If you'd a little something to kick start your creativity, check out this: FREE MIXED MEDIA ART CLASS, Fall in love with your sketchbook, loosen up and play with mixed media: helenwellsartist.com/signup
Perfect timing! You can't pour from an empty cup Helen so we definitely need those fallow periods. As a matter of fact I know I personally am in the middle of a fallow period so thank you 😊 I don't feel so useless now lol 🤭😄 although I have been reading a lot lately so it isn't a complete waste of time. There is a tendency for 'non artists' to assume that as artists we paint or that we must be productive constantly! Another myth debunked 😉🌹
Well I’m super glad to hear it was good timing…it’s so easy to think of these phases as wasting time isn’t it? I think reading, recharging and tending the soil is a perfect use of time…constant productivity is a fallacy that leads to burn out…that’s why I really like the idea of the fertile void..it’s an important part of the whole…
@@HelenWellsArtist exactly! Constant productivity is akin to toxic positivity...which can also lead to burn out. It is all about balance. Equilibrium...and being kind to ourselves. Self care is crucial 💚💜
Beautifully articulated description of the necessity of a pause in regards to understanding that producing is not the same as CREATING. That is the difference between creating art and creating a brand. No judgement towards a brand.
What you just said makes so much sense. I never looked at creativity with the art making process like that before. Thank you Helen! I am definitely going through the ebb and flow big time. 😊❤
Oh I’m glad it made sense…my energy and creativity ebbs and flows and I find it useful to just acknowledge that at different times I will need to nurture y creativity in different ways…and manage my expectations accordingly! Xx
Our lives have been like that for more than a year with health concerns…but a brighter future is looking mere weeks away with a final, final surgery for our son-in-law! And his future is looking as happy as your beautiful paintings. Life is so good!
Powerful message, Helen. Reminds me of Stephen Covey’s concept of balanced self-renewal, the breaks in between when you have to take time to “sharpen the saw”. And, incidentally, I think your new series of paintings are really beautiful.
Ah yes you’re so right…it is exactly like that. I must reread The Seven Habits… I first read in back in the 90s and found it very illuminating then.. I think I will circle back to it with older eyes. Thank you for the memory jog…xx
Thank you for this encouragement Helen...I am struggling through a fallow season creatively. I am still making things but feel a bit listless in it. I am holding it with curiosity, and I love how you speak of this "fertile void" as a space of magic. Thank you for sharing your inspiring work and thoughts!! 💖
You are just the best. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughtful words about your experience as an artist. I've been feeling guilt lately about experimenting and not creating a masterpiece to show to the world. The space in between is indeed fertile. Your words are helping me not beat myself up about not manifesting finished work while I'm learning new things.
That is very true and I totally agree but I keep getting anxious in the void. It always feels to me like creativity is never coming back, although so far, it always did. Thanks for sharing Helen 💖🙏💖😊
Dear Helen, thank you for this video. I find that creativity is like tending the land; there are fertile periods and fallow periods; in winter plants are dormant, they wake up in spring, summer is when you pick the fruits and vegetables, autumn things begin to wind down again. Another question I have for you is does art take the primary role in your life? I find that I am pulled in so many different directions (non art job to earn a living, general stress, family involvement though mainly in my thoughts because my kids are grown up and have left home though I still worry about them, health concerns (still having follow ups due to “C” and basically “looking over my shoulder” hoping it doesn’t come back & living between appointments). Right now I’m in a creative “spurt” but it’s not sustainable. How does one channel art to be the main force in one’s life? Also, regarding your work (which I love) is it easy for you to let the paintings “go” (ie sell them)? Do you make things with the idea of selling? Personally, I find it very hard to let go of the things I’ve made even though I’ve had offers to sell; I just can’t. If you have time, maybe you can address some of these things. Thanks for sharing your work.
Thank you so much. So to answer your questions, art is my livelihood so it pays my mortgage and it sustains me financially so it is both my hobby and passion and also my job…This wasn’t always the case..but it is how I have arranged my life now. This means I have to be mindful to keep my creative well topped up and do things to nurture, nourish and sustain my creativity over the long term…and it terms of letting pieces go. I find that a joy…I value the process and experience of making the piece more than the finished piece itself if that makes sense. But I do ofcourse have my sketchbooks which are just for me… everyone is different and if you want to keep you creations close that is also a lovely thing…but for me i always feel honoured and excited when an artwork is going out into the world…love Helen x
You're so welcome! The fire analogy is a good one rather than letting our creativity burn out we have to kindle the flame and give it oxygen and fuel x
I had a dream a couple of nights ago and in it I saw a name, ROBYN EDELYN scribbled on a wall in what appeared to me to be black crayon. It has not left my mind since then as I do not know of anyone by that name. I now feel compelled to use the name for a new sketchbook I am about to start purely because maybe it is meant to be.
All of this info on the ebbs, flows and pauses in my painting practice are things I struggle with, especially of late. But when I return, my work has taken a bit of turn for the better! QUESTION: your complexion is positively soft and supple! What moisturizer cream do you use? It's so lovely! :)
Oh how lovely. Thank you. I think my skin looks good in this video because I had a bright studio light bleaching out all my wrinkles and imperfections..it’s definitely down to the lighting not my moisturiser xx
I’ve already heard about the fertile void. Sometimes it is linked to our feminine cycle. When you talk about the space in between, do you mean you don’t’ create in this time? Not even in your sketchbook ? It may be silly but I am always afraid that I won’t be able to create again if I let the time in between be to long. Like I will rest and oh gosh, it’s been 4 years that I’ve been binge watching Netflix and doing anything (been there, done that 😅)
For me I use the times when I’m not feeling super creative or productive to nurture my creative spark so I might create in my sketchbook or play about with low expectations..but I don’t expect myself to be constantly producing finished finalised paintings…so when I’m feeling like this I’m not abandoning my creativity or neglecting it rather I’m trying to kindle it..I’m giving things space and time to develop..I’m pottering and pondering with the emphasis on fertile rather than void…x
I'm curious, Helen, when you seek inspiration from other artists rather than yourself, do you always return to past favourites, or do you seek new ones?
Both…I’m always looking for what I’m finding interesting in that moment or season. So when looking at other artist’s I’m hoping to tune into my own sensibilities and try and unpick why that particular painting appeals xx
If you'd a little something to kick start your creativity, check out this:
FREE MIXED MEDIA ART CLASS, Fall in love with your sketchbook, loosen up and play with mixed media: helenwellsartist.com/signup
I think you top up our creative wells Helen with the knowledge, enthusiasm & encouragement that you share. Thank you for yet another wonderful video x
Gosh what a lovely comment. Thank you so much! Love Helen x
I love your description of topping off the well rather than pouring out of it.
Oh thank you so much Dolores, so glad that it resonated with you. Love Helen x
Perfect timing! You can't pour from an empty cup Helen so we definitely need those fallow periods. As a matter of fact I know I personally am in the middle of a fallow period so thank you 😊 I don't feel so useless now lol 🤭😄 although I have been reading a lot lately so it isn't a complete waste of time. There is a tendency for 'non artists' to assume that as artists we paint or that we must be productive constantly! Another myth debunked 😉🌹
Well I’m super glad to hear it was good timing…it’s so easy to think of these phases as wasting time isn’t it? I think reading, recharging and tending the soil is a perfect use of time…constant productivity is a fallacy that leads to burn out…that’s why I really like the idea of the fertile void..it’s an important part of the whole…
@@HelenWellsArtist exactly! Constant productivity is akin to toxic positivity...which can also lead to burn out. It is all about balance. Equilibrium...and being kind to ourselves. Self care is crucial 💚💜
Yes, absolutely. I’m between ‘big things’ at the moment, so just using my sketchbooks, working in my art journals, and waiting it out.
Yes that’s it Cath…tending the soil a little…replenishing and connecting so you go again…xx
This is such a refreshing alternative perspective to “artists block” - giving it a purpose. Thank you so much.
Oh I’m so glad you found it helpful Sarah. Thank you so much for your kind comment x
Beautifully articulated description of the necessity of a pause in regards to understanding that producing is not the same as CREATING. That is the difference between creating art and creating a brand. No judgement towards a brand.
Oh thank you so much…I appreciate that Rachel x
What you just said makes so much sense. I never looked at creativity with the art making process like that before. Thank you Helen! I am definitely going through the ebb and flow big time. 😊❤
Oh I’m glad it made sense…my energy and creativity ebbs and flows and I find it useful to just acknowledge that at different times I will need to nurture y creativity in different ways…and manage my expectations accordingly! Xx
Our lives have been like that for more than a year with health concerns…but a brighter future is looking mere weeks away with a final, final surgery for our son-in-law! And his future is looking as happy as your beautiful paintings.
Life is so good!
Oh gosh that’s wonderful news Bonnie…I’m thrilled there is some light at the end of the tunnel for you all xx
Wow, I really needed this. Thank you for your insight and zest for life.
Glad it was helpful Francesca. And thank you for the kind compliment x
Thank you for sharing the Fertile Void, it really honors that seemingly fallow time✨✨✨
You are so welcome! I’m glad it was a helpful concept for you….thank you x
Powerful message, Helen. Reminds me of Stephen Covey’s concept of balanced self-renewal, the breaks in between when you have to take time to “sharpen the saw”. And, incidentally, I think your new series of paintings are really beautiful.
Ah yes you’re so right…it is exactly like that. I must reread The Seven Habits… I first read in back in the 90s and found it very illuminating then.. I think I will circle back to it with older eyes. Thank you for the memory jog…xx
Lovely! I ove this grens sea ! Thanks Helen to chair you art and entusiastic love for art! You inspiring me soo.bless❤
How lovely you are. Thank you x
Thank you for this encouragement Helen...I am struggling through a fallow season creatively. I am still making things but feel a bit listless in it. I am holding it with curiosity, and I love how you speak of this "fertile void" as a space of magic. Thank you for sharing your inspiring work and thoughts!! 💖
You are so welcome. Thank you for your positivity xx
You are just the best. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughtful words about your experience as an artist. I've been feeling guilt lately about experimenting and not creating a masterpiece to show to the world. The space in between is indeed fertile.
Your words are helping me not beat myself up about not manifesting finished work while I'm learning new things.
Oh I’m happy it resonated with you…sometimes we just need to be kinder to ourselves xx
That is very true and I totally agree but I keep getting anxious in the void. It always feels to me like creativity is never coming back, although so far, it always did. Thanks for sharing Helen 💖🙏💖😊
Thank you for that Rika… x
I love your videos, you’re so enthusiastic, and inspiring, thank you for sharing Helen xx ❤
Well you’re a very kind human. Thank you so much for the cheerleading! I appreciate it x
Well said. Thanks for your observations.
My pleasure! Thank you so much for watching Simon x
Thank you for sharing your wisdom. This came at the perfect time for me on my art journey.
You are so welcome. I’m glad it was helpful Maddie…xx
Dear Helen, thank you for this video. I find that creativity is like tending the land; there are fertile periods and fallow periods; in winter plants are dormant, they wake up in spring, summer is when you pick the fruits and vegetables, autumn things begin to wind down again. Another question I have for you is does art take the primary role in your life? I find that I am pulled in so many different directions (non art job to earn a living, general stress, family involvement though mainly in my thoughts because my kids are grown up and have left home though I still worry about them, health concerns (still having follow ups due to “C” and basically “looking over my shoulder” hoping it doesn’t come back & living between appointments). Right now I’m in a creative “spurt” but it’s not sustainable. How does one channel art to be the main force in one’s life? Also, regarding your work (which I love) is it easy for you to let the paintings “go” (ie sell them)? Do you make things with the idea of selling? Personally, I find it very hard to let go of the things I’ve made even though I’ve had offers to sell; I just can’t. If you have time, maybe you can address some of these things. Thanks for sharing your work.
Thank you so much. So to answer your questions, art is my livelihood so it pays my mortgage and it sustains me financially so it is both my hobby and passion and also my job…This wasn’t always the case..but it is how I have arranged my life now. This means I have to be mindful to keep my creative well topped up and do things to nurture, nourish and sustain my creativity over the long term…and it terms of letting pieces go. I find that a joy…I value the process and experience of making the piece more than the finished piece itself if that makes sense. But I do ofcourse have my sketchbooks which are just for me… everyone is different and if you want to keep you creations close that is also a lovely thing…but for me i always feel honoured and excited when an artwork is going out into the world…love Helen x
Thank you.
Thank you so much, this really is important and I tend to push myself right into creative burnout. Such a beautiful reminder andI adore your pink top.
You're so welcome! The fire analogy is a good one rather than letting our creativity burn out we have to kindle the flame and give it oxygen and fuel x
I had a dream a couple of nights ago and in it I saw a name, ROBYN EDELYN scribbled on a wall in what appeared to me to be black crayon. It has not left my mind since then as I do not know of anyone by that name. I now feel compelled to use the name for a new sketchbook I am about to start purely because maybe it is meant to be.
Ooh interesting…sounds like a great place to start. Have fun x
All of this info on the ebbs, flows and pauses in my painting practice are things I struggle with, especially of late. But when I return, my work has taken a bit of turn for the better! QUESTION: your complexion is positively soft and supple! What moisturizer cream do you use? It's so lovely! :)
Oh how lovely. Thank you. I think my skin looks good in this video because I had a bright studio light bleaching out all my wrinkles and imperfections..it’s definitely down to the lighting not my moisturiser xx
I’ve already heard about the fertile void. Sometimes it is linked to our feminine cycle. When you talk about the space in between, do you mean you don’t’ create in this time? Not even in your sketchbook ? It may be silly but I am always afraid that I won’t be able to create again if I let the time in between be to long. Like I will rest and oh gosh, it’s been 4 years that I’ve been binge watching Netflix and doing anything (been there, done that 😅)
For me I use the times when I’m not feeling super creative or productive to nurture my creative spark so I might create in my sketchbook or play about with low expectations..but I don’t expect myself to be constantly producing finished finalised paintings…so when I’m feeling like this I’m not abandoning my creativity or neglecting it rather I’m trying to kindle it..I’m giving things space and time to develop..I’m pottering and pondering with the emphasis on fertile rather than void…x
I'm curious, Helen, when you seek inspiration from other artists rather than yourself, do you always return to past favourites, or do you seek new ones?
Both…I’m always looking for what I’m finding interesting in that moment or season. So when looking at other artist’s I’m hoping to tune into my own sensibilities and try and unpick why that particular painting appeals xx