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Balancing Work, Life, and Art: Shifting Priorities in the Cold Season

2/16/2025

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As the seasons shift and the air turns cold, I find myself stepping away from the canvas—not out of a lack of inspiration, but because life demands a different rhythm. The winter months bring new priorities: the demands of my IT job in Kansas City, family responsibilities in Topeka, and the evolving dynamics of our household now that my wife has started working part-time. In these times, I remind myself that creativity isn’t just about what happens in the studio. It’s also about observing, reflecting, and preparing for what’s to come.

I used to feel guilty when I wasn’t painting, as if I was betraying some unspoken artistic code. But over the years, I’ve come to understand that art isn’t separate from life—it’s woven into every moment, every season. There are times to create and times to gather inspiration, and both are equally important.

Preparing for Future Seasons During this time of year, when it’s too cold to paint comfortably, I shift my focus to organizing and planning for the spring, summer, and fall. This includes structuring my artistic goals around family needs—integrating activities like trips to the Nelson-Atkins Museum, Lawrence Public Library, Auburn Public Library, the park, or an art show. Planning takes into account essential resources like time and money, balancing the schedules of seven people—work, school, scouts, and horse riding lessons.
The key is to always carry a sketchbook or journal, to remain open to change, and to embrace unplanned moments of silence. I take lots of photos, capturing fleeting moments that I can later review, remember, and reflect on. These images become references, reminders of what inspired me in the quiet season.

Once the weather warms up, I’ll find myself back in the studio, dedicating a couple of hours every night after dinner. Even if paint doesn’t drip from my brush, I’ll place myself in that creative space—ready for when inspiration strikes.

Trusting the Artistic Journey I know I’m not alone in this experience. Many artists struggle with the ebb and flow of creativity, feeling guilt or frustration when life pulls them away from their work. But I’ve learned that art doesn’t vanish when we step away—it lingers in the background, waiting for us to return. Sometimes, the most profound creative breakthroughs happen in the quiet moments when we’re simply living.

So if you’re in a season of stillness, embrace it. Trust that your art will always be there, waiting for you when the time is right. And when that moment comes, you’ll return to the canvas with a mind full of new stories, new images, and new ways of seeing the world.

What do your creative seasons look like? How do you navigate times when life pulls you away from your work? Let’s start a conversation in the comments.
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#ArtistLife #WorkLifeBalance #CreativeJourney #MakingTimeForArt #FamilyFirst #LifeOfAnArtist #ArtAndLife #FindingBalance #SeasonsOfArt #SupportingEachOther #CreativeFlow #StoriesBehindTheCanvas #LivingArtist #WhyIPaint #ArtisticReflections #DailyArtist #BalancingArtAndLife #ArtistMindset #CreativeStruggles #ArtInspiration #JourneyOfAnArtist

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    About the Author

    Joey Embers is a visual artist and storyteller based in Topeka, Kansas. He explores the nuances of daily life, creativity, and the ever-evolving journey of an artist. In The Painted Mind, Joey shares personal reflections on navigating the intersections of creative work, family commitments, and artistic pursuits. Through candid narratives, he delves into the challenges and triumphs of maintaining a creative spirit amidst life's demands, offering readers an intimate glimpse into his world. Beyond the canvas, Joey finds inspiration in the rhythms of everyday experiences, believing that art is intricately woven into the fabric of daily life. His writings aim to connect with fellow creatives and enthusiasts, fostering a community that appreciates the delicate balance between responsibility and the pursuit of artistic passion.

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  • Portfolio
    • Plein Air Painting
    • Life Drawing and Painting
    • Rooms of the Interior >
      • Shedding Light
      • Fly on the Wall
      • An Open Window
      • Finding Balance
      • Chair in the Attic
      • Yellow Chair
      • Lamp and Yellow Chair
    • Roaming House: book project >
      • Finding my Path
      • Light House
      • Steal the Night
      • Family Garden
      • Alignment
      • Together
      • Rise and Shine
      • Teach
      • Weather the Storm
      • My Voice
      • Stand Tall
      • Tethered Beneath the Bloom
      • Echoes of the Sun
      • Around we Go
  • Echoes in Ink
    • #GivingBack
    • The Painted Mind
    • Painted Words
  • Exhibitions
    • Mystery, Magic, and the Macabre Exhibition
    • Stems Plein-Air 2024
    • Bold is Back
    • SVAFC Art Show 2024
    • Matryoshka Tattoo
    • | The Clayworks at Disability Supports
    • Roy G. Biv: Color Defined
  • About
    • Joey Embers | Artist Statement
    • Resume
    • Joey Embers | In The News
  • Join the Journey
    • GoFundMe #ride4work
    • Patreon
    • Saatchi Gallery
    • Shop >
      • Buy Original paintings
      • Buy Prints
  • Contact