In Episode 6 of the Art Bound podcast, we heard from Suchitra Mattai and Taylor White, two conceptual artists who’ve redefined their relationships with the materials they use, and who’ve cast aside traditional artist labels to push the boundaries of not only what qualifies as art but also their own freedom of expression. We recently continued this discussion by asking you, the Artists Network community, “What advice would you give to artists who want to break free of creative limitations and experiment in unexpected ways?”
As an artist, taking advice is a bit tricky. Sometimes it boxes you in or defines certain creative limitations before you even make your first mark. But when it comes to creating some of your best, most interesting and rewarding artwork, it’s almost always necessary to try something new. By peering into the lives of other creatives, you might find an interesting new way to surprise yourself in the studio. It could also lead to a new phase of inspired production.
Here is how 24 of your fellow artists break out of a creative rut and shake things up to reach that next level of artistic freedom. We hope you find a direction or two that speaks to you.
Always Be Learning
Take a workshop from an artist whose work is different from yours. — Sandy W
Ask other artists about their processes, learn something new, practice your skills. You’ll be surprised how many fellows are willing to share their creative flows with you. — Rachel S
Switch It Up
It’s an experiment only if you’ve never done it. You cannot experiment with the familiar. — Bob C
Forget who you are. Step outside your boundaries and set yourself free. I switched from oils to watercolor and from detailed realism to big bold brush strokes and abstracts. When I go back to oils, I can do it with a fresh approach. — Cindy R
Hold paintbrush from the end, not up close to bristles. Try using three ball point pens (black, blue, and red) and then sketch [a scene] as fast as possible. Try painting with rooftop aluminum paint, tar, plaster, and linseed oil in addition to your typical media. — Jeff T
I broke out and will experiment with just about any materials and mix up every technique and really like the outcome. — Elsie D
What has helped me so far is making my art in a series. That way if I make mistakes or do something that I don’t like, I’ll at least have one piece that I like, which makes me want to do more. — Bethany C
Take Detours
Regularly practice in new venues off your beaten path. If you have an inflexible following, go incognito and use a nom de plume. — Anonymous
Try a new medium or, paradoxically, limit yourself to a specific color scheme. A change of scenery has always been helpful for me. — SRW
Take every detour. You can always turn around, but you should at least explore. — Ellen L
Relate the unrelated: wheels on suitcases, cordless phones, flying pigs, rim lighting, sky view, color wheel adjustments. —Michael D
Face the Fear
Don’t paint what is expected. Create what speaks to you and don’t be afraid to push your boundaries. — Jessica F
Don’t think about it too much. Jump in and do it. — Anonymous
Be unafraid! [Fear] has been my biggest hurdle. — Belinda
Try tackling a medium or subject matter that you are afraid of! Conquering a fear is quite cathartic and can prove groundbreaking. — Christopher V
Flow and Play
Approach your artistic practice as though you’re a child. Collect interesting things like onion bags, bubble wrap, pieces of chain or cord, etc. Incorporate things you have, like tissue paper, wrapping paper, napkins, paper clips. Anything can be your support. Play freely. Just have fun, get messy, and don’t take it so seriously. — Susen F
Be open to inspiration from wherever it comes, and don’t be surprised if your art goes somewhere else than where you expected it to go. — Jack
Flow with your feelings. — Anonymous
Simple: Just play. — Julie T
We can see ourselves as vehicles rather than creators. Humbly allowing work to flow through us not of us. — Chelsea K
It might sound silly but reading “You can paint whatever you want” was really inspiring to me, ten years into my career! — Lexi H
Intrinsic Rewards
Know the difference between the art you want to monetize and the art you don’t want to monetize. It’s okay to have both. — Rachel S
Likes mean nothing. — Timothy S
Do your own thing. — Chris N
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