Something is shifting.
I’ve felt it for a while now—that subtle but undeniable knowing when something that has always worked suddenly… doesn’t. It’s the feeling that tells you it’s time to leap into the unknown, even if you’d rather keep your feet planted firmly where things feel familiar.
That’s exactly where I am right now. Stuck. And the truth is, the last six months have been so full of projects, deadlines, and responsibilities that I haven’t had a moment to breathe, let alone make new artwork. My creative well has felt bone dry.
When I first met my partner, one of the first things I said was, “I know things.” Looking back, I’m sure he thought I was a little eccentric—but what I meant was that I’m deeply intuitive. I can’t always explain how, but sometimes I simply know.
And right now, I know this moment is different.
Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve been preparing myself to paint again. I decluttered my studio down to the bones. I cleared the surfaces, the energy, the noise. I started writing “future pages”—letting myself dream forward instead of circling the same old patterns. I hired an artistic mentor to help pull out the threads I can’t yet see.
Slowly, something has shifted. The energy feels new again. The magic—the quiet spark I’d been missing—has started to come back.
I’ve carved out time for myself, which feels like the greatest gift.
Time to think.
Time to paint.
Time to reconnect with who I am as an artist.
Time to simply be.
And with that comes gratitude… and yes, frustration too. It’s always easier to stay with what has worked in the past. It’s safer there. But I also know that if I want to evolve, I have to step into the unknown, no matter how uncomfortable it feels.
So stay tuned. I’m stepping into new territory, and I’m excited—and a little nervous—to share the work that comes from this shift.
Tell me how what steps you have taken to find your inspiration or your creative voice amidst today’s busy world?
Be well….be creative,
I’ve had home studios and alone studios but now I am in a small affordable studio with a group of 15 other creative minds. There are a few that don’t even realize how much they inspire me just with a short conversation. They might mention that they are painting a kayak mural for a client and suddenly I am engraving kayaks on wine glasses and loving it. You never know where inspiration may come from but I think we need to find a balance of quiet time and a little social time to get those wheels turning.
My website needs updating and my studio room needs a fresh coat of paint and I’m going to focus on what I do best and HIRE someone to take the pressure off and get these items quickly checked off by writing a check, that will motivate me!
I love that you are now sharing space and getting inspiration from others. I find it so incredibly hard to create in a vacuum. And I also love that you are outsourcing. I’m a huge believer in not doing everything myself and freeing up my time for what I love….and for what I do well. Good luck on your website:)
congratulations! change like this can be daunting, but trust you are doing the right thing. take one step and let the rest fall into place.
So true Sheryl, so true. Thanks!
Can’t wait to see your new work.
Thanks Kay!
Can’t wait to see your next adventure
Thanks Betty!
I wish there was a formula I could pass along…maybe remember how inspired you felt when you first started out. What was it about encaustic that drew you in then? Remember your successes, feel empowered and create from there.
Thanks Tanya. This is bigger than just not being inspired. This is a shift…..one that takes time to manifest itself.
Thanks for sharing this Clare! I am hoping for a shift soon! I quit my part time “day job” and am a little frightened about having that extra time starting in January. I am bored with my photography, feeling like I have shot everything I wanted to…now what? I look forward to hearing and seeing what comes out of this for you! Thanks for always inspiring me!
I know that feeling Dianne…..the best we can do is continue to strive for what comes next:)
Hi Clare,
Great post. It’s frustrating to feel a block from our own creative process. I agree with you that taking the time to clear out the clutter in our work space gives our minds a fresh slate to renew our creative selves.
When I feel a block in my creative energy I reach out to Mother Nature…..take long walks, go for hikes with my dogs, unplug and try to connect with those things that first inspired me.
Thanks LynnAnn. I think it’s a challenge most of us as creatives feel at sometime throughout our careers. I have to admit, I reach out to Mother Nature more in the summer than I do in the winter:) It’s a nasty cold day out there today.
I am in the same creative space right now. I’ve been consumed (happily so) with our recent move to a new home, new state, new climate, etc. since last May. But all the while, and especially in the past month, I can feel the energy building toward a new phase of creativity. It’s exciting but also a bit unnverving wondering what will emerge.
I came across this post as I was cleaning up my office, desk, studio space, and computer desktop. I had left this tab open in my browser so that I could read it again. Today was the day that I got back to it and it just resonated so much with where I am now. I will look forward to hearing where your creative energy has taken you.
I so love how the universe takes us to the messages that we need to hear. Glad today was the day for this. Good luck in your new home, new state, new climate, etc:)