On giving your creations time to breathe

Anybody here drink wine? Red wine? Alright alright, put your hands down, you winos. Stop hooting.

There's a time period after you open a bottle of red wine that you need to allow it to breathe; it changes the quality of the taste and smell, usually to your benefit. You'll see aerators for sale that speed up the process (often as it flows out of the bottle - just an example, not an endorsement), and that's good for when you just can't wait to taste it.

Some things, though, you just can't speed up, not if you want to do it right.

Many creations fall into that category of THINGS YOU CAN'T RUSH. The irony is, of course, that in this day and age, everything needs to be done yesterday. And I have to admit that some of my best work was done in a lightning stroke of effort and inspiration, and some of yours, too.

(But not really. All the elements were there, percolating for days, weeks, maybe even months, or YEARS, before they finally broke down the barriers and, like a horde of fast-running zombies, engulfed your creative space and ate all the brains you had available.)

My point is that everything shows its flaws after time. If you have the time and opportunity, let your stories and paintings breathe a bit; put them away, go concentrate on another piece, or crack open a new book you've been wanting to read, or do your taxes, or watch a movie. FORGET ABOUT IT.

After a bit you might be tempted to go back. If you have time, DON'T GO BACK. Wait a little longer. Pretend it's your birthday present, and you have another week to go.

When you go back, you'll find the piece has changed. You'll see both growth and flaws in places you never expected. It's up to you to determine whether those flaws add value to the piece or detract from it. Sometimes letting a wine breathe too much can change the flavor in a way you don't like.

Take those flaws, those growths, and either excise them, correct them, or use them as the seedling for another piece or story. That's my favorite part; taking the rejects from one piece and using them as the ground for a new one. Some of my best pieces have been rejects from previous efforts.

Above all, if you can afford to take the time, let your piece breathe. You'll be thankful for it.