Recently I was tasked with making a presentation about my “artistic practice” to share with a group of established artists. Initially I began throwing in images and notes about making art without much thought, but as I kept going I started really considering the question and got pretty lost in it. What is my practice? What IS a practice? Where does anything start and end?
Websters defines practice as “to perform or work at repeatedly so as to become proficient". When I first read this, I wasn’t sure it fit my chaotic creative practice in which one day I may be working on a painting and the next I may be starting a book draft or researching a rare frog or doing some sort of other seemingly unrelated work. Really though, I think part of me just didn’t want to believe that a practice could be as simple or straight forward as repeating something over and over again to get better at it— what about the magic? The discoveries that came seemingly out of nowhere? The more I thought about it, though, the more true this definition felt, because as much as I’d like to think that the creative process is magical and random, it really does often come down to consistency and being disciplined about showing up, doing the work, and repeating activities that feel inspiring and fulfilling.
How to define my “practice” though when it feels like every part of my life is part of the practice? As I added slides to the deck, I realized that even when I’m not actively creating something I’m thinking of new ideas or noticing interesting colors and compositions or taking reference photos for future projects— and that these are all important parts of my practice. The line between “creative practice” and “life” continued to blur and maybe that’s how it’s supposed to be.
As I continued to document more, I noticed there are parts of my practice that I’m proud of as well as things that I’m doing that aren’t super in line with my values. Is scrolling social media part of my practice? Do I want it to be? If I’m not being inspired by things on social media, where do I want to go to find that inspiration instead? Of course I only included the parts of my practice in the slides that I’m proud of, which really made me question those that I left out. This inspires me to make some changes as to how I spend my time in order to live up to the version of myself that I shared.
Whether you consider yourself someone who already has a “creative practice” or not, you do have one. Think of all the things in your life that light you up or make you feel inspired and want to try new things. Maybe you love trying new recipes or are an avid reader or like to visit local artisans or are really just trying to discover what you’re all about; I bet you too will find value in examining your “practice” and seeing which parts feel good and which you’re ready to shift. For me, this exercise became more about how I spend my time and energy than about the end products that I create, and really isn’t that the whole point of everything?
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The way I went about defining my practice was to sit down and document all the things I do regularly that make me feel creative, inspired, or in some sort of “flow.”
For me, these things included:
Keeping a sketchbook and working in it daily. All my paintings come from sketches— this is where I work out ideas for compositions, colors, and new themes.
Painting. I’m always exploring here and will be “performing this work repeatedly in order to become proficient” for the rest of my life, probably!
Practicing life drawing. Whether going to a figure drawing class or sketching from life, this practice helps me flex my seeing muscles.
Performing “research.” Not to be confused with doomscrolling, my “research” may involve books or websites but it’s always in the pursuit of some interesting topic. I include reading fiction and folklore in this category!
Spending time at my designated creative space. Sometimes I really don’t feel like getting off of the couch but I know that if I simply sit at my desk for long enough I’ll start making something.
Getting into flow at my day job. I’m really lucky that I often get to make art with teens, and this is often very inspiring to my own work.
Creating fun client work. Although it’s often pretty different from my personal work, client work often contributes to my own creative energy reserve.
Writing. This thing you’re reading right now, believe it or not, is part of my creative practice. It’s one of the places I explore ideas and flesh out what’s been on my mind.
Your practice may include some similar items but it may look very different— maybe going on long walks and talking to your parrot inspire you to create 5-star meals. Maybe traveling and taking photos of buildings are part of your interior design practice. It may be weird or difficult to think about a “practice” if you aren’t sure what your creative “product” is, but even if you aren’t sure of your end result I encourage you to think about your creative practice— I think this exercise itself can help you discover what truly lights you up and to note the things in life that you’d like to do more of.
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This month I visited two different art shows that I found so inspiring and wanted to share them with you. If you aren’t in the Bay Area and can’t make it to these ones don’t worry— I’m sure there are lots of great shows near you waiting to be discovered too!
First, I stumbled upon Jared Silbert’s solo show up at UNTITLED vol. 2 in Temescal Alley and was blown away by his reverse glass painting technique. Recently I’ve been exploring mirrored surfaces and how to utilize glass and mirrors within paintings so seeing his work at this moment was a real lightning bolt of inspiration! Highly recommend checking this show out in person if you can— the photos don’t do the smooth surfaces and pastel textures justice.
Next, Adam and I bussed out to SF to see the Matisse show at the MOMA. I’ve always been a fan but seeing his work in person is such a treat— again, the photos of his textures and colors really don’t do his paintings justice. I learned that the lady in most of his paintings is his wife— should have known! This show gave me a great hit of color inspo.
In summary: I’ve really got to get out more because there is a lot of great art to be seen in the wild! Have you seen any shows recently that you’ve loved? Let me/us know!
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In this section I’ll answer a real life mental health question or offer a practical mental health tip that you can use to add a little more WeLlNeSs to your everyday life.
Above I discussed exploring your “practice” to check in on whether you’re living a life that aligns with what’s important to you, but what if you have no idea what’s “important to you?” Values are personal principles that can help you guide your life and live in a way that you’re proud of. Never even thought about your values before? Luckily there are lotsss of tools out there you can use to help you define them! Even if you’ve done something like this before (I know I’ve written about it in the past!) I encourage you to revisit it (maybe this becomes part of your practice??) — personally I find it very fun to re-assess at least once a year or during times of increased turbulence to help me see what is changing (or not changing) in terms of my priorities.
I’ve created a lil worksheet for you to use to discover your values below, but if you’re looking for something a little more high tech I highly recommend this website.
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Love this essay from Wendy Wagner on nervous system regulation— I good reminder to always be regulating
Also love this essay from Jenny Odell on perspective, experience, and viewing the world with “soft eyes”— I read this at the start of the month and am still thinking about it!
Are you a musician, or a musically-interested person? Do you want to make more music and maybe even make some friends and have some good times in the process? Then I think you should join Music Every Week!
Obsessed with the project Watershed by Tess Rubinstein. I love how she took the concept of making art from old clothing and not only made beautiful art out of it but led multiple community projects around it. So cool so inspiring!
Another project I’m obsessed with: this project by Pat Perry. More spaces like this please!
This month’s off-screen question for you to discuss amongst friends or journal about on your own:
What is something you always wanted to do but still haven’t started because now you feel like it’s “too late”?
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Thanks for reading – see you next month!
✨ the information in this newsletter is for educational purposes only and is not a substitution for therapy. if you or someone you know needs help, reach out to a local mental health provider or contact 988 for immediate support✨
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