5 conditions for creativity
What is your creative space missing?
This week at the Artory art school we cover the five elements of creating a space fit for art and creation at home. If you’re struggling with procrastination, discomfort or distraction (and let's face it, we all struggle with these when we aren't in the comfort of the Artory art classes), then check out this list to see what might be holding you back.
1. Find a space fit for artistic purpose.
This really can be anywhere- be open-minded about it. Do you feel a surge of inspiration in your local watering hole, by a waterfall, or while watering your garden? Observe how you feel when you enter the space. Does your heart race a little? Do you breathe a sigh of relief? Wherever it is, go with it. I personally prefer either the corner of my attic office or a noisy café in the evening. Artory’s art classes in Kingscliff are designed with this individual preference in mind- you can enjoy your experience with us in a studio, outdoors, and even your own back yard.
2. Maintain a state of mental freedom.
Those feelings we just discussed don’t matter one bit if you can’t sustain them. Your space needs to be nurturing, freeing your mind for exploration. Stress is just another word for panic, after all. Are you free from management, and the lesser known cousin, micro-management? Are you safe from judgement and free to be yourself? If not, why not?
3. Access to the basics.
There’s no point having the latest equipment and tech if you’re dehydrated and shivering. Make sure your environment is up-to-par for the obvious- water, food, a toilet, space to move, and comfortable temperature.
Here are two more basics you likely wouldn’t think of on the spot. First is posture. You should recognise this one as the piece of advice your mum’s been insisting on since you took your first step … sit up straight! If the love-seat, hammock or fair trade bean bag you work on leaves you feeling uncomfortable, toss it. You may have a sentimental attachment, but it’s not doing you any favours.
The other basic human need you may not identify when asked is… time. Time free from distractions is vital- or, at least, the kind of distractions that really ruin your focus. Sometimes ticking clocks and loud music actually help. Phones, demanding pets and social media definitely do not.
4. Raw materials at hand.
You should amass a collection of as many relevant materials as you can afford, starting with pencils, and working up to the like of light boxes and gold ink. But in your scramble for the practical, don’t forget the materials to feed your subconscious. Constantly and consciously surround yourself with inspiration, from a nature table to a collage of your favourite musicians. This kind of raw material is almost as important as your stationery- all creation is re-creation, after all. And you can only be as good as what you experience and observe.
5. Daily practice, or a routine.
If you only work when inspiration comes, inspiration will never come. At first, your impulse to fall into a routine can come from setting yourself obligations, such as becoming a part of a group or art class. If you live in the areas of Murwillumbah, Cabarita Beach, Pottsville, Casuarina or Tweed, then the Artory art classes on the Tweed Coast are for you! Why not drop by? Or give our online ‘Daily Drawing’ practice a go. It’s a 30 day program of quick, 15 minute exercises designed to fast-track your drawing skills and get you drawing from life. It’s part of the Artory Academy membership for just $40AUD a month
