A creative block, or black in this case. Out of frustration, I just covered everything.
As much as I wish creative slumps were not a part of my life, I have to face the fact that I am in the middle of one right now. Indeed, I can’t think of a better time to write about overcoming a creative block.
First off, let me say, this sucks! I feel like every thing I’ve made in the past several days has turned into mud and all I can do is push the mud around. If it’s not mud, it’s turned into a black mess. Ack!
If you’re going through a similar experience, here are some methods that may help you to overcome this slump. It’s been working for me so far:
1. Scratch for ideas. I am borrowing Twyla Tharp’s phrase here. I am seeking inspiration everywhere and anywhere – online, on Twitter, on the trail, as I drive. I am keeping myself open to any inkling of spark that will wake my muse from her slumber.
2. Create something you normally wouldn’t make. While wandering online (i.e. scratching), I happened upon the blog of Sharon Tomlinson and one of her videos.
Work in progress from All Norah'S workshop; totally not my style but I am learning loads from this.
Sharon and her videos really appeal to me. She has a very kind, motherly, but stern way about her that made me feel her upcoming online workshop would be just what the doctor ordered!
Also, her art is very different from mine leading me to the conclusion that I will probably make something that I would not create on my own.
3. Get out and meet people. I’ve decided that it was finally time for me to get out and start meeting other artists. Yes, I have a confession: I’ve lived in the Bay Area for 10 years now and I have yet to befriend another artist. Ok, there, I admitted it.
Let me qualify my prior statement with another confession: I haven’t met other artists because I had abandoned my dream of being an artist when I moved to the Bay Area. And for some reason, I never bumped into another artist.
I am learning to live my life again as an artist, and with that comes things like creative blocks!
Right. As I was saying: get out and meet other artists. Artists, writers, musicians, all creative people go through this and they might just be able to help.
4. Journal your way through the slump. I keep a journal that includes both my sketches and my thoughts. It is my safe haven; the space where I can dump all my worries, stresses, and fears. Grammar and spelling are not required and neither are good sketches. It is a wonderful retreat.
5. Take a break. Perhaps you’ve been spending a bit too much time in the studio and you just need a break.
This is a tough one because the creative habit is one that requires the discipline and ritual of showing up everyday. You can show up to the studio but still not be present. Going through the motions of creating but not feeling the spark can be frustrating and can be counterproductive to the creative process.
That’s when taking the break is important.Take a hike. Play in the garden. Pet the cat. Read a book.
And while you’re on your break, scratch for ideas. Because you still have to show up the next day. 
6. Focus on other aspects of your life that you’ve been neglecting. Is there a part of your life wanting and needing your attention?
Personally, I’ve been wanting to develop my entrepreneurial skills because I don’t subscribe to the starving artist model. As luck would have it, I managed to get into Chris Guillebeau’s $100 Business Forum. The forum began this week and so far, it’s been great!
So great in fact that I found myself rejuvenated and back in the studio to work over some of my unfinished pieces.
7. Take a drawing class. I’m a big fan of community colleges and their art departments. I’ve been attending figure and portrait drawing classes in the evenings at my local college for the past year.
Doing this not only forces me to get out of the studio, but it gives me another opportunity to meet other artists. (See number 3 above.)
The beauty of drawing from life is that I am not obligated to draw anything but what’s in front of me.
Just draw. I find that amazingly refreshing!
How do you overcome your artistic block?
I'm Trish Roque and this is my arty blog. My goal is to make more art and to post it here along with musings and the many lessons I no doubt will encounter.