The Fatigued Artist or Art in the Time of Daylight Saving
The clocks have sprung forward, stealing an hour of sleep and leaving many of us feeling a bit more tired than usual. Daylight Saving Time is here, and with it comes the challenge of adjusting our internal clocks to the new rhythm of the day. As an artist, this change can feel particularly jarring. The precious balance between creativity and energy feels disrupted, and the struggle to find motivation when you're tired can be real.
But what if we looked at this time of adjustment as an opportunity rather than a hindrance? What if the grogginess and disorientation could be channelled into our art in a way that brings a new perspective?
When we're tired, our defences are down. We're less inclined to judge our work harshly or overthink our creative choices. There's a certain freedom that comes with this state, a liberation from the inner critic that so often holds us back. In this sense, making art when you're tired can be an exercise in raw, unfiltered expression.
I've found that the key is to embrace the tiredness, to lean into it rather than resist. I have started to squeeze in a little art time before breakfast (even for ten minutes) and I am finding that just working a little is moving my work forward even if it’s not totally what I had in mind. Try it with me. Set up your workspace the night before, so it's inviting and ready for you when you have those precious moments to create. Choose a medium that feels forgiving and free-flowing, like watercolours or loose sketching. Let your hand move without too much intention, and see what emerges from the haze of fatigue.
As the days grow longer and the light lingers a bit more each evening, let this natural shift inspire your art. Don't let the darkness of tiredness overshadow your work; instead, breathe light into it. Use the changing season as a reminder that brightness can emerge from even the most weary moments. Let the lengthening days be a source of inspiration, infusing your art with a sense of hope and renewal.
This week, as we all adjust to the time change, I challenge you to use your tiredness as a tool. Let it guide you to a place of unguarded creativity, and let the increasing light inspire your work. You might be surprised at the beauty that can come from a place of weariness.
And remember, as we move through this transition, be gentle with yourself. Allow extra time for rest, and don't be too hard on yourself if your productivity isn't at its peak. Our bodies and minds need time to adapt, and that's perfectly okay.
As always, I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences on this topic. How would you navigate making art when you're tired? Have you found any strategies that work well for you? Share your insights in the comments below.