I thought I'd start off this year by answering one of the most asked questions I get. It's a difficult topic to address and one of the hardest to solve. Mostly because what I'm about to share is controversial to some and not a beautifully packaged answer most creatives want to hear. This is not a short list response or quick fix post. I'm not here to tell you it's easy. I'm not here to sugarcoat. I'm here to tell you what I know from a humble opinion amongst a sea of many who are probably more capable and more of an expert than I am about this subject. So before I get into it, this is my warning.
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One of the major struggles I as a creative have had to learn to overcome to produce the kind of content I connect with, is that of the art block. Quite frankly, I'm not a huge fan of the term. It ignites an image of a physical barrier like a tall brick wall with barbed wire fence, or the form of total paralysis in an idea-less artist staring at a blank canvas.
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The art block is often depicted as an external force, an impregnable fortress guarding promises of loot and treasure. A devilish character with no origin story, forged in the name of stopping anything cool from happening, on a die hard mission to kill dreams and not give a f**k either.
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I used to think that art blocks purposefully held me back from accessing the flow of creativity--Like it chose me & I seemed to be the only one who didn't have the gate code.
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Well, first things first, I am very transparent and blatantly admit to going through these temporary phases where no work is created. That is to say, I've figured out how to get over an art block through a method I use on a daily basis and this only happened recently within the last year or two. It wasn't until I reframed my approach and recognized that 99% of art blocks are self-induced, that I was able to challenge my perception of the definition of an art block and stand up to it, to face it head on.
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So how do I defend my creativity to overcome such a ruthless cause? I lean into the art block and ask it these questions:
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"What are you? Where did you come from" and lastly, "Why are you here?"
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Art blocks are shape-shifters, capable of appearing under many names and in any situation. For now just to simplify, I'll give 3 major types of art blocks I find to be tricky and sometimes not all that easy to spot. The body, mind & spirit are all connected and creativity is the element that binds and intertwines them so that an artist can do what he/she does best--Make art! From these 3 major sources for creativity, different types of art blocks may appear to impede the flow of work.
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Body: Sometimes health and basic necessities can distract creative work but I'd say that the majority of art blocks are mental or spiritual. Biological functions can be a major art block like trying to work when I'm hungry(checking the fridge 6 times to see if anything new appeared since the last visit). Is it dehydration, or total exhaustion from non-related art projects that are zapping the creative juices? Maybe I need a nap? Listening to what my body wants and requires can get me started off in the right direction.
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Mind: A lot of the blame is usually associated with a lack of ideas but I'd highly disagree. Every day little micro-ideas and micro-inspirations appear left and right. They come in the form of bursts of dopamine from naturally occurring curiosities like exposure to novelty, interests, hobbies, sports, tv, music, podcasts, conversations. What really stops me every time is fear--This voice inside my head telling me to stop being creative. But that's impossible--Just the act of living is creative.
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Spirit: In some cases, It can a be a spiritual art block, like refusing to surrender control to an external source--An unexplainable force like the Universe, God, Hope, Faith, Magic, the Process or whatever you want to call it. This is something that can only be felt and trusted for its power to work. Combine this belief with an attitude to move forward and rely on not only one's own set of abilities & values but that of another is what I call realistic optimism.
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Asking specific detailed inquisitive questions can sometimes lead to some awesome, helpful and insightful answers. So, are you willing to make time for your art?
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The other art block I've recognized as playing a major role in preventing art from being made is that of external forces. In simpler terms--the environment.
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Major influencers in how a creative develops is the situations in which he/she subjugates themselves to. In essence, we are all a product of our environments.
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These last few years, I've surrounded myself with people who encourage and support me on my journey as an emerging artist. So for instance, when I initially couldn't find my tribe in my hometown, I travelled to discover it, or when I had nowhere to turn to talk about the things I care about, I turned to my journals or expressed myself online. I reached out to connect with other like-minded individuals who care for my well being and push me to improve and pursue a lifestyle that aligns with who I am as both a person and artist.
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When I felt uncomfortable in my workspace, I invested out of pocket to design a studio space that helped me stay focused on my vision and goals in life.
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When I felt unhappy with my job's working conditions I quit to go to another job where I felt more respected and appreciated. When I felt disatisfied with the kind of money I was making in a position, I worked to improve and gain more knowledge to make more money.
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When I didn't like the life I was living, I made changes to make a life I love.
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My life is messy and full of challenges but I'm flowing with it. Obstacles, art blocks, struggles and all those things that cause pain, they are as much a part of my story as the successes, milestones or paintings I create.
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I am here. I am present and no art block is too big to not overcome. -