40 Pieces, a Shift in Focus, and a Flood of Creativity (and Sales!)
For a while, my relationship with art felt…strained. Especially while I was trying to find my way back to it after some pretty big life changes. I had always been so focused on creating pieces that I thought would sell, analyzing market trends, and stressing over the "business" side of things, that I'd lost touch with the very reason I started creating in the first place: the pure joy of it. The intuitive flow, the mindful practice of letting the art emerge from within – that had been buried under a mountain of self-imposed pressure.
Then, I decided to give myself a challenge: 40 art pieces. No stipulations, no themes, no pressure to sell. Just me, my materials, and the intention to create purely for the sake of creating. This wasn't about building a portfolio or boosting my online presence. This was about rediscovering my love for art.
I didnt set a time frame as to when to complete them as I wanted it to come from a place of love and intuition rather than pressure. But I got so enthralled and excited that it took me just 22 days to complete all 40. Well actually 42.
And you will never believe what happened…. I fell in love with art as a practice again. Here is what I noticed during this self-inflicted challenge.
The Shift: Heart vs. Head
The biggest change wasn't the number of pieces I was producing, but the shift in my mindset. I stopped overthinking every brushstroke, every color choice. Instead, I started listening to my intuition. I'd sit down with a blank canvas, and instead of trying to force an idea, I'd simply allow myself to be drawn to certain colors, shapes, or textures. I would find beautiful reference images but only refer to them for colour or composition inspiration, not to replicate.
This process became incredibly meditative. I found myself losing track of time, completely absorbed in the present moment. The act of creating became a form of mindful practice, a way to connect with myself on a deeper level. It was like coming home to a part of myself I'd neglected for too long.
Letting Go of Expectations
One of the most liberating aspects of this challenge was letting go of the expectation that every piece had to be a masterpiece, or even marketable. I allowed myself to experiment, to make "mistakes," and to simply enjoy the process of exploration. Some pieces turned out to be exactly what I envisioned, while others took unexpected turns. But regardless of the outcome, I learned something from each one.
The Unexpected Result: More Sales Than Ever
Here's the funny thing: by shifting my focus away from sales and towards the pure joy of creation, I've actually sold more art than ever before. It's a paradox, I know. But I think there's a valuable lesson here.
When I was creating with my head, I was trying to second-guess what people wanted. I was trying to create something "perfect," something that would appeal to the masses. But in doing so, I lost the authenticity, the spark that makes art truly connect with people.
Now, I'm creating from my heart. My pieces are infused with my genuine passion, my emotions, and my unique perspective. And it seems that people are responding to that authenticity. They're drawn to the energy and the emotion that shines through in my work.
Key Takeaways from My 40-Piece Challenge:
Intuition is your greatest guide: Trust your instincts and allow yourself to be led by your creative impulses.
The process is more important than the product: Focus on enjoying the act of creating, rather than obsessing over the outcome.
Let go of expectations: Don't be afraid to experiment, make mistakes, and embrace imperfection.
Authenticity resonates: When you create from your heart, your work will connect with people on a deeper level.
This 40-piece challenge wasn't just about creating art; it was about rediscovering my love for it. It was about learning to trust my intuition and letting go of the pressure to create for anyone but myself. And in doing so, I've not only rekindled my passion for art but also discovered a more authentic and fulfilling way to connect with my audience. If you're feeling disconnected from your creative practice, I highly recommend giving yourself a similar challenge. You might be surprised at what you discover.
Would you ever complete a challenge like this, to help reignite your love for art and focus your attention on what guides your creativity rather than forcing the process? I would love to hear from you.
Please comment below and let me know.
