Creating space
In order to be creative, an artist needs space. Not just a physical space, although that is very important, but also space in their daily lives, and space in their mind.
Making physical space
Making a physical space to create can seem to be the biggest obstacle to making art. I have many people say they would love to paint, collage, sculpt… but they don’t have the room. However, a person does not need a whole studio to begin to create something they love, and space to make things can be found in various places.
The most obvious is a kitchen or dining table. This is perfect for beginners, those who are not sure this is something they want to invest in yet, and for anyone making art alongside children. The biggest obstacle to this option is usually the need to clear up every time the family need to eat, and the demand of sharing space with others. A little preparation can help the need to make space easily. Create a space to dry art, such as on top of a dresser, along a windowsill, or hang from trouser hanger clips. Stacked paper storage options can also be useful. At the same time, put aside a place where materials can be stored and pulled out quickly and easily. A drawer or cupboard with trays for different materials is perfect, or a large tray that tucks under furniture. Make it as easy as possible to start making art with minimal setting up time.
When it comes to sharing space, it often depends on what the other users’ needs are. As a parent of young children, I found I could make art myself if I made space for them to make art alongside me, a situation where sharing space was a positive thing. If you are sharing space, it can really help to ensure everyone also has their own area to store their work in. Taking advice from advocates of minimalism has helped me here: everything has a home, and if it does not all fit in that home then probably there is too much stuff. Being a little ruthless about your favourite materials, and about using things up before buying new can really help to push creativity!
(If you are sharing space with pets, then use the same ethos: they need somewhere to hang out, too. Check my post about sharing a studio with cats for some ideas)
Making space in time
Once you have created a space to create, be it a whole room, a corner with a table, or a bag to store your kit, you need make space in your schedule for creating. It’s easy to assume that once you have a physical area for art making you will certainly use it. However, for most of us there are draws on our time that get in the way: family (especially children!), work, social life, the lure of TV or scrolling Instagram… Life is busy, and it is always challenging to create a new habit, even an enjoyable one such as making art!
My first piece of advice is to carve out a nice chunk of time a couple of times a week. This doesn’t have to be a whole day or even a half a day (although that would be lovely!). If you have processes that make it easy to start without getting out a lot of equipment and stop without needing to clear away a lot of mess, fitting in an hour or so here and there gets easier. For some this could mean getting up an hour earlier, or choosing to make art instead of turning on the TV at the end of the day. Prioritise this time as you might prioritise making dinner, or working out, or cleaning. If art making is important to you, show that in how you manage your time.
This can be particularly tricky if you have children at home, especially young ones. For me, including my children in the art making really helped, and even proved to be an inspiration! You can also fit in chunks of art making by taking a sketchbook to the play park with you, or for those times you are waiting at dance lessons, rugby practise, or other activities.
Making mental space
Finally, creators need mental space: space to think and to allow those thoughts to drift and expand, to dream and imagine. It can feel like spending time doing nothing, but this mental space is vital for the creative process, to allow ideas to develop. Try to be a little intentional about how you create this space. Perhaps your journey to and from work involves a train or bus journey that you could spend intentionally thinking about your inspiration. You could begin to include ten minutes of meditation at the end of a work out, or set aside ten minutes to drink your morning coffee without scrolling your phone.
Some activities lend themselves to providing some mental space, if you allow them. Weeding the garden, taking a long shower, washing up by hand, going on a walk alone: all of these open up space to let your mind wander and follow paths that lead to ideas. Get into the habit of carrying a tiny notebook and pencil to catch these ideas in!
Making mental space as a creator is such a large part of the creation process, of gaining inspiration, that I will be writing much more about it soon. Next month, my theme is Inspiration, how to find it, and how to begin to turn it into art making. Catch me on Instagram @createwithalaina for ideas and inspirational posts!