I’ve been video editing a new online course I’m creating. The progress is slow, because there’s only so much intense computer time that I can handle in one day. The creative time for my art is limited and I must admit, I’m stuck.
It would be nice to have a new textile piece in progress on my work table, but I don’t know what I want to do next. My brain wanders between ideas, but nothing is sticking around to say “Start THIS one!” I wonder if you’ve felt stuck, like this. I try not to be too hard on myself. You can’t force art, but you can feed the creative sprite.
Here are some things that I’m doing to encourage a new project idea:
- Journaling and meditation: This is a great way to clear the clutter and negativity from your brain.
- Sketching: – Sometimes an idea arrives, but its not fully developed. Sketch it out anyway. Just a simple drawing is all you need to remember it later. I know, if I don’t sketch it, I will forget it.
- View artwork: Visit art galleries to see other artist’s work. They might use a theme or technique that inspires a new design idea.
- Read: Go to the book store or library and look through art books and magazines. Much like viewing art in a gallery, flipping through pages is eye candy. If you buy the books or magazines, you can even rip out, or flag, pages for future reference.
- Observe nature and take pictures: Even if you don’t create nature-inspired art, the colors or patterns in nature can spark design potential.
- Experiment: Take classes or just play with some techniques or tools.
I’ve been doing all these things the past 2 weeks. Spring is definitely a time to be outside and exploring. It is also a great time to renew and grow. While encouraging my own growth, I’ve decided I want to jazz up my backgrounds on my art quilts. I’m learning how to use gouache paints to see if there’s a new way I can paint my fabrics. I also plan to experiment with several different fabric collage ideas, one from an idea I saw in a magazine and another a friend showed me. Maybe the two idea will morph into something totally different.
So, right now I’m OK not producing…instead, I’m feeding the soul and growing inspiration.
I have these conversations with most of my artist friends in every medium, goes with the territory. I go to art history , my first love, it’s like joining more friends from the past. Then the creative mind kicks in and you enter your world
Agree, definitely not specific to any one medium. There is so much inspiration in art history. I love going to museums.
All the time we spend outside is definitely “feeding the soul” and so vital to our artist brains.
So true!! Spring is a great time to enjoy the outdoors too. So much color and life.