Shiny Balloons

Observing the Creative Path

I suffer from something called Shiny Balloon Syndrome (SBS). I have struggled with it my entire life, but it is extremely obvious in my creative endeavors.

The untechnical definition of SBS is when you throw yourself into a project and suddenly start another one. Not because you’re bored or because the original project hit a road block. Something new captured your attention and you followed the “shiny balloon.”

Maybe this is creativity and the artist goes where inspiration takes her. Maybe this is an internal subconscious fear of completion, which might actually be an underlying fear of success. Maybe it is defiance or lack of structure. Maybe it is chemical?

Whatever you name it, it has a creative impact. Shifting gears pulls me out of a flow state with my original project and often leads me to abandoning a painting that had a promising start. Or having to rip out stitches of a sweater that was more than half way done. Or worse… waste a bunch of money on the new idea (print block supplies) when really I am never going to use them because it isn’t my actual interest. I love other artist’s block print art, but I dream in watercolor.

For the past several weeks I have been working on a series of galaxy sky paintings (pictured above). They were/are exactly what I wanted them to be. And then all of a sudden I am prepping art boards for a fern or lavender series (pictured below). What just happened?!

In the past I would have ripped up the galaxy skies and focused exclusively on my new endeavor. Like a Tibetan Monk working on a sand mandala with one significant difference…before they erase their art they actually finish it.

A few months ago I started morning pages, a stream of consciousness journaling practice inspired by Julia Cameron and her book “The Artist’s Way.” It has been a pretty interesting experience that has helped me explore my Shiny Balloon tendencies.

Art isn’t an all or nothing proposition. I am going to let two series stand together and the same time in the same space and see what happens. This is a major mind shift for me. How can dark galaxy skies sit in the same space as light lavender and gentle ferns?? It might not end well, but it is the journey not the destination that matters the most.

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Speaking of journeys…

I am so excited to announce that my life “artner”

Adam Rockwell

has recently released his book “The Unexpected Exorcist.” The book is original and extremely entertaining. I rarely read something more than once, but as his editor I had three readings of this story and loved it each read. Definitely a gem. To order a book or download the e-version just click the link below! 👇

Click Here to get a copy of The Unexpected Exorcist on Amazon

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Of Creative Interest

I recently subscribed to The Turquoise Iris, a print publication by

Dionne Woods

. I have been disheartened by magazines lately because they seem to be recycling stories year over year. This magazine is a stunner! The articles are creative and unique, and the artwork is inspiring. For more information visit www.theturquoiseirisjournal.com

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Studio Updates

I just launched my Etsy shop OregonWatercolors! You’ll find a limited selection of watercolor cards and soon some art prints, all inspired by the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. It’s a small but meaningful step in sharing more of my work with the world, and I’m so excited to invite you along.

You can check it out on Etsy, or visit my website at klrockwell.com where prints and cards will also be available.

Thanks so much for your support of my creative journey!

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