Hiccups in plans
Hiccups in plans and a short pause on projects.
It is without a doubt that I love being resourceful. And in this line of work I have learned you oftentimes need patience, optimism, understanding, and the ability to be chill and roll with the punches. Not literal punches, but the little hurdles that can throw a wrench in things, delay progress, keep you in limbo, and maybe second guess things.
I cannot stress enough how important practice, methods, and problem solving come into everyday and every project that I have had to work with. Honestly, I love how valuable this skill is and I emphasize it the most when teaching and talking with students/artists.
Resourcefulness can be related to exhausting options to make a job happen. For instance, I am (as I write this) waiting on a very important element to fall into place so that I may start on a mural. There is not just one answer to getting this piece to come together, and multiple kogs to this project are making sure all avenues are explored to remedy the problem.
Another way of resourcefulness is leaning into others strengths, allowing them to shine, take credit, and contribute to efforts. Constantly I am in admiration of the skills, knowledge, and talents people possess in their character strengths and often look forward to ways I can learn from them.
Unconventional items and methods are also a resourcefulness practice I enjoy. Using discarded or salvaged items as a canvas not only makes me feel better in my work but creates deeper connection with the piece. Using tools and methods in a way to push materials to their limits and boundaries forces me to fail and try again and be in a constant state of play and wonder.
It is easy to imagine that everything is in our control. That we have such an understanding and preparation for the outcomes we want. This could be true. But the most important part of every day, situation, moment, project, event, conversation, and what you have control over is how you react. I think that holds the most weight…reaction.
How you respond/react is huge and made up of many micro reactions (conscious and subconscious).
If a tree falls in your path you don’t get mad at the tree for falling. You simply find a way around, move it, or schedule it to be taken care of. Because we all know getting mad at a tree doesn’t do anyone any good.
I write all this because I am on site to start a mural and a very important element to starting was not taken care of. It’s really not that big of a deal, just a slight delay in starting. Luckily things will come together sooner than later and I’ll be able to start shortly. In preparation (because this mural is two plus hours from my studio) I have brought plenty to work on and see it as an opportunity to write, work on designs, and lessons. What can I say, I’m a bit of a planner.
*Additional entry following this mural August, 2026.
Thankfully my city connections for this particular mural was also resourceful in bringing together elements quickly to get started. The week long anticipated work on this mural brought it together in just a few days. Beautiful weather, a wonderful community, and lots of previous planning for applications and materials ensured time was well spent. Even with a pop up shower.
Thank you for reading till the end, not every process is seamless but flexibility along with patience and planning help contribute to artistic productivity.
-Kellene Turner