In a world designed to capture our attention through ever more sophisticated means, perhaps the most revolutionary thing we can do is to decide for ourselves, with intention and care, what to pay attention to and what to ignore. A rational inattention approach can help us do just that.
Read MoreWhen you can’t think yourself out of a problem, it’s time to act. But taking action doesn’t mean that the action has to be big or even that you have to be particularly sure about it. In fact, often the best actions are small experimental ones. This small experiment approach is what I’ve been using to try and break through my creative block.
Read MoreLike Jello and cement, once our minds are set they are hard to change. This has certainly been true of my “paint scarcity” mindset in the studio. One alternative to trying to think ourselves into a new mindset is to look to the environment for help. This is just what I did when I set out to shift my paint scarcity mindset by creating a micro-environment of abundance.
Read MoreWhen it comes to planning, why do we tend to overestimate our abilities and underestimate time and costs? This year, I’m coupling my annual art practice planning with a “premortem” technique. Read on to learn more about cognitive biases, premortems, and my own Christmas Carol inspired process.
Read MoreI fell into a period of creative hibernation after my brother Jim passed away suddenly in November. I was not expecting grief to take such a toll on my creative drive and ability. One thing that has helped is studio time that is free from intention and instead focused on simply enjoying the suspended moment of the present.
Read MoreIs it really fear we feel when we worry about what other people think about us or our work? Reframing “fear” in this context as “vulnerability” helps identify a range of useful strategies for thriving in an uncertain social environment.
Read MoreIs it really fear we feel when we are in situations where we don’t know what we’re doing? Reframing “fear” in this context as “confusion” can help us identify a broad range of strategies for what to do when we feel out of our depth.
Read MoreIs it fear that artists and writers feel when facing the blank canvas or page? Reframing fear in this context as uncertainty about how to make a start or keep going can help us identify concrete ways to become unstuck.
Read MoreSometimes what we label as fear is really uncertainty, confusion, or vulnerability. Read on to learn how reframing fear can lead to problem-solving solutions that are more useful than the vague encouragement to “be brave.”
Read MoreLimiting choices can give your brain a rest and, paradoxically, increase creativity.
Read MoreIs stress shutting down your creative brain or is it helping you to make creative leaps?
Read MoreHow does walking boost creativity and what kind of walking is the most effective?
Read MoreHow I made good on my intention to bring my art practice on holiday.
Read MoreHow to feed and nourish your brain to foster creativity.
Read MoreI have been interested in observing people and making art as far back as I can remember. Now, I’m combining these interests in my new blog.
Read More
