Facing the Artist’s Block

This week it's part two of our inspiration posts. Last week we covered what inspiration was and how you could go hunting it down. This week week talk about where it goes and why.

Have you ever sat down at your workbench  or drawing board, feeling good, proud of what you've accomplished so far, and intending to get some new ideas for work together, but then, all you can do is stare at a blank page, because nothing is coming to you? Slowly your good mood drains away, and all you can think about is "but where did all my ideas go?" Or you start to draw, but nothing is looking right, despite the fact that you know this is a good idea? These two problems, and other related ones are collectively known as Artist's Block.
There are people who swear it is a real thing. There are also others who say it's all in your head and can be avoided with proper care and work. While it is entirely possible that both camps are correct, it boils down to the same thing. Your inspiration is gone.

So... Where did it go? One idea is that you've done too much of the same thing. Another is that it's been too long since you soaked up some of whatever it was that inspired you in the first place. A third idea is simply that you've worked too hard for too long. A fourth is criticism, whether from yourself or others has got you down. Are there other theories? Probably. These are just the ones I've run across, and experienced.

Luckily, each of these has a 'fix' of sorts.
1. Try something different. If you've been working on beads all the time, try doing some wire or metalwork. Or even just a new stitch.
2. Go hunt down the thing that originally inspired you. Watch that show again, read that book. Go for a run, or look at pictures.
3. Take a break! Breaks are just as important for your brain as they are for your body. Your brain needs time to relax and review what you've learned so that it can keep innovating and coming up with new ideas.
4. This one is two options, and depends entirely on you. Option A is to grab a supportive friend and talk it out. Sometimes having a second opinion can help. Option B is to write it out. Play devil's advocate with yourself. One side argues in favor of the criticism, the other side argues against it. For some, having it down on paper helps to put things in perspective. That's it for this weeks discussion of inspiration and the perils of Artist's Block.

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