Author: Kim E Upton

Interdisciplinary Artist, Creative (r)Evolutionary, weird lady down the street, hillbilly mystic.

Art for art’s sake

Creating art without any constraints allows us to tap into our imagination and reconnect with our true selves. There are no rules to follow or deadlines to meet—only a blank canvas waiting to be adorned with our dreams and emotions. Whether it’s sketching, painting, sculpting, or any other form of artistic expression, the process itself becomes a form of meditation. As we immerse ourselves in the strokes of a brush or the shaping of clay, our minds enter a state of flow, where worries and stress melt away.

How does one begin a journey of art for fun? The answer lies in embracing the process itself, rather than fixating on the outcome. Give yourself permission to play, experiment, and make mistakes. There’s no right or wrong way to create art—it’s about letting go of expectations and allowing your inner child to explore with curiosity and wonder.

Find materials that speak to you—whether it’s a set of vibrant paints, a sketchbook, or a block of clay—and find a space where you can freely express yourself. Dedicate time to this creative practice, even if it’s just a few minutes each day. Allow art to become a sanctuary, a cherished moment of joy and reflection.

Remember this important thought—it’s not about becoming a professional artist or producing masterpieces—it’s about embracing the healing power of creativity, discovering new facets of yourself, and finding joy in the process. So, let go of any self-doubt and let your imagination run wild. Create art for the sheer pleasure of it, and watch as it becomes a soothing balm for your soul.

Support and love your way,
Kim

Go easy on yourself

Healing with art offers a powerful avenue for relieving stress, providing a transformative outlet for emotional release and rejuvenation. When we engage in artistic activities, such as painting, drawing, or sculpting, we enter a state of focused immersion that allows us to temporarily detach from the stresses of daily life. Artistic expression serves as a cathartic release, enabling us to channel and process our emotions, worries, and anxieties. As we create, we tap into our innate creativity and imagination, fostering a sense of flow and mindfulness that transcends our stressors. Through art, we find solace, empowerment, and a renewed sense of control. It becomes a therapeutic practice that promotes self-reflection, self-discovery, and personal growth. The act of creating art provides a sanctuary where we can unload the weight of stress, replace it with beauty and self-expression, and emerge with a greater sense of inner calm and emotional well-being.

So go easy on yourself – you are an important part of the world.

Daily creative expression with doodles.

In today’s fast-paced world, where productivity often takes the front seat, it’s easy to overlook the importance of nurturing our creative side. However, embracing and cultivating creativity can bring numerous benefits to our lives, from enhanced problem-solving skills to increased happiness and fulfillment. One of my favorite ways to engage in a daily creative practice is doodling.

When we think of doodling, we often associate it with mindless scribbles or idle sketches. However, doodling can be much more than that. Engaging in a daily practice can bring a multitude of benefits to your life, from boosting creativity and reducing stress to enhancing focus and improving cognitive abilities. It also doesn’t require fancy tools or paper – just you, a writing utensil, and paper.

If you want to start a daily doodle practice, here are some tips that can help.

  • Embrace Curiosity: Curiosity is the catalyst for creativity. Cultivate a sense of wonder and openness to new experiences. Ask questions, explore different perspectives, and challenge conventional wisdom. Engage in activities that pique your interest and encourage you to think outside the box. Whether it’s visiting museums, attending workshops, or diving into new hobbies, curiosity fuels your creativity. A great way to do this is write out numbers, or letters, and see if you can turn them into something else. If you need visual inspiration, there are quite a few videos online that give precise instructions on this technique.
  • Embrace Failure and Learn from it: Fear of failure often stifles creativity. To bring more creativity into your life, you must be willing to take risks and embrace the possibility of making mistakes. Understand that failure is an essential part of the creative process. Learn from setbacks, view them as learning opportunities, and use them to refine your ideas. Embracing failure allows you to experiment, iterate, and ultimately discover innovative solutions. When teaching creative practices to others, I remind them that their piece isn’t going to look exactly like my example. This has nothing to do with skill or practice, but that we are different people with different experiences. From there, we discuss the beauty of having one’s own expressive style, and that being like everyone else is not important to their creativity.
  • Practice Regularly: Creativity, like any skill, requires practice. Set aside dedicated time for creative pursuits, whether it’s painting, writing, cooking, or playing an instrument. Make doodling a regular part of your routine, even if it’s just for a few minutes each day. Consistency is key to nurturing your creative abilities and unleashing your full potential. It can take a bit of time to get into a routine that fosters creativity. An easy way to get started is by keeping a small notebook nearby. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy – it can be junk mail, printing paper, or paper napkins – it is just a place for your mind and hand to wander. For those who work with sensory issues, it is a good idea to use instruments that feel good in your hands, and don’t create a barrier for you to express yourself fully.

Doodling serves as a powerful tool for self-expression. It allows you to communicate thoughts, emotions, and ideas visually, even when words may fall short. Through daily practice, you can discover your unique artistic style and develop a visual language that is personal to you. As you witness your skills improving over time, your confidence as an artist grows, leading to greater self-assurance in other aspects of your life.

Engaging your imagination is a delightful and rewarding habit that brings forth numerous benefits. From nurturing your creativity and reducing stress to enhancing focus, promoting cognitive development, and improving your overall wellbeing. So, grab a pen, unleash your originality, and let the transformative power of doodling guide you on a journey of self-expression, relaxation, and personal growth.