Surviving Difficult Times with Creativity

Blackland Prairie VI

Life can be tough. As artists, we know that all too well. Surviving as an artist is challenging even in the best of times, but it becomes even more difficult during moments of adversity. But in those moments of struggle, we also have a powerful tool at our disposal -- our creativity. So how can we tap into our artistic talents to navigate turbulent times?

1.     Control your environment, even if it is only enough space for a sketchpad on your lap. Put in some earphones and sketch, draw, write whatever comes to mind. It doesn’t have to be an organized thought. Jot down whatever marks or words come to mind and don’t try to make anything out of it.

2.     Let go of the need for validation, sales, or acceptance. Make art for the pure joy of creating. Create art for you. Create for the process of creating. Create for the movement. Put it down on paper, canvas, clay, wire, or whatever your medium of choice. Maybe it’s the pieces of plastic you picked up on your walk. Just make something.

3.     Give yourself a break. Not everything we create must be a masterpiece. So many creations come out of another creation. It’s the process of creating that nurtures the soul. We don’t need to make a masterpiece every time.

4.     Go for a walk. What do you see? What do you feel? What do you hear? Be in the present moment. What thoughts arise? I generally find that I create better after a walk. The combination of increased blood flow to the brain, the fresh air, the people we encounter can all spark creativity.

5.     Phone a friend. Reach out to a like-minded friend or connection. Sometimes, a simple conversation can shift your mindset and change the downward spiral to remind you of your creative potential.

6.     Take a class. When in doubt, learn something new. New skills can open doors to new creative opportunities. Taking a class in a different medium or art-form can help us improve our current skills or perspective. We can bring something different back to our practice.

Embrace these simple steps as a way to navigate tough times. Creativity has a remarkable way of helping us find light in the darkest of moments.