I did this today, funny enough. Now I've just watched this video of yours. Got rid of the crappier watercolours, kept some better ones, put one in a frame, got rid of the pastels and charcoal, too messy for me. I really don't like keeping anything i never use. I'm 65 and do think of my kids dealing with stuff. Hello from Australia.
I have spent the last 6 weeks doing this with my daughter to our whole house, my art room is last on the list. I can tell you it is freeing to do this. I am a card maker and gave purged all but my absolute favorite stamps and have given away at least 400 sets to nursing home art directors. I have places to donate made cards for use at places like hospitals and Ronald McDonald houses. My next group of supplies are my lesser quality watercolor paint palettes going to a local school for autistic children. I am not buying any art supplies until I complete the projects I still envision I can do by the end of the year. This was a summary of the reasons to do the SDC. You won't regret it.
More thoughts - I just realised that I keep books and art supplies in the bizarre hope that the knowledge and expertise potential will magically transfer to me by osmosis when I'm not looking and I'll wake up one day so skilled and smart I won't know myself! There's also the ever present concept of the fear of missing out of what each has to offer. If I don't have something in my possession, then I'll miss out on what it's offering, so why would I let that go? ... And I realise that I can only live this one life and choices need to be made, or live in a chaos of trying to do it all, ultimately leading to exhaustion. It's a relief to release these cluttered, burdening concepts as I become aware of them.
On March 8th this year I made the decision to read all my unread books, bought when I’d read a great review but which I never had time to read myself so they sat there in 2 slim bookshelves haunting me. I’ve now read more books in the last 8 weeks than in the previous four years and the library are loving me as each fortnight I trundle down and donate some more. I too am guilty of hoarding art supplies and I also decided to use it or loose it as you’ve said. I enjoyed a blissfully happy Sunday where I got out every single coloured pencil from tins, boxes and trays, swatched them, discarded duplicates, identified my favourites and put all the others together ready to sell on Ebay. In the past I’ve been seduced by soft pastels but never use them cos the minute my fingers get all powdery - along with my table, clothes and coffee cup, I’m done. So I’ve set aside June to really explore these buggas in my sketchbook and if by July 1 I’m not in love with them the whole lot are going. I’ve covered a table with them because I’ve learned that for me, if I cant see it I dont use it, no point having them
I did this a few weeks ago and it was such a good feeling. I gifted a bunch of art supplies to a couple of artists and they were ecstatic. I’m in a better place and space.
Sad, but true. A long time ago, I threw out a number of sketchbooks. I created a painful memory that day. I do not think I can throw away another. Thank you, Danny, I now have a plan to take them with me!
Awesome as always and an important topic in this over-abundant world. SDC really is the elephant in the room, and the garage, the shed, attic, storage unit... The art stuff is just the tip of that iceberg. But arguably it is the most loaded with significance to each of us. But maybe not the careless relative who will have no time, money or space to deal with the (to them) inexplicable and random junk. These things which are so precious and meaningful to us... represent memories, and so life and so are kinda like time travel, or immortality. No wonder that it's a tough process to shed all this in preparation for the final journey.
I often throw my art away...😂. I'm currently trying to reacquaint myself with the joy of watercolour. It's a world gone topsy-turvy for an oil painter. I don't feel any need to keep paintings most of the time. I'll give stuff away if someone really likes it. Thank you for the extra kick up the jacksy you have given me recently. See you Thursday..
I love the book of Swedish Death Cleaning. My daughter introduced me to this after she witnessed me going through my mother’s house after she went into nursing care.
Such wise and interesting words, thanx for that! 😊 I’ve been thinking about these things exactly - and did go through my art supplies in the way you describe. It felt so good to give away stuff that had just been lying in a drawer, to someone who could use it and appreciate it 🙂 And, it made my art space lighter! But the other thing; dealing with all the paintings, drawings and shelves full of sketchbooks that have accumulated over the years (more than 15!) - thats harder! I mean - I’m aware that it’s probably not all genius or fantastic artwork, but it feels wrong to just throw it away. Like getting rid of part of my story - my journey. And I realise then, that that is exactly what it is; MY journey - and nobody else’s! And the most important part of it has already happened, in me! Hmm.. will see if I can get around to do something about it, other than just realising it 🫣 Thanks again for the words - and btw; I live in Denmark - not so far from Sweden 😊
You really surprised me today Danny. I've pondered this purging topic about my art materials and work on and off for years now, thinking about the environment and my own space. However, I found myself laughing out loud at your story of imagining that I am an artist who's work is worthy of curating and viewing in a prestigious gallery- oh how differently I see who I am and what I produce. "Why is that?" I think to myself. And then I find myself crying as you talk about process and love and value and legacy. Your words and delivery make me pay more attention to what you're saying and then in turn to how I'm thinking and feeling. Thanks again Danny. Sending you love and light.
I found this rather depressing ! I live on my own , have no children who would have to take on the task of clearing my house , why should I be thinking of reducing my art supplies or anything really 😕 my Studio gets messy , then I have a tidy up , then I mess it up again but I enjoy the process 😊 if nobody wants any of my artwork when I’m gone I won’t know ! So why should I be thinking of decreasing the things I might have bought on a whim and not used YET !! Or throwing away paintings and drawings …. someone might appreciate them in the CLEARANCE! I don’t want to think of my existence as a burden on someone else ( whoever has to do it will get paid to do it , so someone gains ! ) so I’ll get on with my paintings and enjoy my trips to the art shop to buy things I might not use and enjoy it all whilst I can 😉
Hmmm. I never like the idea of burdening anyone when I pass. Moreover, I’m alone with no children to pass things on. I’m definitely putting off deep cleaning my art supplies and having a hard time not hoarding/buying. Gotta think about my SDC…
Thank you for this video. I wrote an essay in response. Van Gogh's remarkable output of 900 paintings, along with numerous sketches and drawings, stands as a testament to his unwavering dedication to his craft. Despite his immense talent and creative fervor, only one painting was sold during his lifetime. The recognition and fame he now "enjoys" were bestowed upon him posthumously. However, we know that the Van Gogh story is not likely to be our own. We may not possess the same level of artistic genius or have our works recognized in the same way. Nevertheless, should we allow this realization to deter us from creating art? People like you, Danny Gregory, who advocate for the continuous creation of art, do so for a multitude of valid reasons. We devote years, sometimes decades, to perfecting our craft, resulting in an accumulation of artwork that can fill entire rooms. Then, inevitably, some of us pass away, leaving this vast body of work to our heirs. At this point, some may question the worth and purpose of preserving it all. However, I dare say, does it truly matter? Consider this: in exchange for inheriting our artistic legacy, heirs often receive a house-an asset with substantial financial value. In the current housing market, the median price for a house in the US ranges between 400 and 500 thousand dollars. It's a windfall! If dealing with the art becomes burdensome, why wouldn't the heirs to hire professionals to manage its disposal? If they genuinely believe the artwork is of no value or significance, they can easily hire a crew and a dumpster to resolve the issue. Old artists should not be expected to twist themselves inside out to make everything convenient for their heirs-especially not when it concerns the very essence of their existence in this world. Other possessions can be swiftly dealt with, but art deserves patience and deliberation. It represents a lifetime of passion, dedication, and a unique perspective on the world. So, let the art wait. While our individual artistic journeys may not mirror Van Gogh's, we can still learn from his persistence and determination. Art has intrinsic value that transcends commercial success, and it is our right as artists to decide how our creative endeavors should be handled after we are gone. Let our heirs benefit from the tangible assets we leave behind, and if they choose to dispose of our art, let them do so responsibly and with respect.
The main problem for me is finding a recipient who will really enjoy what I give away. For instance, I have a teddy bear who has traveled all over the world with me, has her own photo album with a hundred eight by tens, and has around one hundred outfits, most of them knitted by me. Lots of kids undress a doll or bear then drop them in a corner somewhere. But there is always the one who makes a dollhouse out of a shoe box, the way I did when I was little. I want to find that child. I don’t want the bear to be piled up in a mildew streaked mountain of donated used toys. I have seen those after an earthquake.
I have Swedish ancestry and have no trouble getting rid of stuff. The problem is, when editing my artwork I am a poor judge as to what is “worth saving”. When I studied overseas, I remember throwing away two huge recycling bins full of drawings. ❤
I have a hard time decluttering my art. It’s not that I don’t want to declutter but I work hard to create my art -good or bad. If I give it away , I’m happy, but not every one wants an art gift! I have found some art that is wonderful and some that’s terrible but I learned from it. This is a huge struggle for me. I don’t want to burden my family with my leftovers, but it’s difficult to just trash hard work!
Thanks Danny! When I see people getting excited over a new set of 50 watercolours they just bought really cheap on Amazon just to try out I cringe. I try new art supplies too and if they don’t suit me I pass them along to my kids school or other artists. Just hoarding stuff will not make me a better artist. I don’t keep the things that I made if I’m unhappy with it too. A canvas can be painted over and reused, watercolours can be used for collaging on binned.
Its called "döstäda" and is more a joke and something people did a long time ago to not be a nuisance , or burden, your family. In Sweden its a thing to not ask for help. The strong stand alone. I never ever heard of any team of three, friends, relatives or family, help anyone to death-clean... wish someone in my family had though, its my treat every time 😅 But yes, I will bin lots of stuff , and turn my dumping ground back to a studio. Thanks from Sweden
Just getting back into art after many years of hard work, stress and burnout. Completely agree and yet I found this essay vaguely depressing for some reason. What’s the point in creating if it just creates more junk in this world… sorry that’s just what came up for me. Now I’m conflicted. Sheesh. 😮
This is why I chose watercolor- so I could bin it 😂. Actually I make greeting card art so the recipient can throw it out for me 🤣
I did this today, funny enough. Now I've just watched this video of yours. Got rid of the crappier watercolours, kept some better ones, put one in a frame, got rid of the pastels and charcoal, too messy for me. I really don't like keeping anything i never use. I'm 65 and do think of my kids dealing with stuff. Hello from Australia.
Interesting to hear that death cleaning has reached all the way to America. It is a very wise thing to do. Best wishes from Sweden.❤
I have spent the last 6 weeks doing this with my daughter to our whole house, my art room is last on the list. I can tell you it is freeing to do this. I am a card maker and gave purged all but my absolute favorite stamps and have given away at least 400 sets to nursing home art directors. I have places to donate made cards for use at places like hospitals and Ronald McDonald houses. My next group of supplies are my lesser quality watercolor paint palettes going to a local school for autistic children. I am not buying any art supplies until I complete the projects I still envision I can do by the end of the year. This was a summary of the reasons to do the SDC. You won't regret it.
Thank you, I needed this.
More thoughts - I just realised that I keep books and art supplies in the bizarre hope that the knowledge and expertise potential will magically transfer to me by osmosis when I'm not looking and I'll wake up one day so skilled and smart I won't know myself! There's also the ever present concept of the fear of missing out of what each has to offer. If I don't have something in my possession, then I'll miss out on what it's offering, so why would I let that go? ... And I realise that I can only live this one life and choices need to be made, or live in a chaos of trying to do it all, ultimately leading to exhaustion. It's a relief to release these cluttered, burdening concepts as I become aware of them.
My fantasy self is a burden too! Especially when the excitement of the new thing or idea is still burning bright! ❤
Love this video - your voice is very calming and the content here is extremely valuable!
This was great!! And thanks for the laughs. My favorite was “your son in law will breathe a sigh of relief”. LOL!!!
Thank you Danny.
On March 8th this year I made the decision to read all my unread books, bought when I’d read a great review but which I never had time to read myself so they sat there in 2 slim bookshelves haunting me. I’ve now read more books in the last 8 weeks than in the previous four years and the library are loving me as each fortnight I trundle down and donate some more. I too am guilty of hoarding art supplies and I also decided to use it or loose it as you’ve said. I enjoyed a blissfully happy Sunday where I got out every single coloured pencil from tins, boxes and trays, swatched them, discarded duplicates, identified my favourites and put all the others together ready to sell on Ebay. In the past I’ve been seduced by soft pastels but never use them cos the minute my fingers get all powdery - along with my table, clothes and coffee cup, I’m done. So I’ve set aside June to really explore these buggas in my sketchbook and if by July 1 I’m not in love with them the whole lot are going. I’ve covered a table with them because I’ve learned that for me, if I cant see it I dont use it, no point having them
As I await a shipment of "what I really need to get started", what I really needed was this message. Thanks!
I did this a few weeks ago and it was such a good feeling. I gifted a bunch of art supplies to a couple of artists and they were ecstatic. I’m in a better place and space.
Sad, but true. A long time ago, I threw out a number of sketchbooks. I created a painful memory that day. I do not think I can throw away another.
Thank you, Danny, I now have a plan to take them with me!
Awesome as always and an important topic in this over-abundant world.
SDC really is the elephant in the room, and the garage, the shed, attic, storage unit...
The art stuff is just the tip of that iceberg.
But arguably it is the most loaded with significance to each of us.
But maybe not the careless relative who will have no time, money or space to deal with the (to them) inexplicable and random junk.
These things which are so precious and meaningful to us... represent memories, and so life and so are kinda like time travel, or immortality.
No wonder that it's a tough process to shed all this in preparation for the final journey.
Great advice, Jon!
I often throw my art away...😂. I'm currently trying to reacquaint myself with the joy of watercolour. It's a world gone topsy-turvy for an oil painter. I don't feel any need to keep paintings most of the time. I'll give stuff away if someone really likes it. Thank you for the extra kick up the jacksy you have given me recently. See you Thursday..
I love the book of Swedish Death Cleaning. My daughter introduced me to this after she witnessed me going through my mother’s house after she went into nursing care.
Sound thoughts. 👌👌👌
George Carlin’s piece about “stuff” comes to mind. 😄😄😄
Such wise and interesting words, thanx for that! 😊 I’ve been thinking about these things exactly - and did go through my art supplies in the way you describe. It felt so good to give away stuff that had just been lying in a drawer, to someone who could use it and appreciate it 🙂 And, it made my art space lighter!
But the other thing; dealing with all the paintings, drawings and shelves full of sketchbooks that have accumulated over the years (more than 15!) - thats harder! I mean - I’m aware that it’s probably not all genius or fantastic artwork, but it feels wrong to just throw it away. Like getting rid of part of my story - my journey. And I realise then, that that is exactly what it is; MY journey - and nobody else’s! And the most important part of it has already happened, in me! Hmm.. will see if I can get around to do something about it, other than just realising it 🫣
Thanks again for the words - and btw; I live in Denmark - not so far from Sweden 😊
You really surprised me today Danny. I've pondered this purging topic about my art materials and work on and off for years now, thinking about the environment and my own space. However, I found myself laughing out loud at your story of imagining that I am an artist who's work is worthy of curating and viewing in a prestigious gallery- oh how differently I see who I am and what I produce. "Why is that?" I think to myself. And then I find myself crying as you talk about process and love and value and legacy. Your words and delivery make me pay more attention to what you're saying and then in turn to how I'm thinking and feeling. Thanks again Danny. Sending you love and light.
Exactly what I am doing now! I am planning on genuine pictures to you. Thank you for your help. I have a use for that advice. Blessings to All of You.
I found this rather depressing ! I live on my own , have no children who would have to take on the task of clearing my house , why should I be thinking of reducing my art supplies or anything really 😕 my Studio gets messy , then I have a tidy up , then I mess it up again but I enjoy the process 😊 if nobody wants any of my artwork when I’m gone I won’t know ! So why should I be thinking of decreasing the things I might have bought on a whim and not used YET !! Or throwing away paintings and drawings …. someone might appreciate them in the CLEARANCE! I don’t want to think of my existence as a burden on someone else ( whoever has to do it will get paid to do it , so someone gains ! ) so I’ll get on with my paintings and enjoy my trips to the art shop to buy things I might not use and enjoy it all whilst I can 😉
Hmmm. I never like the idea of burdening anyone when I pass. Moreover, I’m alone with no children to pass things on. I’m definitely putting off deep cleaning my art supplies and having a hard time not hoarding/buying. Gotta think about my SDC…
Thank you for this video. I wrote an essay in response.
Van Gogh's remarkable output of 900 paintings, along with numerous sketches and drawings, stands as a testament to his unwavering dedication to his craft. Despite his immense talent and creative fervor, only one painting was sold during his lifetime. The recognition and fame he now "enjoys" were bestowed upon him posthumously.
However, we know that the Van Gogh story is not likely to be our own. We may not possess the same level of artistic genius or have our works recognized in the same way. Nevertheless, should we allow this realization to deter us from creating art?
People like you, Danny Gregory, who advocate for the continuous creation of art, do so for a multitude of valid reasons. We devote years, sometimes decades, to perfecting our craft, resulting in an accumulation of artwork that can fill entire rooms. Then, inevitably, some of us pass away, leaving this vast body of work to our heirs. At this point, some may question the worth and purpose of preserving it all. However, I dare say, does it truly matter?
Consider this: in exchange for inheriting our artistic legacy, heirs often receive a house-an asset with substantial financial value. In the current housing market, the median price for a house in the US ranges between 400 and 500 thousand dollars. It's a windfall! If dealing with the art becomes burdensome, why wouldn't the heirs to hire professionals to manage its disposal? If they genuinely believe the artwork is of no value or significance, they can easily hire a crew and a dumpster to resolve the issue.
Old artists should not be expected to twist themselves inside out to make everything convenient for their heirs-especially not when it concerns the very essence of their existence in this world. Other possessions can be swiftly dealt with, but art deserves patience and deliberation. It represents a lifetime of passion, dedication, and a unique perspective on the world. So, let the art wait.
While our individual artistic journeys may not mirror Van Gogh's, we can still learn from his persistence and determination. Art has intrinsic value that transcends commercial success, and it is our right as artists to decide how our creative endeavors should be handled after we are gone. Let our heirs benefit from the tangible assets we leave behind, and if they choose to dispose of our art, let them do so responsibly and with respect.
Really good advice that I needed right now. Thank you!
The main problem for me is finding a recipient who will really enjoy what I give away. For instance, I have a teddy bear who has traveled all over the world with me, has her own photo album with a hundred eight by tens, and has around one hundred outfits, most of them knitted by me. Lots of kids undress a doll or bear then drop them in a corner somewhere. But there is always the one who makes a dollhouse out of a shoe box, the way I did when I was little. I want to find that child. I don’t want the bear to be piled up in a mildew streaked mountain of donated used toys. I have seen those after an earthquake.
I have Swedish ancestry and have no trouble getting rid of stuff. The problem is, when editing my artwork I am a poor judge as to what is “worth saving”. When I studied overseas, I remember throwing away two huge recycling bins full of drawings. ❤
My issue is creating art and then feeling like it's wasteful to throw things out that I'm never going to do anything with it.
I have a hard time decluttering my art. It’s not that I don’t want to declutter but I work hard to create my art -good or bad. If I give it away , I’m happy, but not every one wants an art gift! I have found some art that is wonderful and some that’s terrible but I learned from it. This is a huge struggle for me. I don’t want to burden my family with my leftovers, but it’s difficult to just trash hard work!
❤❤❤I totally agree, I’m just starting get into, if I’m not using it why keep it. I hesitated now before buy anything.
You got this!
Thanks Danny! When I see people getting excited over a new set of 50 watercolours they just bought really cheap on Amazon just to try out I cringe. I try new art supplies too and if they don’t suit me I pass them along to my kids school or other artists. Just hoarding stuff will not make me a better artist. I don’t keep the things that I made if I’m unhappy with it too. A canvas can be painted over and reused, watercolours can be used for collaging on binned.
Definitely helpful!
Thanks for this, Danny!
Thanks Danny. This is helpful. I will start doing some of these suggestions.
I snorted when you said “drawer stuffed with swatches” because I literally stuffed swatches into a drawer yesterday all while thinking “why…?” 😂
Enlightening and helpful as always!
Its called "döstäda" and is more a joke and something people did a long time ago to not be a nuisance , or burden, your family. In Sweden its a thing to not ask for help. The strong stand alone.
I never ever heard of any team of three, friends, relatives or family, help anyone to death-clean... wish someone in my family had though, its my treat every time 😅
But yes, I will bin lots of stuff , and turn my dumping ground back to a studio. Thanks from Sweden
I agree with this, as a fellow Swede. But I do also think its wise to not letter clutter take over your life.
@@kattenihatten mina morbröder... oj oj, mycket grejer 😆 lovat min son att städa ladan innan jag dör iaf
4:47 How did you know I crochet bunnies? Aaand do gel prints?!
Just getting back into art after many years of hard work, stress and burnout. Completely agree and yet I found this essay vaguely depressing for some reason. What’s the point in creating if it just creates more junk in this world… sorry that’s just what came up for me. Now I’m conflicted. Sheesh. 😮
❤