Have you ever heard that people who study psychology are often trying to work through issues of their own? Yes, well, perhaps that’s why I decided to write a book about creative blocks!
All of this began a few years ago, shortly before I wrote the very first post on my art blog, The Jealous Curator. I am an artist myself, with a bachelor of fine arts in painting and printmaking, and a minor in art history. As much as I loved making art, I had a really difficult time in art school—I just did not fit in. After I graduated, I decided to study graphic design, which was a much better fit for me. I went on to have a very successful career as a designer, and then as a creative director. I was totally immersed in my design work, but never stopped loving and making fine art. I did it quietly and alone in my home studio, but rarely showed anyone what I was creating. As a designer, I was full of confidence, but as an artist—well, not so much. I spent a lot of time looking at other artists’ work. Whenever I found something I truly loved, first I would feel a rush of cheek-flushing inspiration—the kind that made me want to run out and buy ten new canvases so that I could become the next great artist of my time. But only moments afterward, I’d feel a wave of soul-crushing jealousy—the kind that made me think, “Who am I kidding? I could never make something like that.” Negative and destructive? Yes.
Luckily, at that same moment, someone very close to me gave me a bit of advice. He said, “Jealousy that is kept inside becomes toxic, and it will eat you alive. But if you say it out loud, you can turn it into something positive: admiration. You need to do this.” And so I did. I launched The Jealous Curator in February of 2009, and haven’t looked back. I write a daily post about an artist whose work “makes me jealous,” but in a good way. Now when I find an artist that I love, I don’t feel that awful, jealous ache. I feel inspired, ready to get into the studio, and happy to have tomorrow’s post! I have learned that there is a place for everyone to make whatever it is they want to make.
What matters is that you enjoy the process of making. There is pure joy in that. Remember when you were little, and you just made stuff because you had a fresh box of crayons, or some colorful thread, or a feather that you found on your way home from school—you knew you had to make something! Anything! Those were the glorious days before the pressure of trying to sell, or trying to get a rep, or wanting a show in a gallery. That’s what all of us have to reconnect with—the joy. I’m getting better at this, but I won’t lie: There are still plenty of days when I am blocked. Totally and completely blocked.
Creative Block is for me and for you—for everyone who’s ever felt blocked. I wanted to make something beautiful—a contemporary art book filled not only with stunning images, but also inspiring words, advice, and tips to help amateurs and professionals alike find their way through those days when the ideas just won’t come. I wrote this book to show you that if you’re feeling this way, you’re not alone. I’ve written hundreds and hundreds of posts about successful working artists who seem to have this whole “creative thing” figured out. But surely they have blocks from time to time! How do they get through them? Where do they find fresh inspiration? How do they handle negative feedback? Does it stop them in their tracks? These full-time artists don’t have the luxury of not finishing or giving up on a project—not when they’ve got a gallery or art buyer waiting for them! So how do they push themselves through those moments when the ideas just aren’t there? Or when the ideas are there, but their hands or materials will not cooperate?
So I asked, and fifty incredibly talented artists from around the world—working in all different mediums—have thoughtfully, honestly, and often quite wittily, answered. I asked all of them very similar questions, and here’s why: I had originally planned on individual interviews for each artist, but then I realized that I wanted to know if someone with an MFA would answer the same way that a self-taught artist might. Do painters have the same kinds of blocks as photographers? Would an artist from New York have a different place to find inspiration than someone from a small town in Australia? Does someone who is well known internationally hear their inner critic just as loudly as someone who is still getting established?
Some of their answers made me sad, some struck me as funny, and all of them made me want to get into the studio and start making art immediately. I hope their words have the same effect on you.
But where to start? No problem—I asked them that too! On top of getting insights into their creative minds, each artist has come up with a creative unblock project meant to push us out of our comfort zone and, most importantly, get us moving forward. There are thirty-day challenges, nature walks, and trips to the thrift shop. There are assignments to make you draw or collage or hand-letter your favorite quotes. There. Now none of us have an excuse not to start.
I hope you enjoy reading the advice and thoughts shared by these amazing artists as much as I enjoyed gathering them. And good luck with the challenges—I’m going to do all of them too! See you on the other side.
DANIELLE, A.K.A. THE JEALOUS CURATOR
* ART NOTE: The three pieces shown here are mine. They are all from a series titled, “Alleglory: Stories from the Glory Days.” The thought of showing you my work makes me feel vulnerable, and frankly, a tiny bit sick. But, if I’m going to make you take that big leap off of the creative high dive, then I suppose it’s only fair that I jump, too. There. Now we’re in this together.
