Inspiration Fridays! Finding Your Creative Collective
Finding Your Creative Collective
Real creativity doesn’t exist in an echo chamber. Growth occurs when we challenge what we know.
“Art is too important not to share” – ROMERO BRITTO
A painter alone in a drafty studio wearing a chic but moderately disheveled smock, brush in hand, another between the teeth. With an unshakable focus on the subject, the artist absently wipes paint on the now, less chic smock.
A great image… and one I’d quite like to paint but it is not, for the most part, the reality of my day-to-day. There are times I am this very painter, sans the chic bit… but this image leaves out the critical cast of characters that I have had the good fortune to surround myself with throughout most of my life as an artist.
Seven Figures | 24×48 | oil on linen | Gabriel Mark Lipper | 2006
I have shared studio space with other artists for most of my career. Not only does it make a larger space more affordable, but the fusion of ideas and energy also acts as a catalyst for our all of our artistic growth. There was some time early on when I didn’t share a studio. I lived in a studio. My futon was a bed by night and the modeling stand by day. I saved on rent, but it was pretty toxic and my cat Vincent kept getting into the oil paints. (I got my deposit back, but I had to replace the carpet.)
In a collective environment, we’re constantly learning from one another. Sometimes the learning comes directly through the sharing of techniques, tools, and discussions. But it can also be as simple as quietly observing another artist’s process, or finished work. Having other artists working in the studio can also reinforce our own commitment to show up on the daily. Immersing ourselves in a strong community of artists is one of the most powerful tools we can bring to our craft. It’s probably more valuable than our paintbrushes!
Sharing studio space isn’t always possible, or even the best option. The last several years have opened my eyes to the incredibly powerful opportunity we have to be part of an amazing community of artists online. Being able to connect with other artists, share in their struggles and triumphs, and to be able to witness the evolution of so many artists’ work, has transformed the way I paint and move in the art world. I will continue to encourage every artist to find a group of artists whose art resonates with them. We needn’t be stuck in a rut, or continue to paint in the same way year after year. Our art comes alive when we share it with other artists.
Who are the people in your life that understand and support you in your pursuits? Are you nurturing these connections? Take some steps toward finding new peers to connect with. Joining art groups, or taking some classes will bring new energy and motivation to your art.