I’m still in Greece and I find myself noticing everything more here. A stunning shade of blue, or a texture on a wall can stop me in my tracks! I’m taking tons of photos and I know they will inform my new art. What makes all this possible is presence.
Here’s how I think about it…
We pay more attention to what lights us up when we are present. There’s no thought of the future or the past. We are simply in the moment and available to take in what’s around us. This is a way of being and this leads to an artful life.
A practice of presence relates to art-making too. Art-making involves uncertainty when creating something new. When you are occupied with a result, with an end you want to see, that hinders the creative process. Presence is the way we can learn to be at peace with uncertainty. I hope this has encouraged you to stay present and be inspired by what you notice!
How do you stay present in your practice? Let me know in the comments.
On this week’s episode of the Art2Life Podcast, I dive deeper into the power of presence to lead an artful life. I talk about what pulls us away from ourselves, and how to notice the breadcrumbs that are leading us. Join me this Wednesday wherever you stream podcasts or catch the video on our YouTube Channel!
I hope you have an amazing week ahead!
Nicholas
PS: If you’re looking for a place to share your work in a community of like-minded artists, make sure you join our Free Art2Life Artists Facebook Group! I can’t wait to see what you’re working on!
