PixsMe

Ever faced a blank canvas with a paintbrush in your hand, and wonder, “What am I going to draw?”  Lots of artists have.  In fact, Art Block is the equivalent of Writer’s Block.  Instead of feeling devoid of what to say on paper, one can feel devoid of what to brush on a canvas.  You may try to doodle something on paper to tap into an inspirational moment, or you may brush something on a canvas with an incredible array of hues, or you might watch Bob Ross on YouTube (all of which I’ve done).

It doesn’t mean that you are no longer creative.  It doesn’t mean that your gift is gone, and you have nothing else to offer.  It just means that there’s more to explore and tap into that you haven’t realized.  Art Block is a very real phenomenon and happens more often that not.  Especially when one is stressed, anxious, or unmotivated.

Jackson Pollock, an American painter from Cody, Wyoming, was a breakthrough artist during the abstract expressionist movement.  His method of painting was referred to as the drip technique.  He would drip paint onto a canvas laid out on the floor, in various directions to pour his emotions and feelings into the art.  He often used a certain wrist movement that allowed him the range of motion to abstractly embody his production.  The National Gallery of Art showcases his profile and artwork on their website, and states that Pollock’s work, Number One, 1950 (Lavendar Mist) “embodies the artistic breakthrough Pollock reached between 1947 and 1950. https://www.nga.gov/collection/highlights/pollock-number-1-1950-lavender-mist.html

Figure 1 – Number One1950 (Lavender Mist) (Jackson Pollock). https://www.nga.gov/collection/art-object-page.55819.html

Yes, Jackson Pollack wrestled with art block.  His personal life had major ups and downs as he struggled with alcoholism, infidelity, and mental health issues.  He had a brief career, but through it all he thought outside the box.  His work didn’t mold to the artistic norm.  Instead, he made art conform to his work.  He used hardened brushes, sticks, and sometimes he would use his hands.  The world respects his work, and his paintings have hung in the finest museums around the world.

When faced with a difficult path or situation in life, sometimes tapping into your creative side brings out a part of you that you never thought existed.  Several artists have created some of their best work birthed out of the challenges they have faced.  Art and imagery are so important to utilize in your creative wheelhouse because it heals, boosts your confidence, and alleviates stress, among other things.  So the next time you pick up a paintbrush or any art medium, depending on your mood, just “brush it off.”