The Intertwined Cycles of Work and Life

Dateline: May 2, 2014

Welcome to our Friday WRAP – one thought-provoking idea to think about over the weekend.

This week’s WRAP comes from a new blog written my my friend and writer, Saundra Goldman.  Saundra recently launched Creative Mix, which she describes as a curated online studio for and about women stirring up new visions of the artist’s life, offering ideas and inspiration from successful artists, past and present.

Her first interview was with Austin artist and entrepreneur Jennifer Chenoweth. Jennifer is a thoughtful, creative type with an incredible vision of self and business.  In her interview with Saundra, Jennifer commented on how she balances being a parent, artist and entrepreneur,

I have learned how to balance different needs and desires. I move through my roles daily and yearly, and with practice, I can see when I’m out of balance. The great thing about having many years to develop a studio practice is being able to listen to the voice that dictates what is the next right thing to do. I create a rough schedule and stick to it. My creativity cycles are seasonal, and I allow for that. But I am very efficient with my time, as any working mother learns….

Jennifer continued by describing the intertwined cycles of her business, family and creative outlets over a typical year.  January is bookkeeping month, a time for working on the back office activities of her business.

By February I’m back to shows and planning other events, moving towards spring, which is a busy season in Austin. And then summer is trying to balance summer camps, time with my kids, and some adventures, fitting in family time and getting work done before August creeps in. By then almost nothing is moving here, which makes it a good germinating period. A lot gets planned in January and August for the upcoming big booms that we have here….

East Austin Studio Tour has become my annual fall Thanksgiving closer where I show the work, I celebrate with my community, there’s eating, there’s talking. I document the new work. And it’s followed by December, which is for rest and holiday and family.

What are your personal annual cycles?  How do these cycles help balance your work in the office with your life outside of the office?

That’s a WRAP!  Have a great weekend.

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