READING

Have you pushed “Pause” on your creati...

Have you pushed “Pause” on your creativity?

An artist recently spoke with me about her work. She tearfully admitted that she’d been too busy to create new work of any substance.

She was afraid. Afraid she won’t be able to connect with the muse again. Afraid she’d made a choice to have a family, a proper job, and now that part of herself; that wonderful, wild artist is gone forever. Being an artist was something she used to do. What right has she to go back now? It’s not possible to hit the rewind button on your life.

I understand. I spent many years nursing a career in the art business. Only I was promoting other people’s work, not my own. I’d pushed the pause button in my creativity. When I heard the call to return to it, I succumbed to guilt and fear at first. “It’s too late now,” I told myself. It takes years to build a creative career. Why, I could be 50 years old before I saw any sort of success!

But then I went deeper, fast-forwarding into the future. With any luck, someday I’d be 50 years old anyway. How did I want to spend my time getting there? What did I want to show for it? That little voice that’s urging you to make new work or rededicate yourself to your creativity isn’t there to make you feel bad, or to shame you. That little voice is your creativity inviting you out to play. Work doesn’t work without play, you know.
Especially art work.

So forget about having to create a masterpiece or undertake a big project when you’ve
been away from your art for awhile. Forget about the fears and the questions. Take that pressure off, it’s not helpful. Instead, play with your creativity and connect again with the joy that it brings. And then follow that. It will lead you on a journey that will last all your days.

So to restart your creativity, first press “Play.” And then dance to the sound of your own music.


Crista Cloutier is a Professional Arts Career Advisor who has worked in and around the art business throughout her career. She’s been honored as an “Influencer in the Contemporary Art World” by LinkedIn. She spent a decade as the director of an influential gallery, is recognized internationally as a curator, has contributed articles and books about art to major publications worldwide, and she’s an artist herself.

 

Crista is also the founder of The Working Artist, an online professional practices resource for artists who want to get their work seen and sold.

 

How To Sell Your Art

Packed with helpful information to help you accelerate success. When you sign up for this free eBook, you’ll also receive a complimentary micro-workshop, Jump: Go Deeper Into Your Artist Practice.

You can claim your copy here > www.theworkingartist.com/free-updates

 

The Working Artist Masterclass

For artists who are ready to go deeper into their professional development; over the span of 8 weeks, you’ll be walked step-by-step through this unique program on a journey that you’ll never forget.

  • • Explore who you are as an artist, so your branding and marketing message are completely authentic.
  • • Understand how to price your art, create compelling promotional materials, and navigate the art world.
  • * Learn how to connect with collectors and art world-decision makers.

This is an online, on-demand comprehensive workshop that also includes Art Fair Essentials, an intensive program that will help you to achieve more sales during a fair. In addition, you’ll be invited to Crista’s monthly Coaching Calls that will continue to support you even after you finish the course.

You can receive a special discounted offer upon joining the mailing list. To learn more, visit https://theworkingartist.com

 

Private Mentorship Program

If you’re a mid-career artist with an exhibition record, Crista Cloutier offers the opportunity for private one-on-one Skype consultations. Every artist’s journey is unique so Crista will work with you in terms of your specific needs so you feel completely prepared for the art fair world.

 

You can receive a special discounted offer upon joining the mailing list. To learn more, visit https://theworkingartist.com

"Crista Cloutier is an extraordinary facilitator for change, creativity and prosperity.” Griselda Cann Mussett

RELATED POST

  1. Tammy Powell

    28 December

    Thank you so much for writing this Crista. I have pushed pause on my creativity since November because of the holidays. I successfully completed another wonderful Christmas with family! My birthday is January 2, on that day I push PLAY!
    Happy New Year Crista!
    Love
    Tammy Rose Powell

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

By using this form you agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website.

INSTAGRAM
Please Add Widget from here