The Art of Balance: Avoiding the Trap of Too Many Projects at Once
If you’re anything like me, you thrive on creativity. The thrill of starting something new is practically addictive, and there’s something so satisfying about working in batches. I’ve written before about how batch-creating keeps me productive, especially when prepping for a gallery show (like the one I’m working on right now). I’ll have multiple pieces going at once: paintings, sculptures, jewelry—you name it. As one piece dries, I’ll switch over to another, adding layers, details, or elements until the studio feels alive with progress.
Results of an afternoon printing unique collage materials.
The Magic of Batch Creating
Working in batches is like orchestrating a symphony. Every piece is an instrument, playing its part in harmony. Instead of waiting for a layer of paint to dry or a sculpture to set, I can leap to another piece, keeping the momentum going. It’s an incredible way to stay in that creative flow. Progress feels faster, and I’m able to develop a cohesive body of work for a show without the downtime that comes from working on one piece at a time.
It’s also a way for me to see the bigger picture. Like a chef preparing multiple dishes, each component of the meal is essential to the final outcome, but the secret is knowing how to keep everything cooking without letting one dish burn or another get cold. I can’t imagine doing it any other way—yet there’s a flip side to this kind of process.
When the Balance Tips
As much as I love batch creating, I’m the first to admit I’m guilty of overdoing it. I’m driven by the need to create—always. It doesn’t matter whether it’s oil painting, sculpture, drawing, or jewelry-making. I want to explore everything. If I don’t have the right tools, I’ll make them. If something’s too expensive, I’ll figure out a DIY solution. Honestly, if you took away all of my art supplies, I’d find a way—I’d boil acorns and make ink, drawing on the floor with a stick!
The danger, of course, is that I end up with so many projects in motion that it can get overwhelming. Picture a workshop where every surface is covered with half-finished pieces. That’s my studio on any given day. It’s exciting, but at the same time, it can start to feel like too much, especially when I add in everything else that’s part of my life.
Aside from creating art, I have to balance my business work, manage the gallery side of things, spend quality time with my partner, and homeschool my daughter. Some days, it feels like I’m trying to keep a dozen plates spinning in the air. And while I love the rush of juggling so many things at once, the risk is always that one of those plates will come crashing down.
The Struggle Between Creativity and Chaos
It’s not just me who faces this challenge. There’s a well-known saying: “You can do anything, but not everything.” That couldn’t be truer for artists who, like me, are driven to explore every medium and every idea. It’s a blessing and a curse to have so much inspiration constantly bubbling to the surface. And yet, I’m always reminded of the words of Walt Whitman, who wrote, “I am large, I contain multitudes.” This resonates with me deeply because it’s exactly how I feel as an artist—I have so many ideas, so many projects, and so much energy to create.
On the flip side, though, there’s also wisdom in focusing on one thing at a time. Vincent van Gogh remarked, “Great things are not done by impulse, but by a series of small things brought together.” His work ethic, especially in the later years of his life, was intense and singular. He poured himself into his art, one piece at a time, with a deep focus that produced some of the most iconic works of all time. There’s something to be said for that kind of dedication to a single project.
Sometimes balance is teaching, parenting, and working all at once. This kid makes it all fun!
Navigating Personal Balance
As much as I admire that intense focus, I’ve learned to accept that I work differently. I need the variety, the excitement of jumping from one project to the next. It keeps me inspired. But that doesn’t mean it’s without challenges. When you add the responsibilities of running a business, spending time with loved ones, and homeschooling into the mix, things can easily spiral into chaos. I’ve had to learn (the hard way) to set boundaries and limits on my own creative enthusiasm.
For me, the solution often lies in prioritizing. Not everything can be done at once, even if I want it to be. I ask myself what needs to be finished first, and I try (and sometimes fail) to stick to a schedule. It’s like being a gardener—you can plant as many seeds as you like, but you can’t water them all at once or expect them to bloom simultaneously.
Finding Your Personal Creative Limit
This is where we all have to take a hard look at ourselves as artists and creators. Some people, like van Gogh, thrive on that single-minded focus, staying with one project until it’s complete. Others, like myself (and I suspect many of you), need to have a multitude of projects going to stay inspired.
But whether you work on one project at a time or juggle many, it’s important to recognize your limits. I’m still learning mine, even after 40 years of making art. What I’ve discovered is that it’s all about balance. For some, having unfinished work lying around is motivating—a sign that there’s always something in the pipeline. For others, that might feel daunting and anxiety-inducing.
The key is to know yourself and adjust as needed. If you find yourself overwhelmed by the number of ongoing projects, maybe it’s time to step back and ask: How much is too much?
In the words of sculptor Henry Moore, “The secret of life is to have a task, something you devote your entire life to, something you bring everything to, every minute of the day for your whole life.” Moore was an artist who knew how to focus his energy on one grand pursuit. It’s a beautiful way to live, but it’s also a reminder that whether you’re focused on one project or twenty, the secret to success lies in devotion to your craft.
Still Learning After All These Years
After close to four decades of creating, I’ll be the first to admit—I’m still figuring this out. Some days, it feels like I’ve mastered the balance; other days, I’m buried under a mountain of half-finished work. But the journey of finding that balance is just as important as the destination. I keep adjusting, tweaking, and learning from each new experience.
Sometimes balance is pitching in and framing/ stretching canvas after the show reaches the gallery. Art is better with a team to support and be supported by.
So whether you’re a one-project-at-a-time kind of artist or someone who juggles many, the most important thing is to find the rhythm that works for you. At the end of the day, we’re all just trying to create, and that’s the real goal.
Remember, you can do anything—but not everything. The trick is finding your balance.
See you in the studio!
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