I’ve always been an artist.
That’s what I told the gallery owner when I went in to inquire about a job. He laughed, looked at me, and said, “Of course, you’ve always been an artist.”
I was in a serious slump in my early 20s. I’d graduated from college with degrees in fine arts and journalism, landing a ‘dream’ job at an arts newspaper in the city. However, working in an office crushed my spirit.
During my lunch breaks, I found solace in an African restaurant. The owner, aware of my artistic inclination, and I would talk for hours while she introduced me to various foods – plantains and jollof rice, fufu and peanut stew. Soon, I was spending entire afternoons there, and no one at work seemed to notice.
So, when the restaurant owner asked if I wanted to go to Ghana in four weeks, I said sure. Somehow, I managed to get my visa, renew my passport, took a month off of work, and was on my way.
That trip to Africa changed my life forever.
Afterward, I couldn’t return to my job at the newspaper. It felt meaningless.
That’s when I applied for the job at the gallery. I remember exactly what I was wearing – a navy suede newsboy cap, a pink linen button-down shirt (untucked), and black and white striped pants.
Apparently, I looked like an artist, but I had convinced myself I couldn’t be a full-time artist.
Even after my time working at the gallery, I still didn’t let myself paint.
It took years before I started creating again: jobs as a journalist, photographer, graphic designer, floral designer, website developer, and more before I finally realized the only thing I could put my heart into was being a full-time artist.
Now, whenever I’m stuck, whether it’s in life or with my art, I always remember to return to whatever it is that makes my heart sing. This helps me reignite my passion so I can be brave and let go.
If you ever worry about how you can jumpstart your creativity and stay motivated, here are a few simple guidelines I follow…
3 Ways to Get Out of a Creative Rut:
🎨 Connect With Nature: Take your art outdoors (or somewhere new like a botanical garden with an indoor garden). Nature has a unique way of inspiring creativity and bringing a sense of calm to the creative process.
🎨 Experiment with Techniques: Don’t be afraid to try new techniques. Experimentation keeps your practice fresh and helps you discover your unique style.
🎨 Share and Connect: Share your work with others, whether online or in-person. Connecting with a community can provide valuable support and inspiration.
When I’m stuck on a face, I often set aside my brushes and fingerpaint. This keeps me unattached to my painting rather than getting into my head and “thinking” the eyes and features should look a certain way or be a certain shape.
The invitation is to be gentle with yourself, paint something you think looks a little too weird or wonky. Doodle and add words. Let yourself make mistakes. That’s when the magic happens.
Happy painting!
xo Juliette
PS Just a gentle reminder that doors close January 15th for my new School of Happy Painting Membership.