One of the challenges I have found in making my art is to remember where it is all headed. One day I catch glimpses of the direction of my art and this informs each individual painting I am working on. It infuses them with clarity and potency. But then a few days go by and I come in and work for a while and I simply forget for where I am going. A whole day might pass before re-remembering what exactly I am after in my work.
So I came up with this little trick.
One day I spent about an hour writing down every conceivable word that relates to my work. They describe aspects of your work presently or even in the future. For example I started my list with these words…nature, weathered, erosion, universal, abstract, spiritual, vulnerability, saturation, subtlety, poem, quiet, joy, primitive, line, drawing, symbols, etc. In about 25 minutes I had over a hundred.
You can do this too. It is easier to come up with your words while looking at 2-3 paintings you particularly love.
Next, go over the list and choose about a dozen words that are particularly relevant. The ones that say YES! to you. And this is an important step…these 12 have to really resonate with you.
Pin these words up somewhere you can see them in your day. After a few days of looking at them some will emerge as more potent than all the others. And then, have a second go at this editing process. Try to whittle the 12 down to 3 words.
When you read these three words your energy level should uptick. You should feel slightly more energetic. They should bring you alive. They should make you want to make art.
In a way, these 3 words are your simplified mission statement. They are your “Uber” words.
Next, make a bold sign—in fact make several. Post one on your studio wall. Put another one in your house somewhere you will see it. Make it the background of your iPhone. Consider adding these 3 words under your name on your website.
Now when you wander into your studio, possibly after doing random errands, possibly already distracted by whatever life has thrown at you, you can simply glance at your studio wall and read three words.
Three words that remind you of what is meaningful to you. They are why you stepped up to make art in the first place. These words are why you choose, against all odds, to make a life centered upon creativity. One filled with boldness, risk, faith and joy.
Three words that instantly bring you a little bit more alive and upon seeing them delicately deliver you, once again, back to your art and of course your life as well.
26 Comments
Hi! I’m
Nicholas Wilton
the founder of Art2Life.
With over 20 years experience as a working artist and educator, I’ve developed a systematic approach that brings authenticity, spontaneity and joy back into the creative process.
Join me and artists from all over the world in our Free Art2Life Artists Facebook Group or learn more here about Art2Life.
Thanks Nick. I’m going to try this. I kind of do it already in my head but making it physical may focus me out of the rutt.
Hi Nicholas, Thank you so much. This is brilliant. I did a process like this with a life coach to find my core values in life, a few years ago. You’ve given the steps so clearly how to do this with my art. I’ve also just watched your motivation video which was really helpful. With gratitude, Lisa
I’ve had various lists of keywords going in my studio journals on and off for a long time, but the idea of consciously posting them on the wall and reducing them down to the most important elements is so valuable– making them a personal mantra that will remind me of the artist I am and have always been– great. Thanks, Nicholas, for another excellent gem.
Excellent!
Wonderful idea, thanks as always!
Thank you. This is a wonderful idea I can implement today!
This is a fantastic idea! Thank you!!!
I love this Nick! It’s what I’m always clamoring for – some definition of what we’re doing. Thank you for this. I will do!
Thank you Nick. Here is my practice: I always protect the wood panel that I work on with a blue painter tape. Then, as I work on the piece I keep writing (using a marker) words or possible tittles as they come to my mind while working on the piece.
Another brilliant idea! Thanks for sharing.
This is so fabulous! Just what I needed to clarify my emotion to my art.
Great Kim!
You have some wonderful ideas, Nicholas.Thank you for sharing them
Your comments today brought me to a very peaceful and simple understanding of the reasons why I choose to paint, to write, or for any creative expression. It gave me a sense of meditative awareness and meaning to the path more concisely discovered. Thank you so much for sharing.
I love your starter list. It helps the wheels in my head start turning. Already: thinking, clarifying, choosing. And that’s before starting the list! Great Assignment for thousands of painters everywhere!
A brilliant idea Nick! I’m doing this today!
Your description of how there is directional clarity one day and then it seems to evaporate, perfectly describes what’s going for me. Thank you for this excellent idea (suggestion). I’m going to try this!
This is one of the best ideas I’ve heard addressing this issue!! Thanks so much for this Nicholas!!
Love this post Thankyou Nicholas! I am going to do this process. Always enjoy your approach and perceptions.
Aha moment. Have taken lots of on-line classes, and learned great techniques but something often seems missing. Sometimes I just don’t “get it”. I am retiring from teaching in a month, and couldn’t wait to have more time for art, but was worried about that missing something. This makes me think, perhaps the work in the class is more about that artist’s three words, not mine. Your exercise gives me a wonderful way to find my own path, and then choose the techniques/classes that fit my path. I think I had it backwards. Thank you.
This is wonderful. I know I need to constantly remind myself about this very issue. Some sort of “vision board” is a great idea. Thanks so much.
Great idea! I just saw a local artist demonstrate last night, and he said we should identify why we want to make our art. This is along those lines, and gives a focus to why you are making the stuff.
Thanks,
kathy
thanks so much Nicholas, your ideas are transformational. Have already put my list into practice, am down to a list of twelve, which I read very reguarly and already I am beginning to have a sense of clarity. God Bless you
It works! Thank you for your wisdom!! Onward!!!
Thank you, Nicholas. I will definitely do this.
Hugely important exercise that I will do , in fact I’m marking this email important and will not delete until the exercise is done. It will surely tell me what I’m about and what I want to do daily, who I am.