Building Blocks to Beat Creative Blocks
What happens when you get stuck?
We want to make something. We long for the feeling of freedom creativity brings to our life. But the pen hovers over the page. The paintbrush is still. The feet stumble and the dancer pauses. We all get stuck sometimes, unsure what our heart needs to create next. It can create quite a deep anxiety. Artists ask “Will I ever find it again?”
There is no cause for concern. You were born to create, and these episodes are natural breaks. We all need rest, and we all experience change from time to time. A block can be a form of imposed rest, or it may signal a change of direction in our art.
What can you do if you’re not sure what to make next? There are plenty of options.
Rest, reorganize and reflect. Sleep is a time for healing body, mind and spirit so take a nap, go to bed early, or sleep in. When you’re rested, take some time to clean your space, organize your supplies, and restore order. Write yourself a letter (or a poem or a song) about why you started making art in the first place.
Give your art a time out. Put your art supplies away for a little while and allow yourself to try other activities. Go to a museum. Take a walk in the park. Try a new recipe. Visit friends - artists and non-artists, too.
Make something different. If you usually write, try painting. If you usually paint, sign up for a dance class. If you usually dance, consider writing some poetry. Use a playful approach to trying something new, or something you may not have done since childhood. Don’t worry about doing it well - experiment with no expectations.
Find some prompts. An internet search will provide you with prompts that may spark inspiration that gets your creative brain fired up again. You can find prompts for writing and songwriting, painting prompts, dancing prompts - I imagine that the internet will offer up prompts for any kind of art you can make.
Whatever you feel when you find yourself stuck, and whatever you decide to try, remember - you were born to create, and your inner artist will find the way if you’re willing to playfully experiment and trust in the process, breaks and all.
Will you be in Essex County on Saturday June 21, 2025? Join me from 1-4 pm at the Kingsville Legion for a Book Launch and Music Release Celebration!
Singer-songwriter and guitarist Steve Shikaze will join me on stage, and together we’ll sing and play a set of songs from my latest projects. There’ll be some surprises in the set list, and a special guest on-stage, too! We’ll have good company, light refreshments including non-alcoholic beverages, and the Legion’s bar will be open if you’d like something stronger.
