tools of the trade

back to thinking about art process, specifically, tools of the trade.  i have noticed, in myself and other artists, the tendency to develope an infatuation with tools and process.  this leads to loosing sight of your message or goal you had in mind when you got everything out to begin with.  this was more of a problem for me, when i was very young and unaware of what i wanted to do with my talent and what was distracting me.  just the physical enjoyment of stretching canvases, handling brushes, washing color onto surfaces, etc, was engrossing enough.  this wonderful respect for the tools of your trade is important in the begining but can't be aloud to become an end in itself.  it is not unusual to find mature artists who's work is flawed by their inability to evolve beyond their initial love of the tools of their chosen art.  so how do you distance yourself if you think this might be your problem?  there is one simple thing that comes to mind right away.  shop for materials and supplies way ahead of the time you need them.  prepare materials and surfaces ahead of time too.  let the rush of newness fade.  then, when an idea surfaces, you have settled these new tools and materials into the inventory of your mind and aloud them to blend with the rest of the stuff you normally use.  now you can choose what will serve necessity and your idea and not be distracted by novelty.  onward and upward!