KNOWING OURSELVES
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Why is it important to know ourselves, and how can that strengthen our art?
As artists, we draw on something to create our work. And that is one of the great mysteries of art-making—where does our work come from?
Some wait for inspiration to arrive. Others tap into their intuition. Some feel it emerges on its own as they work. But often, it seems like something we search for—pushing our materials around, deep in the making, hoping it will reveal itself.
In art-making, two things can be true at once. That’s the paradox that creativity inhabits—a space that can confuse us and even cause creative anxiety at times.
As an artist, you may rely on your intuition, respond to the process and materials you’re engaged with, and still find yourself feeling uninspired as often—if not more often—as inspired.
And yet, you can also work with awareness and intention, born from a deep personal inquiry that anchors you in a creative position—you know what your work is about, and why that matters.
So, what is the reliable constant we can place our creative faith in?
I believe it is ourselves. When we are willing to meet who we are with curiosity and compassion, we learn to trust our sensibilities, our interests, and our choices. This trust can become the guiding force in our work—rooted in our relationship to who we are and what matters to us. Bringing these values into our creative practice leads to authentic expression, communicated in a clear and resonant voice.
This is what allows us to make the work we truly want to make—work that resonates with others because it is real, rooted in truth, and infused with meaning.
The video linked below was shared with me by an artist who understands the value of connecting with ourselves in this way. It features artist Ilana Savdie in her Brooklyn Studio, discussing what informs her paintings.
Here are some journal prompts you can work with after watching the video:
What stood out to you most about this artist’s approach to her work?
What benefit did this artist gain from gathering resource materials before making her work? What purpose do you think that serves?
If you were to create a resource or inspiration wall for your own work, what would you put on it, and how would you approach the gathering process?
If you were to completely trust that whatever you like or are drawn to has validity and importance, what would be different for you? How might this trust guide your creative process?
This short version blog post is a part of my Mindset Moment series, an accompanying edition to my bi-monthly blog post. My intention for these Mindset Moments is to speak to some of the common challenges artists face with their creative work, and how a mindset shift can make a difference.
They are short reads, with a suggestion or writing prompt that you can work with…as well as an invitation to join in the conversation, sharing your experience and insights.
Join the conversation by leaving a comment under this blog post, or on my social media posts. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me, wherever you find me.
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