Interruptions & disruption

Often during the beginning stages of any piece, as I wait for the work to tell me what it is about and what I am thinking, there is a real struggle, but at a certain moment, I "know".  I know exactly what the piece is about and exactly what needs to happen to finish it. However, I feel as though I've lost all connection with this particular piece due to the numerous interruptions and disruptions; the latest of which was an emergency gall bladder surgery just this past Tuesday. 
 

Yesterday, even though I was supposed to be resting, I couldn't resist proofing my wax collagraph plate. Using soft toothbrushes, I inked it up using Akua intaglio inks and then wiped the surface. The textures looked great. I positioned all the segments and ran them through  the press. However, because I was in a hurry and didn't take the time to soak the paper, it ended up sticking to the plate. I don't think this would have been an issue if the paper had been damp.

I managed to peel the paper away from the plate and as you can see the paper tore in some areas; mainly where the plate was the thickest and the most pressure was exerted. The bottom line is I should have waited a couple of days, when I had more energy, before working with the plates.

When I get an idea I like to stick with it and follow through in a reasonable amount of time.   If I'm honest, I know when something is not working and even though I may like parts of it and the piece isn't resonating or I feel detached and don't yet know what it's trying to tell me, my best course of action is to let go.  I'm thinking I need to set this idea aside for the time being or change direction entirely and forge ahead with some destructive / constructive play; possibly turning what I have into a book.  We'll see.