Reading this post was the equivalent of letting out a sigh of relief. I moved to France to study French five weeks ago. I didn’t realize how much energy I would expend to establish a new routine and find a different rhythm to my days and weeks as I familiarize myself to a new city.
Today when I organized all of my supplies, I beat myself up for not using them more. Then I reminded myself that I just moved to a new country (!). So often I measure my self-worth as an artist by my artistic output. What I’ve come to understand about this ‘identity’ is that it’s not just what I make/create but how I see and interact with the world as I live my life. When it’s time to create, everything I’ve experienced up to that moment comes to the page.
You are so right, and beating oneself up is definitely not conducive to creativity. Being kind to oneself and starting again by just playing is a much better route to take.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and experience with us!
I've had to start again so many times, in so many ways! One thing I've learned to do when I'm encountering resistance (usually in the form of procrastination) is to use a timer and work on the thing for a laughably small amount of time, and then call it done. A few days of this helps re-make a routine without any pressure.
I also find it helpful to look outwards when starting over. For example, by using a short list of "assignments" which can be made up, read about, or sought out on the internet. For me, its easier to get started this way than by tackling a bigger project.
Basically anything I can think of to take the pressure off and make it fun and casual. Its so easy to lose momentum in an art practice, and so hard to get it back, but once you do its like the art takes over and you're just along for the ride.
Using a timer definitely helps. And I like what you are saying about taking the pressure off, beating oneself up gets one nowhere except down in the dumps.
Thank you for sharing your experience and tips with us.
Thank you for the helpful advice and your relatable experience.
I stopped drawing for many decades but when I finally got back to it, I discovered that all the other creative activities I had explored in the meantime (and life) had all helped in relaxing my grip as well as my tendency towards perfectionism and overthinking. Which brought the practice of drawing back to the pure pleasure and enjoyment I experienced as a child.
As for vacation, etc. it can be super frustrating to feel as if you don't even know how to hold a pencil anymore, that your hand has somehow stiffened. But I agree, rest, life, family and friends time are all important for our wellbeing (and inspiration!). So yes, let's breathe and trust that our creative hands still know what they are doing and will lead the way.
So well written Nino 🙌 I've experienced it so many times and I'm sure it will happen again. The first times it happened I was terrified by the feeling and it was so frustrating but now I know it's a normal period after a short or long break. Excellent tips, my go to is going back to the basics and play with materials 😊 and I consider that being gentle with myself has a major importance, probably the key to make it all easier!
Reading this post was the equivalent of letting out a sigh of relief. I moved to France to study French five weeks ago. I didn’t realize how much energy I would expend to establish a new routine and find a different rhythm to my days and weeks as I familiarize myself to a new city.
Today when I organized all of my supplies, I beat myself up for not using them more. Then I reminded myself that I just moved to a new country (!). So often I measure my self-worth as an artist by my artistic output. What I’ve come to understand about this ‘identity’ is that it’s not just what I make/create but how I see and interact with the world as I live my life. When it’s time to create, everything I’ve experienced up to that moment comes to the page.
Thank you for this gentle reminder.
You are so right, and beating oneself up is definitely not conducive to creativity. Being kind to oneself and starting again by just playing is a much better route to take.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and experience with us!
I've had to start again so many times, in so many ways! One thing I've learned to do when I'm encountering resistance (usually in the form of procrastination) is to use a timer and work on the thing for a laughably small amount of time, and then call it done. A few days of this helps re-make a routine without any pressure.
I also find it helpful to look outwards when starting over. For example, by using a short list of "assignments" which can be made up, read about, or sought out on the internet. For me, its easier to get started this way than by tackling a bigger project.
Basically anything I can think of to take the pressure off and make it fun and casual. Its so easy to lose momentum in an art practice, and so hard to get it back, but once you do its like the art takes over and you're just along for the ride.
Using a timer definitely helps. And I like what you are saying about taking the pressure off, beating oneself up gets one nowhere except down in the dumps.
Thank you for sharing your experience and tips with us.
Thank you for the helpful advice and your relatable experience.
I stopped drawing for many decades but when I finally got back to it, I discovered that all the other creative activities I had explored in the meantime (and life) had all helped in relaxing my grip as well as my tendency towards perfectionism and overthinking. Which brought the practice of drawing back to the pure pleasure and enjoyment I experienced as a child.
As for vacation, etc. it can be super frustrating to feel as if you don't even know how to hold a pencil anymore, that your hand has somehow stiffened. But I agree, rest, life, family and friends time are all important for our wellbeing (and inspiration!). So yes, let's breathe and trust that our creative hands still know what they are doing and will lead the way.
Yes!!! I wholeheartedly agree. All the other pursuits adds up, nothing is a waste.
It’s just getting those muscles back into shape that can be so frustrating.
Nice sketches and very useful, thanks a lot, Michel
Thank you, Michel!
So well written Nino 🙌 I've experienced it so many times and I'm sure it will happen again. The first times it happened I was terrified by the feeling and it was so frustrating but now I know it's a normal period after a short or long break. Excellent tips, my go to is going back to the basics and play with materials 😊 and I consider that being gentle with myself has a major importance, probably the key to make it all easier!
Thank you, Teresa! Yes, playing with materials can unlock that dormant creativity. Works every time!