Creative maximalist
Do I have a problem with over-shopping? I don’t think so. I’ve always been low on cash, so I rarely splurge, and when I do it’s on paint, pens or stickers that I actually use. I have to replace materials all the time (and my pens run out of ink as well, so they need to be replaced). But on the other hand, I’ve always felt I have “too much” stuff. My wardrobe is full and overflowing, as are my craft shelves and boxes. I have “too much stuff” for the space allotted and I always feel that this is a problem I’m constantly battling. The problem, I think, is that I have a problem with clearing out, getting rid of, decluttering, saying goodbye, finishing projects, ideas, ideals, and people. I don’t like moving on. I want to stay! I want to stay still. I don’t like change.
For example, as I went over and updated an older blog post called March stuff marching in (that ironically first was called Shopaholic) I noticed the photos in that post and I understand my problem better. That blog post is from 2005, which is 19 years ago amazingly enough. And zooming in on the (then smaller) photos I feel a bit embarrassed about myself and my behavior. I still have a little bit of paper left on one of those wrapping paper rolls from IKEA. Not that I’m mad that I bought it and kept it all this time, but of course I have since bought many more paper rolls in different colors and textures. That roll I’ve mostly used in bookbinding, since it was more of a handmade paper than a wrapping paper anyway. I really like the quality and the color. I will miss it when it’s gone, which will be very soon. But still, 19 years later, I think that says something about how, slowly, my art and craft stash has expanded to feel a wee bit overwhelming today, right?
Go on, take a look again. The book Tao te ching is on my bookshelf, still. The IKEA rug was on the balcony over winter and got destroyed by mold, but the green silk fabric might still be in my stash (I know I saw it last year but I need to check if it’s still there). All the wool that I wanted to felt and recycle have been used since then, but the embroidered rose towels might also be in a box of “materials” – still, and that truly makes me sad because I really wanted to use them somewhere (in art or a textile wall hanging of some sort).
The rotary cutter have been replaced with better ones but I might still have that old cutter here somewhere. The quilting ruler was a great purchase since I still use it, and so was the self-healing quilt mat, so no complaints that I bought tools that doesn’t break and that you can keep using.
I know I am not a minimalist, that is one thing certain. So, I might be a maximalist then. I would love to know how other artists handle their material clutter? I simply know (now) that maybe materials should not be stored for almost 20 years. I feel like that’s just sad Hanna. Think differently, do better!
It’s a work in progress. Me as well as my life and my habits.
❤ You might also enjoy reading How to (try) to Buy Less this Year
This post is part of NaBloPoMo where I write 30 blog posts in November. Thanks for reading and leaving me a comment, that will help me finish this challenge. To follow along subscribe to blog posts via email or RSS. I also have a sweet Substack Newsletter about art, craft and creativity that you might want to sign up for so that we can keep in tough in the future. I’d love that. On instagram I’m @ihannas and on YouTube Studio iHanna. Take care and stay creative friends.
