Creative Process3 min read

We all have different techniques to get our imaginative juices flowing… And we all feel at times that the world of art is designed specifically to create roadblocks, walls and barriers of various kinds. The artistic process can most definitely flow effortlessly, but sometimes we need a little push and some encouragement to unleash the torrent of creativity locked within us. I’ll share with you some techniques I use and you can share with me your fabulous art.

The first thing you have to do is remember that just because you have a creative block, it doesn’t mean that your talent, drive, determination or creative genius is in serious question. It just means that you are like everyone else who lives in this world of distractions. (Not a bad place to live when you really think about it…) But here are a few things you can do to beat your creative block:

  1. Begin. Whatever it is you are doing, whether you are writing, drawing, painting, creating a video montage of your favorite 80’s moments… Start it! If you are stuck at the beginning, just start jotting down notes, lines, paint, etc to get started. You will be amazed at how your work can evolve and transform into something you never expected, just by going through the motions.
  2. Relax. Bet you tried that already, right? The last thing you want to hear is that you should relax now, but you really should. Try meditation, try yoga (a wonderful moving meditation) – it will help if your mind is calm.
  3. Do something boring. Sometimes you have to step away from your project to regain perspective, determination and drive. Walking away, watching a documentary or playing angry birds can make it easy to come back to your art.
  4. Music. Listen to – no scratch that, absorb music. Writing a screenplay? Throw some dramatic soundtrack in to inspire your scenes. Painting? Play music that suits your theme – for instance, I was painting a cactus and listening to mariachi. I never painted so fast in my life.
  5. Switch mediums/art forms. Writing a novel? Try drawing. Sculpting? Play an instrument. Switching art forms will allow you to continue the creative process and open you back up to your originally inspired piece.
  6. Location. Change your location to change your perspective. You would be amazed at how moving your art space or just turning around will help. Stand on a desk and see the world in a new way. Hey – it worked for Robin Williams.
  7. Sleep. You read that correctly. Sleep on it. Take time away from your project, give it no thought whatsoever and rest. (Unless you have a deadline, then stop reading this and get back to work!) Seriously, rest will open doors to new worlds – and sleep will allow for dreams. Don’t underestimate the power of your subconscious mind! Dreams sometimes tell the most fascinating stories.

The most important thing to remember is to not be too hard on yourself. Everyone experiences a creative block at some point in time. Don’t be afraid of imperfection. The universe is in perfect harmony thanks to imperfection. In fact, nowhere in all of nature and physics will you find perfection – so you can just toss that out the proverbial window now. Embrace imperfection and the moments where you can’t think of one brush stroke or word to write. It’s during these times that some of our best works are born.

Remember: grow; learn; conserve; preserve; create; question; educate; change; and free your mind.

About: Kelli Klymenko is an artist, a faculty member and the Marketing & Events Coordinator at Sedona Arts Center: a gathering place where artists can learn, teach, and exhibit their works at the center’s School of the Arts and Fine Art Gallery in uptown Sedona.

Advertisement
Larson Newspapers

- Advertisement -