Steps to getting Creative

Over the holidays I was painting, drawing and thinking a lot.  I have been painting and creating like never before and I really was just in 'operation' mode.  To create new, challenging and truly authentic work an artist needs to turn inward with their gaze from there, channelling out.   An artist becomes a vessel from the subconscious to the canvas, the paper, the clay - or whichever your means of expression.

Channeling is much like reaching 'flow' - for you sports buffs out there.  I did study something about sports and leisure in University and here is a quote from an interesting guy:

According to psychologist and best-selling author Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, PhD, (pronounced 'cheeks sent me high') such people are most likely experiencing 'flow,' a state of deep focus that occurs when people engage in challenging tasks that demand intense concentration and commitment. Flow occurs when a person's skill level is perfectly balanced to the challenge level of a task that has clear goals and provides immediate feedback.

Almost any activity can produce flow if these elements are present, says Csikszentmihalyi, and making them a constant part of your life can enhance your work, personal relationships and leisure time.

 Maybe this scientific equation makes you feel better, but it isn't entirely accurate.  It is more like CHANNELLING.  There is a time when your mind talks to the divine and this conversation cannot be put into words or even conscious thought; it can only be expressed through action and the production of something authentic and true.  

So how does one achieve the experience of CHANELLING?  I don't know what will with work for you, but I can describe what works for me.  It is actually very simple.  Here it is in point form.

   1. I make sure to have alone time where I will not be disturbed for at least 5 hours.
   2. I am fully prepared and know what I want to accomplish during this time - with room for change.
   3. I forget about all expectations.
   4. I stop thinking.  This comes with practice.  It feels as if you truly don’t care about anything.
   5. Then I get to work on a step-by-step basis.
   6. This means I decide to do a painting and I simply proceed with each step as it comes up.
   7. I pick a project or a subject with which, I have a lot of previous experience.
   8. I have all my supplies ready and at hand.
   9. I am relaxed, hydrated and fed.  I do not consume any alcohol or drugs.
  10. I am dressed comfortably and suitably for the medium I am working in.
  11. I do what comes natural and I don't second-guess any of my actions.
  12. I listen to some great music.
  13. I just enjoy being alive and doing what I love to do, regardless of what comes tomorrow.

 When I do all these things then I can get into a space that is all mine.   A space that allows me to get creative and produce my art.  When all things align and I have the time to CHANEL then I create work I am happy with.  All other creations pale in comparison.

Try it for yourself.  It works every time.