Dashboard
Another Episode of The Artful Mind
In The Artful Mind we focus on the artists’ mindset. Mindset is the Grey Eminence behind the scenes of our creative endeavors. It is what trips us and what propels us forward, what takes us on the wings of Angels and to what so often feels like the Den of Daemons. Mindset is the opportunity we give or deny to that pest called The Critic, the ever babbling voice that can make our work so much more difficult, taking us away from authenticity, full immersion in the creative process, self love and a healthy self esteem.
CREATIVITY – PART I
In Part I I will share my thoughts about artists’ Creativity in general. In Part II (yet to come) I will share how I see the various roles that creativity has in our lives as artists.
Creativity is often seen as the lifeblood of an artist’s work and world, a force that fuels innovation and expression. According to Maria Brito, author of “How Creativity Rules the World” (which I am now reading), creativity is much more than a natural talent: it’s a dynamic and essential skill that shapes every aspect of an artist’s journey.
Creativity is more than just a means to an end, a “tool” we use to create art in its various forms. It is a profound form of emotional expression. Creativity is how we process our experiences, vent our frustrations, share our clear and not-so-clear search for our own personal Holy Grail. It can also be a form of therapy, certainly cheaper than the proverbial couch. Studies show that engaging in creative activities can boost mental health, reduce stress and enhance overall well-being.
Enter The Creative Process. Contrary to popular belief, creativity is not a constant, bubbling fountain. It’s more like an unpredictable geyser – thrilling when it erupts, but so very often – dormant. Every artist, even the masters, experience creative blocks. We might stare at a blank canvas for hours, days or even weeks, wondering if we’ve been a fraud until then or if the magic is gone forever. It is not.
Our creativity ebbs and flows and that’s perfectly normal. However, when it ebbs, we tend to feel that this is an existential crisis, not just a minor inconvenience. So often our self-worth is attached to what we produce, to “the product”. When creativity is absent or if it comes in spurts, when the result of this ebb and flow is work that we don’t like and often don’t even recognize as being ours, we tend to feel a sense of inadequacy and self-doubt. And that’s the Daemon showing up and sprawling itself on that chair right in front of our easel. And smirking.
Then there’s the age-old debate: hard work versus talent. Are artists born with a creativity gene, a special gift that mere mortals lack? Let’s set the record straight: while some artists might have a natural inclination, creativity thrives on hard work, perseverance and a willingness to experiment and fail – again, and again. Many artists achieve greatness not because they were born with a brush in their hand but because they refused to give up when the fountain dried up, when the Angels were absent and the Daemons had free reign.
Creativity is a beautiful ingredient in our lives but it is crucial to find balance. Burnout is real, and the pressure – be it self- or outer-imposed – to constantly produce can be overwhelming. It is healthier to set realistic goals, take breaks and seek inspiration from a variety of sources: nature, books, conversations with friends and many other relaxing and inspiring activities.
While society might place a high value on creativity, it’s important to remember that every artist’s journey is unique. We must embrace the highs and the lows equally, the bursts of inspiration, the quiet lulls and the deafening silences.
Personally, I’ve just lost my studio while I was in the middle of a painting that seemed to be going in the right direction. I don’t know when I’ll be able to continue working on it. This will be my quiet lull and I am hoping that the creative juices will continue to simmer underground and then erupt like a geyser!
So, go ahead! Grab that sketchpad, write that song, or dance like nobody is watching. After all, creativity is more than just a pastime – it is the heartbeat of the human spirit. It is the vital force that helps “make the world go ‘round”, a spark that ignites our souls and enriches our lives and of those around us. Hence the importance of sharing our work, of offering our personal expression, our authenticity, even our vulnerability to all who are open to receiving it.