Every artist encounters periods of creative stagnation in the intricate world of mask creation and performance. Whether it’s a lack of inspiration, self-doubt, or feeling stuck, overcoming these blocks is crucial for reigniting passion and engaging imagination.
First, I want to apologize for this very long two-part blog post. Artist’s block is incredibly complex and personal, and I want to give it the depth of breath and attention it deserves.
I also want to give a personal shout-out and thank you to my dear friend Mathieu Rene, whose support and insight have been invaluable to me.
A while ago, Mathieu wrote a post on this subject that inspired me deeply when I struggled with my artistic journey and identity. Without his friendship, positive outlook, and passion for art, I might have made the biggest life mistake and given up art altogether. His encouragement has been instrumental in the creation of TheaterLunaire.
Please show him some gratitude and visit his Instagram.
If I can return to my art, I genuinely feel anyone can do the same.
The Creative Dreamscape is about reconnecting to your passion for art and self-expression. It’s about stretching yourself, pushing into new areas to grow artistically, and deepening your art. knowledge and practices. It involves exploring the human condition from your unique perspective and engaging with the world around you while at the same time being present in the now. Above all, it’s about creating beautiful expressions of imagination and unlocking your artistic potential.
Embrace this journey, for in every struggle lies the seed of profound creativity waiting to bloom.
In preparation for my next blog post, I invite you to participate in a unique week-long challenge to help you reconnect with your creative self and clear your mental clutter. This challenge concerns self-care, mindfulness, and engaging with the world around you—without the pressure of producing art.
First, permit yourself to let go and start anew. Take time and care with the activities below. Healing and growth take time, so be kind to yourself. You can revisit and do these at your own pace. This journey is about creating space for your creativity to flourish, free from the constraints of deadlines and expectations. Embrace the process, and allow yourself the freedom to explore, reflect, and grow.
“The Creative Dreamscape” 7-day challenge
Day 1 & 2: Quiet Reflection and Journaling
As you embark on your journey of self-exploration and reflection, creating a comfortable space for quiet reflection is essential. This space serves as a sanctuary to disconnect from the outside world’s noise and connect with your inner thoughts and feelings. Setting aside 15 minutes daily for this practice can profoundly affect your well-being and creativity.
To begin, find a quiet corner of your home where you can sit comfortably without interruptions. Set aside distractions like your phone or other electronic devices to fully immerse yourself in the experience.
“If you have children, consider involving them in this practice as a group meditation and journaling exercise. Modelling and normalizing group silence can be a valuable lesson for you and your children.”
Once you’ve found your quiet space, pour yourself a 4-8 ounce glass of water and set it in front of you. I Know! I know this may sound strange, but keep an open mind and trust in the process. This glass of water symbolizes filling up your creativity and the abundance of inspiration always available. Take a moment to acknowledge this symbolism to yourself or out loud, affirming the connection between the water and your creativity. Now, set a timer for 15 minutes and close your eyes. Take a few deep breaths, inhaling deeply through your nose and exhaling slowly through your mouth. As you breathe, imagine tension leaving your body at your toes and working your way up to the top of your head with each exhale, allowing yourself to relax deeper.
Focus on your breath, making each inhale and exhale slower and more rhythmic. If your mind begins to wander, gently bring your focus back to your breath without judgment. Remember, the goal is not to empty your mind but to cultivate a sense of calm and presence.
Once the timer beeps, turn it off and take a moment to come back to reality slowly. Wiggle your fingers and toes, stretch your limbs, and open your eyes. Before returning to your daily activities, take gentle sips of the water in front of you until it’s all gone, allowing its refreshing taste to ground you in the present moment. Reflect on how you felt during this period of quiet reflection and write a journal about your experience by writing, video, or audio recording. Did you notice any sensations or emotions arise? How did disconnecting from the outside world and connecting with your inner self feel?
By prioritizing this time for quiet reflection and journaling, you are nurturing your creative spirit and laying the foundation for deeper self-awareness and personal growth. Embrace this practice as a form of self-care and allow yourself to fully immerse yourself in the present moment.
Day 3: Engaging with the World
As you continue your journey of self-exploration and reflection, it’s time to step into your creative dreamscape and engage with the world around you. All great art is rooted in the human condition and the observation of the world, making it crucial for artists to immerse themselves in their surroundings and draw inspiration from their experiences.
Today, I encourage you to dress up in a way that makes you feel artistic and inspired. This is about self-expression and embracing your unique creative identity. Whether donning a colourful scarf or wearing a piece of jewelry that holds sentimental value, allow yourself to express your artistic persona through your appearance. Once you’ve dressed to reflect your inner artist, venture out into the world. Visit a local gallery to immerse yourself in the work of other artists, take a leisurely nature walk to reconnect with the beauty of the natural world, or explore a new part of town to stimulate your senses and spark your imagination.
As you engage with the world, pay attention to the sights, sounds, and sensations around you. Notice the play of light and shadow, the rhythm of footsteps on the pavement, and the scent of freshly blooming flowers. These moments of observation are the building blocks of creativity, providing endless inspiration for your artistic endeavours.
At the end of your day, set aside 15 minutes to reflect on your experiences and document your thoughts in your preferred journaling format. Write about the moments that stood out to you, the emotions they evoked, and the insights you gained from engaging with the world. This practice will stimulate creativity and deepen your connection to your artistic voice and vision.
Embrace your unique perspective, and don’t be afraid to stretch beyond your preconceived limitations. By stepping outside of your comfort zone and actively engaging with the world, you’ll tap into new sources of inspiration and unlock the full potential of your creative dreamscape.
Day 4: Reflecting on Creative Blocks
Take time to reflect on when you first noticed your creative block in mask creating or performance. What circumstances surrounded it? Spend 15 minutes reflecting on these questions. Then write, record a video, or create an audio journal, no editing, no retakes, just talk about the moments when your creativity feels stifled.
By mindfully exploring these experiences, you can begin to understand the root causes of your blocks and develop strategies to overcome them.
Day 5: Crafting Your Artistic Narrative
Every mask artist has a story. Today, focus on creating your artistic narrative. Whether it’s through a written story, a video diary, or an audio memoir, share your journey as a mask creator. Highlight the highs and lows, the breakthroughs and the blocks. This storytelling exercise will help you process your experiences and remind you of your resilience and passion.
Day 6: Evaluating Your Creative Journey
Sometimes, the most straightforward exercises are the most revealing. Take 15 minutes to list the pros and cons of your journey in mask creation and performance. What aspects of your creative process do you love? What challenges do you face? This straightforward activity will help you clarify what fuels your passion and what hinders it, providing valuable insights for breaking through the artist’s block.
Day 7: Reflecting on the Week
Welcome to the final day of the challenge. Today, let’s bring together your week’s experiences. Gather your reflections from the past week and lay them out before you, whether through writing, a video, or an audio memoir. Think back to Days 1 and 2, where you created a quiet space for reflection. How did sitting in silence and journaling impact your mental state? Reflect on Day 3, when you dressed up and engaged with the world. How did observing and interacting with your surroundings inspire you?
Review Day 4’s insights into your creative blocks. What did you uncover about the circumstances that stifle your creativity? On Day 5, you crafted your artistic narrative. How did sharing your story remind you of your resilience and passion?
Lastly, revisit Day 6’s pros and cons list. What did you learn about what fuels and hinders your creativity? Reflect on these themes and consider how they’ve contributed to your personal growth and creative journey. Personal reflection and action are the best ways to break through artistic blocks.
Remember, your authenticity is your greatest asset as an artist. Embrace it and let it shine. In the next step, choose one thing you found particularly challenging over the week and act on it. Be honest and gentle with yourself as you work on this issue.
Express yourself in a way that isn’t in your chosen media, exploring new avenues of creativity. In closing this part of your journey through the Creative Dreamscape, you’ve navigated moments of stillness, engagement, and introspection. Each day’s challenge offered a unique opportunity for self-discovery and growth.
Remember, healing and growth take time. Be patient and kind to yourself as you continue on this artistic journey. Let the insights gained from this week guide you forward as you embrace your creative authenticity.
Here is Part 2, where we go even deeper into breaking through artistic blocks.
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