“The studio, a room to which the artist consigns himself for life, is naturally important, not only as workplace, but as a source of inspiration. And it usually manages, one way or another, to turn up in his product.” Grace Gleuck
You probably already know that showing up is half the battle of any creative endeavor. It’s also the toughest part.
We have a tendency to resist the getting there. Maybe it’s the awkward beginnings we’d rather not wade through, or the frustration of knowing that much of what we do will need to be revised or completely done away with.
Regardless of our reasons, resistance is a fact of strife.
That’s why it’s so important to have a creative space that feels like home, some place warm and inviting.
If you were having guests, you’d tidy things up, set out your best china, light some candles, and put on some good music. In other words, you’d make them feel welcome.
Do you feel welcome at your writing desk, in your sewing nook, or wherever it is that you do what you do? Have you set the table for you and your muse?
Do you have good lighting? Are you surrounded with things that inspire you like good books and a selection of your favorite tunes?
And what about art? Are there any paintings or photographs hanging on your walls? If not, why not?
I think it’s time we realize the importance of being every bit as inviting to our creative selves as we would be to our friends and family.
Imagine a place you’d be drawn to, a little corner of the world you’d love to visit and visit often. Describe it in as much detail as possible and then set about, day by day, making it a reality.
If you really want to make a commitment, you’re going to need all the encouragement you can get. You can begin by building some of that encouragement directly into your surroundings and inviting yourself in.
Think, Draw, Write.
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{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
Very interesting points here; environment plays a huge part in allowing inspiration to flow.
Personally, I used to hang art on my walls yet in recent years I’ve gone in the opposite direction of having an environment as clear as possible so that inspiration comes from within.
This can be achieved by draping clear sheets if a redecoration is not possible; something to try to help encourage the relaxation that allows your inner creativity out.
Keep up the great posts
Paul Foreman´s last blog ..Thought commentary
I’m always for whatever works. In my case, I like having art to inspire me. Not having it would be to me like not reading in order to inspire my writing. Just doesn’t cut it for me.
I needed that today. My studio is a mess after finishing up a few big projects. Hadn’t really noticed, but am starting to avoid going in there. Not a good thing!
Martha Marshall´s last blog ..Common Threads
A little periodic cleaning never hurts. You don’t have to be a clean freak, of course.
There seems to be an optimal level of disorder in my creative life. I need my stuff (papers, books, current projects) out. But too much clutter scrambles my brain.
I’m pondering on the notion that our space show up in the work…. hmmm….
Liz´s last blog ..Fall Down Seven Times…
It’s always about striking a balance, isn’t it?
Thanks, Ken, for visiting my blog and allowing me to find yours. Wow. It’s so “mildly” simple yet says so much! I’m very inspired by your mild and wonderful creativity. Up until now, I only associated the word “mild” with the lowest level of spiciness at a Thai restaurant. But it’s so much more than that, isn’t it?
Oh, I like spicy foods, so I’m not much on that kind of mild.
Yes! I agree. Setting up our studios to be spaces we want to be in can make all the difference in the world. And what is inviting may change over time, so it’s good to re-evaluate every so often.
leah´s last blog ..The Soul of Your Home
Agreed. What’s inviting to us one day, might be off putting on another. We’re strange birds, but fascinating to watch.
Ken,
I love your idea of having an inviting space to create. I also love art and other decorative touches, and plan to set up a really neat studio when I move in a few weeks to a bigger space. The space will be eye-appealing, that’s for sure.
I’m moving too. This week, in fact. I’m finally going to have my own room and can’t wait to set it up.