I do sometimes experience creative lows/blocks, but, more recently, I’ve realised they’re often related to particular media. For example, if I feel unable to write, I’ll draw/paint in my sketchbook or do some photography. And then, when it feels right (it might take hours, days, or weeks) I’ll start to write again. It’s important to give ourselves space to express ourselves in ways that feel right to us at any particular time. Somehow, my creativity seems to flow more naturally and authentically like that. ✨
I am not a photographer, but I do think we can sometimes suffer a kind of fatigue with our creative work, and you're right not to over think it. And down time is never useless. Our little minds are always working away even in the quiet.
So true, Lily. So true. Mine and my kid's whirs like the inside of clocks about to strike even in darkness trying to summon sleep. It's good to just let Time advance and not always "clock" it in ways that may appear wasteful, but are actually rejuvenating and healing.
Thank you for sharing this all too familiar experience. I have so much I could say about the funk!! The pandemic really halted a lot of my inspiration and motivation to shoot and I’ve been slowly working my way out of it. Accepting and respecting a need for dormancy has been difficult, but important for me to continue a relationship with photography. I’ve been trying to pay attention to the every day moments that do get me excited and slowly, my spark with photography is reigniting. I actually came to Substack to find inspiration in others and have found it fruitful. Including posts like this one that make accepting the spot I’m in a little bit easier. ❤️
Cheers, Amy! I’m glad to find solidarity in this dormancy and that these words resonate. Really appreciate that you’ve taken the time to read and respond. I love discovering that we don’t always need an intense period to feel achievement in our varied artistic practices. And that ebb and flow is a natural journey for all of us. It’s a good reminder.
I do sometimes experience creative lows/blocks, but, more recently, I’ve realised they’re often related to particular media. For example, if I feel unable to write, I’ll draw/paint in my sketchbook or do some photography. And then, when it feels right (it might take hours, days, or weeks) I’ll start to write again. It’s important to give ourselves space to express ourselves in ways that feel right to us at any particular time. Somehow, my creativity seems to flow more naturally and authentically like that. ✨
Thanks for these thoughts, James. ✨
I am not a photographer, but I do think we can sometimes suffer a kind of fatigue with our creative work, and you're right not to over think it. And down time is never useless. Our little minds are always working away even in the quiet.
So true, Lily. So true. Mine and my kid's whirs like the inside of clocks about to strike even in darkness trying to summon sleep. It's good to just let Time advance and not always "clock" it in ways that may appear wasteful, but are actually rejuvenating and healing.
Thank you for sharing this all too familiar experience. I have so much I could say about the funk!! The pandemic really halted a lot of my inspiration and motivation to shoot and I’ve been slowly working my way out of it. Accepting and respecting a need for dormancy has been difficult, but important for me to continue a relationship with photography. I’ve been trying to pay attention to the every day moments that do get me excited and slowly, my spark with photography is reigniting. I actually came to Substack to find inspiration in others and have found it fruitful. Including posts like this one that make accepting the spot I’m in a little bit easier. ❤️
Cheers, Amy! I’m glad to find solidarity in this dormancy and that these words resonate. Really appreciate that you’ve taken the time to read and respond. I love discovering that we don’t always need an intense period to feel achievement in our varied artistic practices. And that ebb and flow is a natural journey for all of us. It’s a good reminder.