Sometimes life takes over and you just can’t seem to get back into the flow of creating!
As a creative small business owner, balancing living life, managing a business (and doing things like math!!), making a living, and making art can be tough and some times can be worse than others. I’ve experienced those highs and lows and am slowly (emphasis on the slowly) learning how to create a lifestyle that feels good and balanced AND giving myself grace when it’s just not. I’m on a lifelong quest to accept uncertainty, follow my intuition, and continue to make art because it feeds my soul. If you’re like me and trying to stay strong and keep making my work through it all - I compiled a list of my top three books that have been significant sources of comfort and support during those inevitable creative blocks. Here they are : )
The Artist’s Way
The Artist’s Way: This is the perfect book to read when you’re trying to get back into making art. It’s not only something to read, but takes you through what she calls your “creative recovery” step by step.
I read and used this book way back in 2011. It was one of the most life changing books for me. I read it a couple years after graduating from undergrad and was so depleted from working a full time job and not knowing how to work art back into my life. It’s after going through this book and participating in all the weekly exercises did I have the courage to take another step towards creating a path that would help me integrate art into my daily life. I went back to school, not for the art degree, but for the community and experience. It turned out to be one of the most gratifying experiences of my life.
It’s hard to believe that Julia Cameron wrote this book over 25 years ago because it is still so relevant! There are so many quotes in this book, but decided to leave you with this one which sums up what to expect when diving into this book, “You will discover the joy of practicing your creativity. The process, not the product, will become your focus.”
2. Art & Fear
Art & Fear: This is the perfect book to read when the daily struggles of making art are creeping into your mind and getting to you.
I’ve read this book a couple of times so far and always have it on hand. It’s a no nonsense book about the realities of making art and why we do it. This book was also written in the 90’s but still extremely relevant to someone like me. It helps acknowledge the struggles while snapping you out of whatever may be holding you back from pushing ahead. I’d have to say that this is one of my favorite books ever. Bayles and Orland put it best in their closing statement, “In the end it all comes down to this: you have a choice (or more accurately a rolling tangle of choices) between giving your work your best shot and risking that it will not make you happy, or not giving it your best shot – and there by guaranteeing that it will not make you happy. It becomes a choice between certainty and uncertainty. And curiously, uncertainty is the comforting choice.” So good.
3. Your Inner Critic Is a Big Jerk
Your Inner Critic Is a Big Jerk: The perfect book for an art pick me up. It’s an encouraging book that reminds you that you’re not alone and to just keep making things.
I read this book when my inner critic was being a big jerk! It was a light hearted read that had an extra dose of amusement with Martha Rich’s illustrations. It triggered a more playful approach to making my own work which eased the pressure I love to put on myself. Danielle Krysa writes, “Not every idea will become a masterpiece, and that’s fine. Your studio is a safe place to play. No one needs to know about projects that don’t go anywhere, and remember, all projects go somewhere. They all lead to the next piece, either by teaching us something good or not so good.”
If you have read or decide to read any of these books, I’d love to hear if they helped you too!
Keep on creating!
Kristen