Igniting that creative spark within - Little steps on your creative path to support your wellbeing
Last week I had the pleasure of being a guest on Art Juice: A podcast for artists, creatives and art lovers. This is a podcast that I LOVE! I originally discovered it on a road trip to Norway, many years ago, 7 hours in a car and I binge listened to sooooo many episodes and I often listen in my studio as I create. I want to extend a huge thank you to Alice Sheridan and Louise Fletcher who host Art Juice and invited me to share my story with their listeners – this really was a dream come true and we discussed sooo many topics.
Talking through my process, what excites me and how I have seized opportunities to be a full-time artist really struck a chord with me. I came off the podcast and really reflected how my creative time is fundamental to my health and wellbeing. And this is where this month’s blog is coming from. I want to share with you the little steps you can take on your creative path to support your wellbeing – both physically and emotionally.
Really paying attention to our wellbeing
We are bombarded with messaging about keeping healthy. We know we need to eat right – lots of vegetables, less processed foods, less red meat etc - we need to sleep well, and stay active. Don’t get me wrong, this is VERY important , and more recently there has been a focus on our mental health so making sure we have some down time, get out into nature, maybe look at mindfulness or mediation. Again, I am so thankful that, as a society, we are really taking steps on the path to an overall healthier life. I think we have driven our way of living into a ditch.
But there is a lot more to our wellbeing. In the podcast, we chatted about how much focus we place on the external influences. We are so conditioned to believing that we need to optimise our lives and get to our goals sooner, that we reach for the easiest solutions in a bid to be efficient. In doing this we can almost disconnect with the energy that we all hold deep within ourselves. What we need to do is ignite the spark that allows that energy to flow and doing something creative is a great catalyst.
I know this from personal experience. For me (and bear in mind I was a business development manager with a MSc and I used to optimising my life, with a list for everything… I still have many lists:)), a creative outlet has been the gateway to staying sane and feeling alive. It allows me to express myself and it helps me find that spark and harness the energy within myself.
The problem is, we get so caught up in our routines that we forget to take time for it.
Inside every single one of us, is our own unique creative spark. Giving ourselves the time and space to explore that, free from guilt about the cost, or the time it is taking away from unloading the dishwasher or washing the dog, can have a MASSIVE positive impact on your wellbeing (and it can be a bit of a physical work out too).
All these wonderful paintings were created during the same workshop. Each is a reflection of the unique energy and flow of the artist. I love that I can help guide and inspire my students to ignite that spark! (more info about workshops and retreats here)
Mixed Media Art as a creative outlet for wellbeing
Mixed media art is all about combining different materials, techniques, and textures to create something entirely new. It's a perfect way to unleash your creativity because there's no right or wrong way to do it. You can mix paints with collage, add some fabric or cute napkins, make some cool marks with your credit card or some artists pencils as you enjoy the freedom that mixed media art gives you. The beauty of mixed media is that it encourages you to take risks, explore new possibilities, and embrace the unexpected.
When you dive into mixed media art, you're not just making something beautiful; you're also giving yourself a chance to unwind and connect with yourself on a deeper level. It’s a way to let your emotions flow onto the canvas, paper, or whatever surface you're using. You can express your joy, frustration, dreams, and hopes without worrying about whether it looks "perfect." This freedom is incredibly liberating and can be a wonderful way to relieve stress and improve your emotional health.
I have been a full time artist for many years now, and even to this day I say that my paintings are perfectly imperfect. If I focus on what my head is telling me is a “great art piece” from the start, things go wrong – quickly! And at that point it is hard to recover.
Instead, I listen to the whispers of my heart, what route is my heart and soul guiding me down. This is where the magic happens, where perfectly imperfect becomes beautiful and full of soul.
Looking for a monthly dose of creative inspiration? Join me in Café Flow!
Café Flow - The Art Club is a monthly subscription platform where, for a small monthly fee, you will have access to all the available content such as monthly art projects, demos and resources to kickstart and keep your creative practice going. There are no tie ins and you are free to cancel your subscription at any time (although I really hope you love it and stay).
What’s included in the membership?
A hub where you’ll find all the monthly projects, sessions and resources you’ll need to kickstart and keep your creative practice going.
New projects and tips & tricks added every month.
Live Q&A sessions, demos or co-create sessions to connect and build confidence. These sessions will be recorded and can be watched at any time to suit your schedule, no matter where you are in the world.
A private Facebook community of passionate and wildly helpful art lovers to cheer you on and lift you up.
Full access to all the material as long as you are a member.