Making Space to Claim Your True Art

Last spring, one of my mentoring clients did some serious spring cleaning of her studio. This artist had honed in on her artistic style, which involved working with very specific mediums and supplies.

But on her way to discovering her style, she had experimented with all sorts of art supplies. Haven’t we all? If you’re still experimenting and evolving your style, then you are likely trying out a variety of supplies.

This artist felt that letting go of the supplies she no longer used would free up space mentally as well as physically in her studio. She took all of the supplies that no longer served her art practice and generously gave them to artist friends who would use them. By doing this, she strengthened these relationships while responsibly offloading unwanted art supplies. Wins all around!

Once the artist had cleared out the supplies that no longer served her, her studio felt focused and intentional. The artist had exactly what she needed and nothing that she didn’t need. This was a powerful step—it felt like she was jamming a flag into the ground, proclaiming THIS is my art style! I’m all in.

If you’ve honed in on your art style, why don’t you consider trying this? Even if you’re still evolving your style, are there art supplies that you have on hand that you never use and you never will? Share those with someone who will use it—either an art friend, a school, or community art studio.

Take time to evaluate how it makes you feel to let go of these supplies:

• Do you feel lighter and more free?

• Do you notice that your studio is less visually overwhelming?

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this. Have you ever Marie Kondoed your studio? Do you yearn to? What’s holding you back? Contact me to share your thoughts with me.