Art Block and How to Overcome It?

Creativity is a blessing in life, and the ability to create and make art is an excellent way to express oneself and make a living from it. Nevertheless, artists can fall into a phase of art block where they can no longer create something. Many ask if art block is real; Unfortunately, it is real, and it can happen to artists. 

What Causes Art Block?

Art block is an event that occurs when an artist feels incapable of creating their art because they have difficulty tapping into their creativity. Art block or creative block can happen to any artist; it's the period when the artist's cripple lack of inspiration to produce stimulating creative new original work.

Many people ask the following question, why does art block happen to so many artists? We will explore the answer to this question and see the possible causes for this to occur.

Everybody experiences art block differently; it takes varied forms for every individual. There is no typical approach to going over a creative rut because everyone is different. However, there are some common causes for the condition to develop.

 

 

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Exhaustion: Physical/Mental

Art block can happen when you are exhausted, mentally or physically. Taking a good rest is crucial for stimulating creativity and developing new ideas. Feeling drained and tired can be one of the main reasons for your artist's block. In this case, self-care practices are essential for treating the cause.

Lack of Inspiration/Motivation

Feeling uninspired is one of the artist's enemies. This feeling can be pretty menacing to run out of ideas and not find the motivation or the inspiration to create something; sometimes, even finding inspiration can be challenging. So finding some artwork, you genuinely love can be a great reminder and booster for your motivation to deal with art block.

Stress/Pressure 

While some thrive under a lack of inspiration, others can feel stifled by stress and pressure. The capacity for creativity is frequently correlated with outside factors and times of stress. You might feel uninspired when you come home from a stressful day at work, or you might be feeling anxious due to particular events in life; all of these can fully impact your creativity, causing art block.

Imposter Syndrome/Imperfection

This syndrome is known to be the art killer in the art world. Imposter Syndrome is when artists compare their work to others and self-question themselves and their abilities. In this phase, the artist begins to question why anyone would want their art and whether they are unique enough. 

It's falling into an abyss of self-doubt. When it comes to art block, self-doubt is enemy number one. It affects many areas of your artwork and overall career; as they said, 'comparison is the thief of joy'.

One of the most common reasons for artist's block is the fear of imperfection. Many artists identify as perfectionists, which might inhibit them from moving forward with ideas or finishing work if they view them as anything less than ideal. When confidence is low, artists start questioning their abilities which makes them unable to create in the first place, the things that let the artist's block begin.

 

 

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How Long Does Art Block Last?

Art block could be just a short hiccup in the artist's journey; in some cases, the period could last for a few days only, and in others, it could last for weeks.

Everyone can experience this downfall differently, and it's natural to fall into a creative rut sometimes. However, trying to overcome this state can impact the period of the art block.

How To Overcome Art Block?

When an artist starts recognising the art block's condition, it is essential to begin acting about it by trying to overcome it. Doing things can always help this art blockage that is created; here are a few practices that you can do that will help you overcome your art block:

Self-Compassion 

The way to start this journey of self-compassion is to celebrate how far you've come rather than judging yourself for where you could be. You can take a deep breath and break from things that are wearing you out. Loving and accepting oneself and art is the first step to allowing new things to happen. New ideas, new habits, new ways to explore the self, and practising self-love and self-care to overcome artist's block.

Art Therapy

Trying different forms of art can help overcome the artist's block. You can start engaging in activities that bring you joy and happiness, trying something new that you haven't tested before, and making handcraft and DIY projects that can make you tune in with your inner self. For example, making mosaic DIY is a perfect way to find peace while creating beautiful art. 

Any artist can attend mosaic workshops where they can interact with others, share making art as a group, or meet new people from different backgrounds. Or you can get DIY sets at home and create beautiful mosaic lamps to put in your own creative space; you will have the guidelines to follow for your mosaic project. Putting all of your focus on making something new with your hands in your comfort space can help you approach your creative abilities differently.

Go to Nature

If you're an artist permanently locked in a studio, try to get outdoors, reconnect with the earth, and go for a walk in the forest or the sea. If you need to take a break to help you deal with your creative rut, the fresh air is an excellent refresh for the mind and body and helps overcome the artist's block. 

Observing nature and the beauty of this earth that we are on will make you go deep within to find purpose and meaning that can bring you inspiration for creativity. There is something magical about being outside, seeing a beautiful sunset, or surrounded by trees. It's a perfect form of charging the self; this activity can change your worldview and help form new ideas for inspiration that get you out of the art block state.

"Study nature, love nature, and stay close to nature; it will never fail you." Frank Lloyd Wright

Create Healthy Habits

Try to pay attention to your health by getting enough rest, and creating good healthy habits that can rejuvenate your energy, so your mental and physical health is essential. If you are in poor health, and your life is fall of unhealthy things, it affects every other aspect of your life, often negatively. As a result, it contributes to your art block state.

Your creative spirit can take a negative hit when you're not paying attention to yourself, forcing you to struggle with productivity and creativity. You can start meditating more or go for a run, listen to new podcasts about other creators with the same condition, and have a self-care day where you can create a cosy space to relax and drink tea or your favourite type of coffee.

Every creator can have a period of artist's block, and it's perfectly normal for artists to experience art block. So, the most crucial part is that when it happens to you, be patient with yourself and try to get off of this state by trying to make your life full of positive new things that can make you overcome the art block and get you back to your creative self.

You can reach our previous article from https://www.artmasterclass.com.au/blogs/news/benefits-of-art-therapy-for-people-with-disability