I injured my hand recently, and it’s been harder to paint. Holding my tools is awkward, and I can’t lift the larger paintings onto the wall. I was trying to work anyway but reacting to my limitations completely blocked me from that flow state. Everything I was making seemed harder and not as good. After a few days, I re-remembered something about art-making that helped.
Listen here.
This situation reminded me to try to minimize external reactions when making art. When you reduce your thinking about external things, you can drop more internally into your work. The result is stronger work that is more uniquely yours, which draws others in. It turns out that making art is actually the practice of tuning out the external reactions and tuning into you!
How do you let go of all those reactions to externalities when trying to make your art? Let us know in the comments.
What happens when external forces are so, so big they become almost impossible to ignore? This week’s Art2Life Podcast features a moving conversation I have with an artist facing gigantic life challenges. We look for answers in this extraordinary exchange. It felt like a gift and I’m so grateful to share with you. Please join me.
Click here to listen and subscribe to the Art2Life Podcast.
Have a great day in the studio!
Nicholas
PS Check out the Free Art2Life Artists Facebook Group. Every day, artists from all over the world are creating amazing art, and you are invited!
