If you’re reading this, chances are art is a big part of your life. It’s something that you look forward to doing and that brings you a lot of joy and satisfaction. But what happens when life gets in the way? You have a big project due for work, family comes to visit, a loved one is ill. I’ve noticed for most people I work with, art time is the very first thing to go. I’ll get to that later when I have more time – when my mother’s illness clears up, after my trip, after I get that closet cleaned up, when the kids are settled in school, when the remodel is complete, when I retire, etc. At first, when you pass by your work area, you feel that pang of longing and regret. Eventually you learn to close off those feelings and suppress that longing to be creative again. I’d like to propose that, as artists, the basis of a well-composed life be laid upon a foundation of the following non-negotiable items:
I used to think I had to spend long days in my studio to get “enough” art time in. But strangely, I never felt like there was quite enough time for my art. It felt like a battle between my art time and all the other responsibilities in my life. From the start, I had a disciplined and regular studio schedule, yet my creative time often felt like feast or famine. Some days were reserved for teaching and others for the studio. On my studio days, even after being there for many hours, I couldn’t tear myself away. I would stay way too late and leave feeling over-tired and over-hungry. That changed dramatically when I was invited to be in an exhibition in which I had to complete a work of art each day for five weeks. So I set aside time each morning to create. Sometimes 20 minutes, sometimes 90 minutes. I was amazed at how connected I felt to my art with such a minimal commitment. Once I got in a groove, I found myself thinking about my pieces all day long. I was working on them in my head even when I wasn’t in my studio. Although my regular studio practice involves working 4 days a week for longer periods of time, there are intervals in my life when I am on the road teaching or have consuming non-art projects at hand. For these times, I created what I call 15 minutes a day. I found that even devoting just 15 minutes each day to making art, I am able to make startling progress on an idea or project. I set a timer for 15 minutes and when that timer goes off, I am free to get up. I don’t worry because I know tomorrow I can pick up where I left off. I’ve found this 15 minutes a day works best first thing in the morning before life’s demands begin pressing in. I’ve shared this practice with the artists in my Artist Mentorship Program and it’s been awesome to watch a dedicated studio practice bloom where previously there had been none. By setting aside even a small amount of time daily to be creative, you will find yourself with more energy, a greater sense of contentment and a capacity to give generously of yourself to others having tended to your deepest needs first. Your creative energy will gather steam and ideas will flow more freely. You’ll be more at ease with the process, allowing for greater experimentation and more accepting of the inevitable “failures” or mistakes”. Most importantly, you will start the day with the satisfaction that you have made time for that which matters most – that connection to your deeper self – that creative Source within. All from just 15 minutes a day.
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How do you make space for creative time into your day? What are some of the hurdles you have to overcome to make time?
I invite you to share your thoughts and helpful tips in the comments section below!
Responses to “In Just 15 minutes a day…”
Rachel Francis Stewart
I often get a little burst of energy late at night. So I use that time in my studio (2nd bedroom, really) to add a touch to something or prep a substrate or put on a layer of varnish. Then I peek in the next morning and am delighted to see the results….which often lures me and my tea back to the paints. A few minutes can be a very happy thing!
Michele Theberge
Thank you for sharing your experience, Rachel!
Deborah
Michelle – thank you for this post; it’s so inspiring. Ive been struggling with being unemployed on and off for nearly three years. The financial strain associated with lack of funds has choked my creativity. I can surely try to be creative for at least 15 minutes a day.
Michele Theberge
Hi Deborah, thank you for sharing. I know financial strain can really shift priorities and cause stress, but I hope those fifteen minutes bring some joy and light into your days.
m.c.casha
thank you . yes, i find just putting in time, even just 15 or 20 minutes a day, usually leads me to typically find that an hour or so later i’m still working on my project. the
key for me is making that daily commitment. thank you for your thoughtful observation. mary
Michele Theberge
Thank you for your insight!
Jen
Wow your writing really rang a bell with me!! I am up at 5AM and have to leave for work at 6 AM so working early in the morning is out because I have to go to a fulltime job. So I try to squeeze in my 15 minutes in the evening after all the chores are done. Even if I’m really tired it is very energizing. Some days I just can’t get to it and then I start to feel frustrated and sad. I have come to see that creating is a vital part of my spirit that I cannot do without. Even if I only have those 15 or 20 minutes it is a saving grace. Thanks for this article, well said.
Michele Theberge
Thanks for sharing, Jen. I know mornings can be hard for some. I have a friend who keeps paper and pens at work to draw or just doodle during lunch time. I even know some artists that make work while on public transportation commuting to their jobs. However you find time, I’m glad you find it energizing.
Tim McKay
Making a commitment and sticking to it is always the best path to follow whenever you want to accomplish anything. I make a minimum of one art work daily. I commit to it. I do it. I do not wipe myself out. I do not get tempted to keeping working without a concern of time. I do not every get persuaded or influenced to make any art work perfect. It is great or close to great or mediocre art work because that is meaning of art. I make art daily and this commitment guides my output.
Thanks for writing and sharing your wisdom.
Michele Theberge
Thank you for sharing, Tim!
Therese
Thanks for the reminder about the 15 minutes a day of art making. I am working in LA this week but can still sketch the images and thoughts that stood out for me here. Also after reading Bill Moyers book the Language of Life, I wrote a poem and made a collage everyday for months. It helps so much to filter out the mental cliche’s so something surprising can come through.
Michele Theberge
Thanks, Therese!