I lost a piece of me the day I quit art. All the colour in my life faded. Nothing felt beautiful. My daydreams turned into zoning out to avoid my anxious thoughts. I used to cry every time I got deep into an art piece; that point where I catch a glimpse of the final product coming together. I would get this overwhelming feeling of pride and harmonious comfort. I felt so lucky to be skilled and passionate about something so beautiful. Something that could impact others. I never once cared about impressing others with my art, I just hoped my form of expression could bring a flicker to their creative lightbulb. Those joyful tears that rushed down my face no longer exist. Well, they exist, but there is nothing joyous about them. I can’t draw without crying out of frustration. Out of fear. The fear that I have lost my ability to create. Frustrated that I let go of this gift. Let go of myself.
For many people, creative expression through art is a powerful form of self-expression, but sometimes life can get in the way and we may cut art out of our lives for various reasons. It can be challenging to find the courage to return to art after an extended period of not creating, but it is possible with the right mindset and approach.
Here are some steps you can take to find the courage to put the pencil to paper:
Reflect on your reasons for cutting art out of your life: Understanding why you stopped creating art in the first place is an essential step in finding the courage to return to it. It could be that life circumstances, such as work or family responsibilities, made it difficult to find the time or energy to create. Or perhaps you encountered a creative block or experienced feelings of self-doubt or insecurity about your art. Whatever the reason, take some time to reflect on it and try to identify what barriers you may need to overcome.
Start small: If it has been a while since you last drew, it can be overwhelming to try to jump right back in at the level you were once at. Instead, start with small, manageable tasks that allow you to reacquaint yourself with your materials and practice your skills. Set aside a few minutes each day to sketch or doodle, and gradually increase the amount of time you spend creating as you become more comfortable.
Be kind to yourself: It’s natural to feel rusty or unsure of yourself when returning to a skill after a long break. Remember to be patient and kind to yourself as you work to regain your artistic abilities. Don’t compare your work to others, and try to focus on the progress you are making rather than the end result.
Seek inspiration: One of the best ways to reignite your passion for art is to seek inspiration from other artists. Look for artwork that inspires you and try to understand what draws you to it. Joining a local art group or attending art exhibitions can also be an excellent way to connect with other artists and gain new perspectives.
Set goals: Setting goals can help you stay motivated and focused as you work to rebuild your artistic skills. Whether it’s completing a particular project or trying a new technique, having specific goals in mind can give you a sense of purpose and direction as you return to your art.
In summary, finding the courage to draw again after cutting art out of your life is possible with patience, self-compassion, and a willingness to start small and build gradually. By reflecting on your reasons for stopping, starting with small tasks, being kind to yourself, seeking inspiration, and setting goals, you can reclaim your passion for art and begin creating once again.
