Unlocking Creativity: My Ritual for Finding Flow in Art
People often ask me how I consistently find the motivation and inspiration to paint. My secret? It's all about establishing a ritual—a methodical approach that not only prepares me for the creative process but also guides/pushes me into a state known as "flow."
The state of what you might ask? - In psychological terms, flow is a state of being where one becomes fully immersed in an activity, losing all sense of time and external surroundings. When I'm painting, I enter this zone of deep focus and engagement, where my conscious mind takes a backseat ( well that is the plan anyway), allowing my intuition and creativity to steer the course.
This immersive state is crucial for me and my work. It transforms painting from a mere routine activity to a deep connected experience, enabling room for Spontaneity and my intuitive creative process to take root. Here, I'm not just creating; I'm connecting with my work on a deeply personal level, allowing for my expression and innovation to hit the canvas.
However, reaching this state of flow isn't always automatic. To invite this level of concentration, I've had to intertwine my love for art with my fondness for literature through audiobooks into the Ritual. Despite my passion for reading, finding the time to sit down with a book is always challenging. Audiobooks have emerged as a brilliant solution, but the challenge has been to integrate them into my routine without losing focus.
The breakthrough came when I combined painting with listening. Painting has this unique ability to channel my focus, quieting the incessant chatter and hyperactivity of my mind. This focused state creates the perfect backdrop for audiobooks, allowing me to absorb and enjoy the narratives fully, regardless of the genre or subject matter. Using two sides of my brain, and not allowing myself to get hijacked by the millions of thoughts constantly flowing through my head, allowing me to get into the studio.
Below, I've shared some of my artwork and the audiobooks that accompanied me while in creation mode
One notable book that resonated with my creative process is "The Creative Act: A Way of Being" by Rick Ruban. It's a deep dive into the essence of creativity and an excellent companion for any artist looking to explore the depths of their own creative process.
If you're an artist or anyone looking to deepen your engagement with your passion, consider crafting a ritual that guides you into your own flow state. Whether it's through music, audiobooks, or another medium, find what helps you connect most profoundly with your work. Your mind and your passion will thank you for it.
I hope my experiences inspire you to experiment with your own creative rituals. Remember, the goal is to find what uniquely aligns with your workflow and enhances your creative journey. Happy happy flowing!!
Here are some of my latest Listens:
The "Jack Ryan" series by Tom Clancy:
The Hunt for Red October" (1984) - This is the first book featuring Jack Ryan.
Hercule Poirot series by Agatha Christie:
The Mysterious Affair at Styles" (1920) This is the first novel featuring Hercule Poirot.