Can this one habit prevent artist burnout? | ART TALK

[@Sarahgoldenart]

Do you relate at all to this conversation? I'd love to hear from you, what's helped keep your art practice balanced and feeling mentally healthy? Or what hasn't worked at all? Leave a comment below, let's chat. Also when I say THE BIGGEST struggle at 1:15, I can think of hundreds more things that are more of a struggle! I’m just talking off the cuff and want to clarify:) This is also me learning to be okay with being misunderstood and it’s hard!

[@iamthelab_]

Don’t worry about getting it right. A lot of us creative folks share/speak/ponder/learn in real time. Digital platforms make us believe we have to be perfect. Spending time with creative souls convinces me otherwise. I’m trying to put more humane in my humanity.

[@Sarahgoldenart]

​@@iamthelab_ so true, great insight! More doing, not worrying about doing it right.

[@joanadornellas]

I think that if you are able to maintain the feeling of surprise and awe with your work you can you keep a step between the process and the reactions of others. You paint, you are surprised and impressed with what you painted, and then you show everyone :) that has been the way I've been keeping my sanity.

[@Sarahgoldenart]

Well said! And with works in progress, I show them a few stages back so I’ve already moved on, it helps.

[@JackieWolven]

I think this a super important discussion. Thank you for this kind of conversation. I have found as I age I’m more aware of my need to be quiet and in my own thinking. It’s a great learning.

[@Sarahgoldenart]

You are so welcome. There is so much nuance and more discussion needed for these creative convos ❤️

[@JackieWolven]

@@Sarahgoldenart yes yes and I think you’ve found the platform to do that. KZbin isn’t as shiny happy as instagram… it can be more reflective and honest.

[@joanadornellas]

Ahh love the ideia of seperating the two worlds!!

[@Sarahgoldenart]

Super helpful so far. I go through phases of how well I keep that boundary, but I can definitely feel the positive impact when I do.

[@jlm0hr]

I love this discussion about setting boundaries. I feel like my brain is constantly pulled in many directions at once. It's exhausting and my natural response is to avoid the work that needs doing so that I end up feeling EVEN MORE overwhelmed! I tend to put a lot of pressure on myself to 'show up', make money, be respected amongst my peers, wear ALL the business hats etc. Boundaries are so important and I am beginning to realize that I could be happier and more creative if I set even more boundaries in my art practice, social media presence, business and personal life. First though, I think it will be important for me to get clear on my goals. It's hard to set boundaries when I'm not even sure what I want or don't want for myself going forward. Thanks for sharing, Sarah!

[@Sarahgoldenart]

Yes, boundaries really do keep coming up for me and there’s no way to avoid them (I do try!) 🙃 I feel since art is our job and most likely started as a hobby, we need that freedom/hobby part of it still, just a slice, without all the MUST DO’s. Goals yes, especially process driven goals.

[@iamthelab_]

Love this very nuanced discussion. I do think we may need the dopamine-inducing platforms less than we’ve been lead to believe. Time to create without distractions or expectations is gold. I’ve wondered if having just one set day of sharing is a doable goal.

[@Sarahgoldenart]

I’ve tried certain time boundaries, I’m not great at keeping them, but it’s a muscle I need to strengthen because I do feel the benefits!

[@frilliepink]

It’s great being able to see and share work so easily, but it can also cause a block or freeze response. It’s taken me a long time to seek/recognise dopamine rewards from my own practice. What mostly resonates from you is the need for quiet alone time - I’m totally with you on that. I used to feel so guilty about it until I read ‘The Artists Way’ a few years ago. Listening to you talk about separating yourself from distractions in order to work and play creatively is very reassuring.

[@Sarahgoldenart]

The freeze response is real! The alone time for reflection and having that time to really do deep work without having to jump from a conversation about household stuff or pings from the phone even, so many distractions. I’m realizing more and more my boundaries with distractions needs fortifying. Thanks for chiming in!

[@frilliepink]

@@Sarahgoldenart I saw a documentary about Paula Rego and she actually shut herself away in her studio and left her husband to look after the kids. I just thought “WOW- how did she do that without feeling guilty?!” And they never disturbed her. Amazing.

[@Sarahgoldenart]

They never disturbed her, that’s a miracle! 😂 I don’t feel guilty, maybe that’s because I’ve made it my job and income earner, hard to tell.