Adapting Your Creative Practice
In Times of Uncertainty
Like many during this pandemic, I feel overwhelmed after months and months of being distanced from my usual creative practices. Oh, how I miss conversing with other creatives at art openings, visiting museums, dancing or singing in the studio, collaborating in groups, and traveling to new cities. After so many months of being forced out of my usual ways of creating and being, I feel sad, frustrated, and restless.
All these creative moments that fill my soul and allow me to contribute something and make meaning; are suddenly gone. It is as if my world has been misplaced, vanished, or has disappeared into thin air.
But now I realize, all isn’t lost. All isn’t bad.
Utilizing creativity to face unwanted changes
Recently, I stopped to reflect on the beautiful new creative practices that have flourished since March, and to be honest, they have actually enhanced my creative process. I have had more time to focus on my writing. I took a 2-week summer music class. I dove headfirst into loads of reading, took long walks in nature, and reactivated my daily creation making space.
Additionally, my teaching career took a creative turn with the development of new online classrooms and programs to reach different groups of people, and a chance to discover fresh ways to be present and interact with my colleagues and students.
Suddenly a world vanished, was a world renewed.
I am even grateful for all that the uncertainty pushed me to uncover and discover.
What I learned here is that the unwanted uncertainties of the current situation were actually a test of my creative capacities. The creative constraints provided me with imaginative space to find new inspiration.
Being able to adapt in the face of change is proof that a creative practice is something we can all benefit from.
And more, a creative practice can benefit from change. Of course, it’s great to stick with methods and mediums that feel comfortable, and even bring comfort when we need it. But it never hurts to shake things up a bit from time to time, with or without the forced hand of uncertainty, and see things from a new perspective.
The current situation still feels blurry and some days unbearable, but I know I can count on my creative practice to get me through. No matter what shape it takes. We can adapt together.
Hang in there, everyone. Keep going.
Take a step back to reflect on your own resilience and ability to adapt to change, and focus on the ways you use your creative capacities to do it.
