Overcoming Creative Blocks

Throughout my journey as an artist, there certainly have been times when I've encountered creative blocks.  Sometimes I wondered if it was time to throw in the towel, to walk away from this creative life.  But instead, I've learned to allow the harrow and fallow or feast and famine, balancing times of work with rest.  There are several methods I practice which I find to work wonders when I need to refresh:

1.  Read...about art, artists, different forms of creativity, human nature (I'm especially drawn to Malcolm Gladwell and a great creative refreshing read is Twyla Tharp's 'The Creative Habit').

2.  Rest...enjoy afternoon naps, watch a movie, soak in a bubble bath, daydream, drink copious amounts of really, really good tea while enjoying the scent of a delicious scented candle (I prefer beeswax & vanilla).

3.  Look...visit galleries and interesting shops, visit artists' website and blogs, learn about different techniques, watch artists at work (vimeo is fabulous for this).

4.  Create...try something different utilizing a new medium or subject matter or ground - draw, write, paint, carve, take a class or workshop to learn something new.

5.  Change...try working in a new environment, create in a new place - I tend to take my small pochade box and sit in a café or I head into the mountains to paint or sketch.