Apparently it was Duke Ellington who said: “I don’t need time; I need a deadline.” I’ve always thought that was a great quote because there’s nothing like a deadline to sharpen your focus and concentrate your energy. But when you actually have one that’s unavoidable—like I do with my upcoming show—the gift of more time would be a spectacular bonus. (However, I also know that work will continue to expand as long as there’s space available).What I’ve discovered over the past few months is that no matter how single-minded you are and how solid your work ethic is, three things are certain:
First—anything you do (especially if it’s important to you) is going to be way more complicated than you thought it would be.
Second—it’s also going to take you about three times longer than you planned …if you’re lucky.
Third—being in control is a complete illusion. Just when you think you’re organized and ahead of the game, something happens to turn that perception inside out.
There have been many moments when I’ve considered bailing out altogether because what I first envisioned won’t be appearing in a gallery anytime soon—if ever. This experience has turned into a finishing off of things I wanted to finish, and a saying goodbye to others.
I’m sure there are plenty of life lessons here that I could be more aware of and thoughtful about, but all I can think is: only ten more days and I’ll be free to indulge in a marathon of socializing, reading trashy novels, watching a ton of TV, and yes, doing more blogging.
15 comments:
Thank you for stopping by on my blog and leaving such a nice comment. It means a lot to me. Funny, I can read your post and think; this is what I could have written. I had a deadline on this painting set by my love, I overdrew this deadline 6 months...and for me it is one of very few pieces that I have finshed and not have given up on.
I wish you lots of luck with your show and hope it will be a succes. Do enjoy the more quiet time afterwards!
Sunny regards from Germany - Irma
I agree about these three things :)
Good luck with the show!
Let's try this again; I deleted the last comment because I'd signed in with the wrong identity!
Boy, can I relate to this post! Very cool image to illustrate your point, too. Good luck with the show; I wish I could be there to see it. And thanks for the lovely comment on my blog.
oh Susan, every show I have ever done felt this way, but in the end, I was always so proud of myself for completing the work and moving forward. hope I get to see what you have created!
It's almost like Christmas! I just can't wait and it is the most delicious surprise that we are about to uncover.
See you soon.
I'm sure you will be pleased with the end result anyway you look at it, and yes a deadline is a good incentive. Can't wait.
I am SO looking forward to this!!! Add me to the "can't wait" crowd :-)
==lennie==
I am totally deadline driven as well!
Thank-you for your beautiful comment on my blog today. I feel so excited about your showing and will try to make it out somehow. Please keep remindng. Your posting today reminds me of a remark that Captain Kirk once asked Scotty (Star Trek) "Do you always double the estimation of the time it will take you to do something just so you will look good in the end." (Not verbatum but this reminds me of the ache for time...LOL...)
Sending a hug,
Ganga
The weird thing is, you will undoubtedly be ready in 10 days! Someone once asked me during college: have you ever not made a deadline? But I guess it's not the inevitability of the deadline coming but whether you will be satisfied with your showing. I hope you are. With all that worry and care, my money is on you :).
Not long to go now!
All will be well and then you can sit back and feel a huge sense of accomplishment.
I'll be celebrating your opening and my birthday almost together. You can't go wrong! haha!! (Wish I could make it out to Brampton -- but who knows?)
It will be nice to have you blogging again, however...
Good luck with your show! I´m cheering for you!!
Hope you post some of your things on your site, so that I can see too :-)
I don't finish ANYTHING without a deadline.....
I'll be away next weekend so I won't be able to make your opening :(
But I still hope to see your show!
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