Meet Frodo.  Frodo looks the way I feel when I'm stuck.  

Not every day begins with an idea of what you will make in studio.  Most of the time, I've found that just beginning, just doing something, anything, usually starts the thinking process that leads to creating something.  When I get "stuck" I usually just make a Skinner Blend.  I'll use it so it's not a waste of time or of clay, either.  The folding and rolling, watching the streaks disappear, is usually enough to engage my brain.

Sometimes, I need another kind of kick start.  I may take a piece that's partially finished and finish off the back.  I may take components that I have sitting around and arrange them.  These usually work as brain engagers, too.

But sometimes, I'm just stuck.  None of those strategies work, my brain is still sleeping.  So, what to do?

I'll grab a book, any art book, doesn't have to be clay related at all.  Seeing what other artists have created is a definite brain engager.  Thinking, as an exercise, can I do this with clay?  How can I?  That gets me back into gear.

I may actually try to replicate glass in clay, or metal in clay, or food in clay but that's just a preliminary step, an exercise, and I'm then back in the swing and doing my own thing.

We all get stuck, we all find our own strategies for waking up our brains for getting our creative juices flowing again.  If you find yourself stuck, as I sometimes am, try these, they may work for you, too.

Oh, and one last little bit of unstuck advice, hop on the nearest treadmill, the ideas will come fast!

Photo:  Frodo is Dani and Natalia's wonderful, sweet pooch.