Since I’ve been doing a lot of creative coaching and mentoring lately, I’ve been reflecting on the basics of art-making. My last newsletter focused on finding time to create. Today, I’m shifting the focus to carving out physical space for making art. This is another big obstacle that can trip us up. Whether you’re working on art for your own healing process, producing art for the public, or simply wanting to maintain a creative practice, it’s essential to find an environment where you can focus and get things done.

This hasn’t been an easy journey for me personally. For years, I lived in smaller apartments in San Francisco. The last place I lived was a one-bedroom that I shared with my partner. I only had space for a tiny office to do admin work and conduct my online sessions, which was perched in the hallway above the stairs. I could only work and privately and with concentration when I was home alone. Despite all of this, I was extremely productive during that time, managing to produce a small poetry book, complete two films, maintain my practice, and dream up and launch my annual 90-day course.

My point is—no matter what your current circumstances, there are possibilities.

What I’ve discovered is two fold. First, if we can let go of our limited view of what an art space should look or feel like, opportunities open up. Second—no excuses, please! Pay attention to the excuses that arise when it comes to art-making. It can be helpful to identify all the reasons not to make create.

Here’s what has worked for me:

1. Work outside the home. I’ve found coffee shops, libraries, and outdoor spaces (bring a notebook or sketch pad) to be excellent places to focus. Without the distractions of home, things can flow.
2. Be creative with your space if it’s small. I’ve converted kitchen tables, coffee tables, and bedroom floors into creative workspaces at certain times of the day to make collages, write, and brainstorm. I know someone who writes her best poetry in bed!
3. Work with others. If you have an artist collaborator or a creative group, it can be a great resource to work in someone else’s creative home or studio space which can help you gain traction on a project together.
4. Retreat spaces. Sometimes, we need to carve out extra time to create by setting up a self-run retreat where we take a weekend away to focus, or apply for an artist residency to guarantee the precious time and space needed to drum up inspiration.

I told my assistant Jess, before heading out on a recent work trip, that I didn’t have time to write the content I’m sharing with you today. Then I realized, while flying from Virginia to New Mexico to present at a conference, that I had several hours to either play Pac-Man on my phone, listen to another podcast, respond to emails, or write. I’ve found that I can often access my muse up high in the sky!

Voila. Wherever you are, there are opportunities to get your creative project or practice off the ground.

Feeling stuck? Send me an email at [email protected].
P.S. You can also join me this Friday, August 23rd, for my Art as Necessity Self-Care Retreat for Creatives from 10am - 1pm PT / 1pm - 4pm ET (Online). This immersive retreat will help you reconnect with your creative spirit through visual art, poetic writing, and somatic movement. Wherever you are in your creative journey - you are welcome to join. ENROLL HERE!