Wait for it..... the theme song from Crickets is starting to fade in...
and fade out...
Now that I have set the mood,
Let's get into it!
It’s that frustrating chapter when a creative person feels well stuck in an uninspired void. Artist Block is a painter’s equivalent of writer’s block.
A blank canvas staring back at you, neither one of you blinking. Chilling!
It doesnt only happen to artists, It can be the same for musicians, and even athletes.
Here are some possible causes:
Physical and mental exhaustion, Personal challenges or issues, criticism, rejection, lack of motivation, pressure to be perfect, overthinking, or too much mental chatter.
Life is packed, brimming full and frothing over, so yes, there could even be more culprits in the closet.
But there is hope with a bag of tricks!
Some tried and true remedies to the rescue!
Data Dump
That's right! pick up a pen and start writing any random thought that comes into your mind!
Think of your left brain as a bathtub full of data, rules, regulations, and noise.
When we randomly write, we are pulling up the plug and letting all that data and noise flow out and onto the page. It doesn't need to make sense, and you won't be graded! In fact, don't even read it!!!!
After about 5 minutes, there is more real estate in your mind as the left brain is more quiet, and the right brain can finally come out from the shadows, the cellar, the attic, the back seat, and dust itself off, stretch its legs, and get ready to shine and blast off like a super nova....all those creative fireworks can finally come out and play!
Music is a great source of inspiration. Listening to music while can spark creativity as it lights up our entire brain, left and right. Having it play softly in the background keeps your mind engaged and alert. Better yet, start moving, dance out some of that stuckness!
Don't over think it!
Art is deeply woven into the fabric of human life, surrounding us constantly. It mirrors our ideas, thoughts, and cultures.
Art can be the language of emotions, and this is especially evident in non-representational abstract art. It's a powerful form of expression that transcends words, unveiling a universal language that speaks to everyone. Sometimes, you just must put the paint brush in some paint and throw it on the canvas! Stamp away with some plastic wrap and see what shapes have formed. I have created some beautiful pieces this way.
Walking, or getting outside!
Step outside and take a walk around your neighborhood to clear away anxious or negative thoughts. These thoughts can stifle creativity, and often the best remedy is just some fresh air to help clear your mind. Any interaction with God’s Green Earth is highly recommended for a fast track in lifting the spirit.
Mood Board
Creating a mood board also gets creativity to flow. Print out pictures of your favorite work, colors, styles, fonts, even your favorite shows or pressed flowers. You can put anything on a mood board that inspires you to get creative. They can be pretty, they can be messy, they can even be
pretty messy! It doesn't have to make sense to anyone but you.
Just randomly draw
It doesn’t matter what you put on the page, whether it’s random lines, spirals, or a mix of abstract shapes. Just pick up a pen and draw anything.
Artist’s block hits us all from time to time, but remember, you will overcome it. Keep pushing through, and the inspiration will return. Become a champ at randomness!
In a nutshell:
The prize isnt always a masterpiece, the journey of creating is something we humans need.
How about just creating for the joy of having no rules in a sketchbook, on a canvas, with some clay... Make a mess, throw it away, squish it, paint over it, just show up, and try, and you will eventually feel yourself getting inspired.
We all know the ocean ebbs and flows.
Humans are mostly made up of water, and so I believe we need those ebbs and flows too!
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