet today. I am thinking about buying a piece of fried chicken or carrots to photograph today. I also have six books on reserve for me at the library to pick up.
Is there something you have always wanted to do – or are you feeling stuck? Why not do something for 30 days?
LINKS:
TED Talk: Matt Cutts – Try something new for 30 days