Breaking out of resistance

Have you read ”The war of art” by Steven Pressfield? I did recently and so many light bulbs went on. Right before I’m putting brush to paper I get such urgent need to;

-Go to the bathroom

-Find another audio book to listen to

-Do the laundry

-Browse Instagram

-Etc. Etc. Etc.

Steven calls it resistance. That powerful force that prevents us from being the creative humans that we are and instead - we procrastinate. Why? Because we fear failure, strive for perfection and worry about criticism of others. And guess what? -Fear cripples creativity.

Many artists (myself included) experience such intense frustration that they quit doing art for long spans of time. Some stop making art altogether or find it really difficult to begin again.

So how do we outsmart resistance? Three things.

First off - acknowledge its existence. It will be there, like it or not, when we ’re ready to create. I’ve started picturing resistance as a sneaky little man in a tall hat that shows up as soon as I pick up my brush. ”Do I suddenly need to refill my teacup? Well, hello there resistance” That usually makes him sit down on a chair, sulking, with his short legs dangling. 

Secondly - let go of the thought of being successful for a moment. Try not to picture the end goal (that perfect framed picture above the living room sofa) but instead - make art only because you love making it. Many of my pieces end up in the bin but each piece is a learning experience nonetheless, and the back sides make for great swatch pads.

And finally - even if you don’t feel like it - make art anyways. You don’t have to be in a state of great inspiration to get cracking. Pick up an onion and paint that - or pick up a new medium and do something out of that. Get in the habit of creating, your hands and mind will relax and Mr. Resistance will become a rather pleasant companion in your studio.