On the Note of Artist Block

This blog was originally written 5/13/24

Conversations with your other artist friends are really interesting. You get to see what things you all are working on in life, discuss new goals, and the challenges we’re facing. Sometimes they catch me off guard when I get the question about what is it that I’m working on. Most times, initially I answer with something like, “Hmm I don’t think I’m up to much, just been focusing on (insert boring task).” Which is the truth…but aometimes I don’t realize I literally sketched the day before or I created something recently prior to the conversation. It just goes to show how much creating is a lifestyle for me. I’m sure many other artists can relate. It comes natural to not think about all things as projects. It just is what it is. Something I did in my day.

This is something that’s contributed to me not feeling as affected by artist block as of recently. I can’t say I don’t get the urge to create and then attempt to make a cool piece and fail. It happens very often. But at the same time, when I think about artist block, I realize coining that title to not always creating amazing, groundbreaking work is me simply overthinking. It is possible this applies to others as well. My take is, with art being your lifestyle, it is important to notice when you are being creative and using your talents during times you don’t realize or intend to. This will save you from the guilt of not creating. Sometimes being creative isn’t so calculated as sitting down and announcing that you are going to create. Society is hard enough as it is on us. We’ve got to learn how not to be so hard on yourself. Every effort matters. That applies to all of life.