Alyson Stanfield discussed artist slumps her newletter this week. I can certainly relate as I’ve had an on-again/off-again slump for the past few months. I’ve noticed this happens each winter, typically in February or March or both. The more I’ve become aware of it, the shorter it seems to last and the better I am at accepting it. I now refer to it as my “rebirthing” time; a time of regeneration and of gathering new ideas.
Here is what Alyson recommends to emerge from a slump.
- Wallow; it is okay to wallow a little bit. Honor your emotions.
- Plan something with a deadline to get the juices flowing.
- Get out of the studio; walk, run, go to a museum.
- Talk to other people; meet friends, visit a gallery; goes hand in hand with #3.
- Create an escape path; continue to make your art even if it isn’t great.
- Write; journal about your emotions, your dreams, whatever is inside your head.
- Read inspirational books or biographies about other artists.
- Listen to CDs or audio downloads that motivate you.
- Watch movies or documentaries to remind you of your connection to art and the art world. (Don’t watch stuff that will depress you, make you sad, angry, etc.)
- Purge and clear out stuff that you don’t need. Lots of clutter = negative energy. I’m a strong believer in this one. When I have too much clutter in the studio, my muse practically disappears. When I clear things out, the energy flow is much better.
To read more of Alyson’s recommendations visit here. To listen to her podcast on this topic, go here.
Posted by Amy C.
