Rediscovering Your Creative Muse

[Abbie Shores]

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It has been months since I last painted or added any new lines to my book.  I am still not writing or painting as I put this down, but I have been trying to find ways to get my mojo back.  This may be one step towards that, losing my mind to another project entirely.  Losing your painting or writing muse can feel like watching a cherished part of yourself quietly slip away. The colours that once sang to you may start to dull, words that once flowed feel heavy, even distant. It’s frustrating, isn’t it? Like trying to capture smoke, you reach for inspiration, but it vanishes just as your fingers close around it. There’s a hollowness that creeps in, a space once filled with excitement and possibility that now sits silent and empty.

This creative block isn’t just about the work itself; it’s deeply personal. We pour so much of ourselves into our art that when inspiration goes missing, it’s almost as though we lose a piece of ourselves with it. Days can pass in a bit of a fog, with attempts to create feeling strained or, worse, pointless. It’s tempting to avoid the canvas or blank page altogether, telling ourselves it’s a phase, hoping it passes on its own.

However, while muses may be elusive, they’re also remarkably resilient, often just waiting for the right spark to be reignited. Reconnecting with your creative voice can be as simple as shaking up your routine. Taking a walk somewhere new, immersing yourself in nature, or even exploring art forms or styles vastly different from your own can awaken fresh perspectives. Seeking inspiration outside of your own genre or medium often brings new light to ideas you hadn’t thought to explore before.

Sometimes, it’s about reengaging with the initial joy of the craft, the love for colours, textures, and stories that led you to create in the first place. Revisiting old works can bring a sense of accomplishment, reminding you that those creative wells are still there, waiting. And if all else fails, stepping back completely for a bit to recharge, reading books you enjoy, or letting your mind wander without expectation can often make all the difference. The muse might just need a bit of breathing room.

In the end, trusting the creative ebb and flow, and allowing yourself to rest in the slower moments, often brings the inspiration back with surprising force.

Post Permalink – https://ourartsmagazine.com/blog/2024/10/11/rediscovering-your-creative-muse/

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[Kathy K. McClellan]

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Very well written with or without your muse!

Excellent examples and suggestions to reengage. I’ve been struggling with image descriptions and blog posts so this was very timely.

 

[Hugh]

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I can’t remember ever having gone into a dire “I’ve lost it” period, but one certainly goes stale from time to time. I’ve found two techniques to help:

1st: don’t stress, rather just accept it that the fires is burning low … most likely a breeze will fan the embers before long;

2nd: pick up the camera and walk out the door (figuratively or really – it might just be a matter of arranging a couple of things on the mantle shelf to create a subject) and be open to the idea of clicking the shutter button if something looks half interesting. I find the juices begin to flow as soon as the camera is clamped to the eye. The results might not be masterpieces, but it’s surprising what is there to be turned up if you just give yourself a chance.

[Abbie Shores]

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Great advice! Thank you

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Site Owner • Community Manager
Artist • Authoress • Autistic •
Lover of Wolves, Woods, and Wild Places
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[Author]

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