Each of us has a creative side which can be a source of discovery and innovation. It can also be a tool for expressing oneself, helping to overcome challenges on our journeys toward wellness.
I paint from the heart. My tool of choice is color. I paint with passion, reaching deep inside my soul to find and draw out love, and to share it with viewers of my art. Trying to harness this expression can, at times, be a challenge. There are times when one walks into one's studio and feels some form of creative block. This happens to all artists at some point or other, myself included.
The greatest tip that I can offer, in order to get past such obstacles and continue moving towards free expression is to be kind to yourself. Allow mistakes to be made. Most importantly, try not to worry about the final result. It is the process that matters most. The goal is to fuel creativity, not to hamper it (with pre-conceived ideas and expectations).
Painting with love is allowing oneself the freedom to explore.
Whatever the medium, art has the potential to nurture and heal. Allow time and space, and remember “good art” can come in all forms. Love and intention will speak for itself in whatever you produce.
Experiencing creative block? Try this exercise!
- Make a mark on your substrate (canvas, paper, or whatever you're using). Any mark.
- Then make another.
- Repeat.
- Just keep doing this, until you fill up your canvas, even if you don't love what you see unfolding in front of you.
- Push yourself to go through the motions, even if you're not in the mood. If you do, chances are that you'll discover an idea to latch onto, along the way. If you're lucky, it will draw you down a rabbit hole of creativity... In a perfect world, it will take you to a wonderful place that you may not have known was there!
Also see my blog post, "10 Tips: get through artist creative block"!