“Inspiration is for amateurs, the rest of us just show up.” Chuck Close (About.com/painting)
Artist’s block is a subject worth repeating because we all go through it. Each time it rears its ugly head is a cue to seek some kind, any kind of solution that will break the back of the evil block. There could be many reasons for a block, such as energy depletion, brain overload, ignoring the soul, not following the heart and on and on. It’s probably not necessary or even worthwhile to search for the cause. The medicine does not depend on the cause. The medicine depends on the action.
Tara Leaver discusses artists block on her blog. She gives three possible reasons for block but for each she prescribes the same cure, a week of studio immersion. Spend a week in the studio immersing in making art without stopping to think about it. Don’t think. Just do. Go for it and see what happens.
Over at Mental Hygiene, Tony Santos has a list of things to do to break through the block. He suggests
- Information
- Going to the source
- Inspiration
- Playtime
- Execute.
Following the steps outlined by Santos, he believes will lead to breakthrough. Check out his detailed description of each of these steps at the link.
If these suggestions don’t work for you, check out the You tube video at the top. He has an innovative, yet simple remedy. Start drawing something meaningless and abstract. Start putting marks on paper letting them flow. Pretend you are back in the classroom of the most boring teacher you ever had and remember the doodles you drew to get through the monotony. Then say a silent “Thanks!” to Mrs. What’s-her-name for boring you to tears and forcing you to become a creative doodler. She may have been the push you needed to become an artist. Put yourself back in her class and start doodling again. And if you didn’t have a Mrs. What’s-her-name, try the ideas from the other two artists. One of these artist’s suggestions may be the right medicine to cure your block.