All creative types recognise the fear of a blank sheet of paper or canvas. Faced with a blank sheet of paper, the only rules are those of language, so what do you write or paint? For me, a painting is a commitment to making something, to create, to build. However, it’s troubling that as creative […]
Art of Anxiety and Fear
I suffer anxiety, but as a writer and artist, I don’t often find unpleasant emotions the sources of inspiration. I prefer to look at and dwell on beauty and ideas. When I feel fear, I feel physically sick; it’s no so much racing thoughts but the physical sensations that make it so uncomfortable. A couple […]
A darker side to Minimalism?
I take particular pride in not owning a lot of stuff; for a lifestyle I try to be a minimalist. Yet, I’ve learned there’s a dark side to this attitude and practice. I don’t like to own unnecessary baggage or spend frivolously; it helps with the housework, bank balance and the planet. Minimalism, like any […]
Mastery is effortless, mysterious
In our quest for excellence and success, we look to the master of our chosen craft. With a mixture of envy and interest, we want to know how they do what they do. We read their books, watch their tutorials, pour over their advice looking for the nuggets that will lead us to their greatness. […]
Social media for artists
The relationship an artist has to social media is complex, but some artists and writers have built their success on these platforms. But as we have discovered, it can also be a distraction. Sucking up time chasing links, follows, likes instead of getting on with work. All artists have their influences, but spending too much […]
Success has to involve personal development
‘Your level of success will seldom exceed your level of personal development because success is something you attract by the person you become.’ JIM ROHN Whilst technical skills are essential in any field, an overlooked aspect of any career, including art, is just how much you have to grow as a person. Successful creatives have […]