Why PLAY isn't just a phase - it's the essence of art making
With spring in the air, I can feel a burst of energy! There’s a sense of playfulness, excitement, and aliveness creeping into my art, and it’s impossible to ignore.
Experimentation and play come naturally to me, but I often catch myself shutting them down too quickly. It’s like a sudden panic, my mind jumps in, insisting I should stop playing and start "working" (whatever that means!).
The creative process is such a journey, constantly teaching me about myself. It’s circular, just like nature, always bringing me back to the beginning, to playfulness, to discovering something new. I’m learning to recognize this cycle and also the moments when my mind tries to block it.
The creative process is a circle, not a straight line.
For many years I believed that play was just for the beginning of the creative process - where you experiment, make mistakes, and learn. Then, once you “figure it out,” you move on to the “serious” stuff, developing your style and making more polished work.
But the more I create, the more I realize: play isn’t just a phase, it’s a continuous part of the journey. The creative process is like nature, always going in circles, bringing me back to a place of curiosity and discovery. And I’ve found that letting go of the need for everything to be “perfect” opens up so much more room for fun and experimentation.
Despite this realization, my mind still stubbornly tries to shut down the playfulness. It whispers, “Okay, enough fun - time to get serious!” But I’m learning to recognize those moments of resistance and gently remind myself that play is the work.
I’m constantly inspired by my workshop students, too. Their creativity and bravery never fail to amaze me! Watching them dive into the process, letting go of perfection, and embracing the play - it’s such a gift. My workshops focus on experimenting and having fun, and I’m in awe of how my students fully embrace that spirit.
If you’re feeling stuck or in need of a spark, I encourage you to reconnect with that playful side of your own creativity. Let yourself be curious, make a mess, and see where it takes you.
Here’s to a season of creative freedom, playful experimentation, and lots of fun!
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