Finding Balance is the name of the game.
As we all know, maintaining a dedicated art practice is never linear. We go through ups and downs, bursts and pauses, and times where one kind of work or job takes precedence over another. We may find ourselves with some existential questions related to where we are in the work/studio life we are trying to create. I’ve been there and so has ever single successful artist. It’s a normal response to feeling stuck or even unsure of what your next steps will be.
After researching techniques for overcoming boredom within work settings, and reaching out to other professional in the art field for how they respond to this feeling, I have put together these 5 tips on how to stay engaged within your art practice.
Try Something New- Spend some time doing something that sparks joy for you unrelated to art making. Try a new hobby, join a discussion group, sign up for a workshop in a medium you have never used before.
Use what you have- You may be trying something new, but that doesn’t mean you need to invest in all new equipment or supplies. Start with where you are and with what you have off hand. You will be more likely to use something readily available than something that needs extensive planning or purchasing. Remember, we are trying to establish a practice that keeps you engaged and motivated, something quick and easy to play with.
Walking not Talking- I got his phrase from art critics Roberta Smith and Jerry Saltz. It is exactly as it sounds; turn off your phone and go for a silent walk. Some of my best ideas came from walking and not talking. This practice allows your brain to think without distraction. It also is grounding, a great break in the middle of the work day, and healthy for you!
Save/bookmark- We all have people whose work we admire or are envious of on social media. When you come across something you really like or have a strong response to, save it or bookmark it in it’s own separate folder. At the end of the month, go back and review the work you have saved… What do you notice about it? Are there any emerging themes?
25 minutes- Also known as the Pomodoro Technique, this is a time management technique started in the 1980’s by Francesco Cirillo. The word “pomodoro” comes from the tomato shaped timer he used to keep track of the 25 minute intervals devoted to uninterrupted work. This technique is designed to promote a flowstate when accomplishing a task. If finding time to work in the studio is a barrier for you, then I recommend tryin this technique. It’s a small time commitment, with emphasis on uninterrupted time. The key is to set a timer and to be okay with stopping after it goes off. The desire to continue past the timer is okay too, but if you find yourself perpetually feeling like you can’t get everything done when it comes to work/art/life balance, then I recommend stopping with the timer to prevent any cumulative resentment building up inside. Better to put in 25 min each day, week, etc. alongside other responsibilities, than feel like there is never enough time to do it all.
Bonus round- 45 days to a new neural pathway, aka creating a new habit- This idea was introduced to me by local legend/creatrix Kirsten Hurley. Inspired by a book she was reading Kirsten created an IG group dedicated to small daily routines. The idea is simple, commit to something for 45 days and check in with your group for accountability. What you choose to commit to needs to be easily attainable and not something you already do. For example some people commit to 10 min of daily meditation, flossing, drinking 1L of water a day, walking for 30 min, reading 3 pages of a book, etc. By the end of 45 days, you have not only created a new positive habit, but you have also proven to yourself that it doesn’t take much aside from the awareness and commitment to make small changes to improve your life. Now imagine if we applied this to our art practice? What kind of small easily attainable commitment would you make?
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*photo credit: ITSI, First Mind-Brain and Education Seminar in Africa, MBE (alluringcreations.co.za)