The creative process can be addictive and like any addiction has its highs and lows. Yet turning up for yourself in small ways eventually gives you ‘something to write home about’ even if it is only that you made something for yourself to enjoy.
All in creativity
Start Somewhere
Beginning a new project can feel daunting. Where to start? For me it’s what I call creative chaos time, where ideas tumble around until I can find a single thread to follow. It’s a time of experimentation, trying out materials and methods until the project begins to fall into some kind of cohesive state.
Perseverance
Perseverance is not necessarily a quality you would think you need when it comes to being creative. Yet finding little creative ‘hacks’ can help keep your enthusiasm buoyant and your art alive through all the messy ups and downs of the creative process.
Down the Rabbit Hole
Like Alice discovering wonderland, I have dropped down the rabbit hole of research into alternative photographic processes. Shocked at my ignorance relating to silver extraction for the photographic industry, I am discovering ‘kitchen compounds’ and botanical processes that promise to be an alternative method of image production.
Repetition (just kid yourself)
Creative minds often get bored doing the same thing repetitively. Yet there is comfort in repetition, where tasks are so ingrained they become almost automatic. I’ve discovered that art and exercise are good companions; both can build skills and confidence through incremental, repetitive action taking.
Buying Art
What exactly is it that a buyer is looking for when they make the decision to purchase an artwork? Are they looking for an artwork which is the right colour, size or subject to fit into their home decor? Or are they looking for something else entirely? A fissure of pleasure experienced over and over again each time they look at the artwork in their own home?
Lifting Clouds
No inspiration, lots of procrastination. Endless scrolling on social media. It can feel like the black cloud of creative depression will never lift. Waiting for that day to come is an act of faith.
Out in the World
Your artistic children do not belong to you. They are life’s longing for self expression. Letting go of your art creations is important if they are to find new homes. Yet you can be full of anxiety - will they be loved by others as you love them yourself?
Think like an artist
Intuition comes in many forms. It means being finely attuned to the creative tools and materials you use as well as rejoicing in life’s little miracles. Following your instinct helps you think as an artist.
The Rhythm Method
What happens when you get out of your daily rhythm? You have to get back into flow. There are seven positive small actions I took to get back into the rhythm of creating again in my studio after five months away.
All is not Lost
We are our own worst critics. We have so many ideas around failure that it is easy to get discouraged. Yet all is not lost. When you adopt a “never give up” attitude your lost days can turn into blessings.
Netflix in Bed
Holed up in a friend’s spare bedroom while recovering from Covid, I invited the world to come to me. Outside the sun is shining on an English summer and the back-garden where I take my meals to get some fresh air, yet I am drawn inside back to my bed and the world of stories as the hours and days slip by.
Christmas message
The greatest Christmas gift you can give yourself this year is getting confident with uncertainty. Artists and creative people in every field have led the way on adaptability. It is my key word for 2022! Merry Christmas to all my readers and supporters.
Material Thinking
Thinking with your materials means you allow the unique quality of that material to lead you into experimentation. “What if” becomes the starting point for my experiments with abstract painting using bright coloured paper pulp.
It’s about time (exhibitions)
How do you make time work for you? This might mean synchronising with your body clock to create extra time so that particular tasks are done when you are most focused and alert. When there is a big job to do, like getting ready for an exhibition, you need to create time in abundance.
Why Create?
Creativity is a blessing. It takes you outside of yourself to a place that is “out of time”. It is akin to connection with something greater, the divine, the universal life force.
A little bit wonky
A little bit wonky is a good thing in art, it frees you from perfectionism. When it comes to repurposing old artworks, the courage it takes to tear up or paint over the old, is worth it. Old and boring transforms into wild, wonky and unique.
Awe and Wonder
In turbulent times, there is an urgent need for art to pay attention to the ordinary wonders in the world.. To give them form, to really notice and document life’s everyday beauty. To communicate the awe and wonder of being alive.
No Regrets
What will you leave behind as your legacy? Think of all of that you have already achieved, rather than what you haven’t. Your creative self expression is your legacy. Be proud to share it with the world, no comparisons, no regrets.
Be the Light
I love lighthouses.These powerful beams of light are a metaphor for connection, across the seas and lands. Having an online business is a bit like that. Shining a light from an online platform to inspire others.