Summer has a different energy from the rest of the year. We’re able to slow down and enjoy the moment a little more. For creatives, this makes space to think, ideate and experiment. When we let the mind wander, it often comes up with the best ideas!
Whether you are an artist, another kind of creative or you’d like to channel your creativity more, here are a few ways you can experiment with your artistic voice this summer. Who knows what will come of it?
Carry a pocket sketchbook
If you know me, you know that I get so inspired when travelling. I have to bring some art supplies with me wherever I’m visiting because I always get the itch to create. I suggest you do the same. Even if you don’t have a big trip planned, you might get the spark of creativity as you go about your day-to-day. Whenever something catches your eye, a shape, a color, a pattern, a texture, get out your sketchbook and create in response to it. You don’t have to show anyone else your sketchbook. Let it be for you and your exploration.
Start a junk journal
You might have seen this idea online already. I always love having a look at what people come up with. A junk journal is a collection of bits and pieces you pick up throughout your day and turn into a spread in a journal. You could include receipts from restaurants you’ve been to, tickets for shows you’ve seen, a pretty leaf you found or Polaroid photos of your friends. What I love so much about it is the use of unconventional materials to create something textural and unique. It would be a great way to document your summer.
Create a series in a new medium
If there is a new medium you have been wanting to try but have been a little intimidated by, start small. This summer, commit to learning how to use that medium to create one thing. For example, how to paint flowers with watercolor then gradually work your way through painting every birth month flower. Or how about building your confidence in sculpting with clay by creating different animals? By focusing on a series, you give yourself a focus point but you don’t get too hung up on each piece because you move onto the next with more experience and understanding of the methods that work for you.
Get inspired by other creatives
One of the things I love about being a Resident Artist at ALG Fine Art is that I’m surrounded by other artists. I can see their work in progress and we chat about our ideas and creative process. There are constantly new things to get my brain moving in different directions. Drop into ALG Fine Art to see what we are working on and our ever-evolving artwork on display. It’s amazing how seeing a color, technique or use of light can lead to a whole new concept you want to explore with your creativity.
Be mindful
Have you ever noticed how it’s so much easier to come up with ideas in the shower than in the studio? Basically, when we aren’t thinking about it. There’s actually some science behind this. When we are doing something that’s second nature to us like showering or cleaning our teeth, we don’t need to be fully alert. We go into this relaxed day-dreaming state. This is known as alpha brain waves. It’s the state of creativity and being in flow. We’re relaxed enough not to worry about the day-to-day and alert enough for our brains to be coming up with new ideas.
See if you can access these brain waves by being mindful. Connect to the breath, meditate or even do household chores without listening to music or TV and notice what your brain comes up with.
I can’t wait to get creative this summer! Who knows what I’ll create over the next couple of months? See the results of previous summers spent experimenting by viewing my available artwork HERE. Keep up with all the ALG Fine Art Resident Artists by dropping into the gallery during our usual opening hours of Wednesday to Saturday from 11 am to 4 pm.