up against the wall
Every creative person experiences dry seasons from time to time. The sooner you can get out of the desert, the sooner you can start your next masterpiece. But what can you do to shake things up and start the juices flowing again? The following are some of the ways that I blow the artist block blues.
1. Learn something new. Take a class. The wonders of the internet have made education very affordable. Nobody is cheaper than yours truly, but I will happily pay for a reasonably priced online art class. I’ve taken a number of classes online from Ken and Johannes Vloothuis through Wetcanvas.com . They are beyond reasonable and informative. I always come away with wonderful nuggets of artistic wisdom to put into practice. If you can take an ‘in person’ class so much the better.
piles of tiles
2. Try a new medium. If you are a painter you could get some clay and try your hand at molding or sculpting. If you work predominantly with oil paints then give watercolor , encaustics, acrylic, scratch board or pastels a try. The unfamiliararity of a new medium can release your pent up creativity.
art show
3. Visit a museum or go to an art show. Find out what other artists are doing. Look at the work of some old masters as well as some new cutting edge artists. Are there techniques you see that you can incorporate in your work?
4. Spend time with other creative folks. Art groups and writers groups are invaluable sources of creative inspiration and support. Find a group and get involved.
5. Try teaching a class. Every time I teach a class I learn a lot myself. It forces me to examine why I do the things I do and to pay closer attention to my processes.
These five practices for finding your creative sea legs again work for me. What works for you? I’d love to hear how you blow the artist block blues.
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