Being a creative person or an artist is not a linear journey. Most things in life are not. As children, most of us are just naturally creative. We have smaller responsibilities. We haven’t yet been fully shaped by the world around us. And for a lot of children, the world seems vast, endless, and yet still within reach. Think about imaginary friends, drawing what you see and feel, the ways to keep yourself occupied when you are the only one around – all with your imagination. This is what some of us did when we were younger. But as we age, and life gives us responsibilities, I feel that at times we lose a small piece of that imagination and creativity. Not because we want to - but because that is what life chooses for us.

If you have managed to cultivate that creativity over the years so that it doesn’t go dormant, you are one of the lucky ones! The thing is - you can rediscover your creative side again at any point in time in your life. I truly believe that it is there, waiting for you to find it and act upon it.

Even if you do find it again - there will be times as well when life gets in the way. And those non-linear times in your life are ok too. People find other passions, they have families, they go through pain or suffering. All these things make up the person you are and none of them are bad or wrong. But they can take away from your creativity.

Creativity is not all or nothing. You don’t have to feel guilty for not creating. Don’t feel guilt or shame for choosing other important things in your life that you need to focus on. I would argue that choosing those things over your creativity in times of need is, in a way, choosing yourself now so that you can be creative later. Sometimes your life, your family, your loved ones - they need you more than your art journey does.

But just because you are not in the studio for a time does not mean that you can’t STAY creative in other ways. Go out into nature, listen to your favorite music, appreciate others artwork, visit a museum. All these things can feed your creative soul, even if you aren’t creating in the moment.

Other times your art may feel like a chore to you. When I took a break from work and started doing art full time it was scary. Suddenly my studio was a place I chose to go to, it was a place I had to go to.  That is a very different feeling. But one that can also lead you down another path. I needed more ideas, newer concepts, a way to stay relevant. But it also gave me more time to dive into how I feel when I create, what I want to convey, and how I want my artwork to look and feel. So even if it feels like a chore to you, that is OK too!

If your life has gotten in the way of your creativity, it is not gone or lost. There is a way back to it and that road does not have to be long and hard. It can be filled with joy and inspiration and full of color.

 Happy Painting

~Molly

Check out Molly's creative process here: https://www.youtube.com/mollysartistry