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Hi None,
Has your creativity taken a hit this year?
Maybe you like to dive into your artwork when life gets challenging. But right now, that isn't working as well as usual.
If you're struggling either creatively or personally, you're not alone.
So what to do about it?
You're probably familiar with author Julia Cameron, who coined the term "artist dates."
The goal is to treat your inner artist to a playful adventure -- something fun, not work.
A few ideas: Imagine one of your favorite artists is going to visit your studio. Spend a little time preparing your space. What would you show them? What would you talk about? Make something that is the opposite of your usual style -- e.g., abstract if you're a realist, miniature if you prefer larger formats, etc. When you go out, notice everything that's a certain color, shape, or texture. Make a sketch when you get back.
Caring for your creative self takes a creative approach.
And taking care of your art business requires the same.
It's about seeing different angles on your challenges.
For instance -- you may be struggling with how to show your work these days.
In many places, exhibitions have been cancelled. Lots of galleries are closed.
Should you just give up and wait until things are "normal" again?
Well, one of our students figured out where people are still going in person.
She reached out to a local supermarket to propose a show.
It would hang in the entrance area, with 3 works by 4 different artists.
The supermarket manager liked her idea!
But because the city was about to begin a partial lockdown, they were worried people would gather around the art, creating a health risk.
So they couldn't give her the go-ahead. She needed to figure out another way.
On a recent coaching call, artist and curator Rosalind Davis talked her through some ideas, like: a drive-through art gallery in the shop's parking areahanging artwork in a front window, so people view it from outsidea smaller installation (1 or 2 works) that rotates every 2 weeksa slideshow projected onto a screen or even the side of a building
Rosalind also talks about what you can say to the owner of a space where you'd like to show your work:
"Make it easy for them: Say, 'I'm going to organize it and take care of all the details; it won't be a lot of work for you.' And then they can say they're supporting the arts, the creative sector, [and] the economy."
If they have an objection, see if you can offer a creative way around it.
You never know until you ask.
We'd love to know how you've been sharing your work since the pandemic began.
What out-of-the-box idea have you tried?
Or... what's stopped you from trying something unconventional?
Comment below and we'll share some of your ideas next time.
- Miguel | 