Weaving and a State of Flow
Two of my smaller idle looms
I had planned to write this blog post about “what’s on my loom” - but sadly, my looms have been idle for some time.
My days are centered around my studio practice.
When something happens that keeps me out of my studio, I feel unsettled.
When it goes on for more than a day, my mood begins to change.
More than a few days, I’m downright edgy.
Not fun to be around.
My past couple of weeks have been like that.
Limited studio time.
Edgy mood.
I know it’s because creating clears my head. It calms and relaxes me.
There have been many articles written about the psychology behind creativity- especially in regards to mental health. And even more lately in relation to the effect of isolation and Covid. I’m no psychologist, although it does fascinate me.
“Flow is a state in which people are so involved in an activity that nothing else seems to matter…”
-Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
In writing this post, I stumbled onto something referred to as the Flow State. While I don’t agree with everything in this article, I can identify with much of it. Maybe you can, too. Psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, known for his work in Positive Psychology, describes this as a period of optimal attention. (You don’t have to read the article, but it’s worth reading the third paragraph solely for the pronunciation of his last name!)
This led me to look deeper into his work where I found his book Creativity: Flow and the Psychology of Discovery and Invention. (that’s an affiliate link)
In this book, he identifies 9 elements present in the State of Flow.
“There are clear goals every step of the way.”
The musician knows what notes to play; I, the weaver, know what techniques to use or colors to choose.
“There is immediate feedback to one’s actions.”
The musician hears the right notes; I see the right technique or color.
“There is a balance between challenges and skills.”
Our abilities match the outcome we’re trying to achieve. I know how to blend two colors into one with hatching.
“Action and awareness are merged. “
Concentration is focused on what we are doing. My intentions connect with my fingers.
“Distractions are excluded from consciousness.”
Again, concentration, in the moment, focus.
“There is no worry of failure. “
Our skills are adequate and we know our limitations, so there’s no room for failure. I know how to get lines to move across a weaving with Vertical Soumak.
“Self-consciousness disappears.”
I am totally absorbed with my fingers connecting with the fiber.
“The sense of time becomes distorted.”
Hours stretch and feel like minutes going by.
“The activity becomes autotelic.”
He goes on here to explain this is Greek for something that is an end in itself. I experience true joy - with no ulterior motives - in immersing myself in the act of weaving.
-quotes taken from Chapter 5. pgs 110-113 of Kindle edition
Two days ago, I was finally able to return to the studio.
And find My Flow.
Now, I’m not suggesting every minute spent in my studio is in this state of flow!
Of course not; that would be untrue. Sometimes I just can’t settle my mind to get going. This usually happens when I need to clear up some clutter. Too many yarns selected and piles made.
So… times like that, I tidy up, arrange my yarns, play with more color, and reach for my journal.
Or maybe just sit quietly with my cat on my lap.
Drop me a line and let me know if any of this sounds familiar to you.
Doesn’t have to be tapestry; what triggers the flow state in you?