Create like a child and be unstoppable

By Steve Green -

 "All children are artists. The problem is how
to remain an artist once you grow up.”

– Pablo Picasso


    Have you ever met a more confident artist then a child? If you have, then you have witnessed a world wonder. No one is freer than a child painting a picture. I deal with artists often. Finding an artist carefree as a child is rare. Children have no fear when creating art. Whatever is in their mind seamlessly flows onto the page. They never judge, criticize, or obsess over mistakes. That is, if they even perceive them at all.
 

    To the child, it is what it is. In their eyes, everything they conceive is perfect. Not because it is, but because they created it. If you have ever watched a child draw, paint or build anything, you will notice something immediately. They do not care what others think. They will shove it in your face and expect your approval for no other reason except that they created it.

 

    I was an art teacher and this is what I discovered. Children will lose themselves in the moment while coloring, painting or drawing. However, they become increasingly self-aware as they get older. The gift of being free in their creativity slowly begins to fade. This same self-awareness hinders mature artists despite their training, knowledge and skill.

 

    The Ego forbids matured artists to be one hundred percent free in executing their vision. It becomes a formidable enemy and will fight him every chance it gets. The moment we give into our Ego we begin to focus on ourselves. Self-awareness then takes over and influences our creativity. Often limiting it. The child-like quality of freedom from constraint gets lost. When this happens self-doubt, fear, worry and even anxiety begins to invade our minds and effects the outcome of our work.

 

    Ever wonder what would your art look like if you approached it like a child? Imagine sitting down to create having no expectations, no rules, no limitations. Picture yourself in front of the drawing board. You have all the knowledge and skills you could ever imagine at your disposal. What would your art look like? What would it feel like?

 

    There is something profound about watching children create art. They have a charisma that seasoned artists spend a lifetime hoping to achieve. Children know how to naturally tap into a flow without any difficulty. I have watched kids create with an attitude that nothing else matters. This may come as a surprise, in my experience, children are experts at focusing, at least when it comes to play and exploring their curiosities. I cannot tell you how many times I have gone into my studio ready to work and ended up distracted by text messages or social media. This is not the case with children who are engaged in art and play.

 

    It is possible to lose yourself in your work and overtaken with excitement and curiosity without distractions. It will require that you let go of everything you know in the moment. You will have to leave your adult mind at the door and become a child again. That means assume nothing, judge nothing, and allow the act of creating be what is most important.

 

    There are no simple one size fits all answer to how to achieve the level of freedom a child has in their work. However, if I were to put my money on the most key factor it would be to approach your work as play. This is a tricky, art is not a game. When it comes to serving clients and delivering on promises as a professional, art is serious business. But remember, you are a creative and there is always room for that childish flare to peak its head out when opportunity reveals itself. Find the joy in your work and allow the child in you to emerge. It could be the difference between living out your work and living out your passion.

Welcome to The Mind Your Newness Blog site. My name is Steve Green, an Apostle and Artist. I write about the creative process to help others transform their lives. I love to share ideas and practices that I have learned to help others find their unique and authentic creative voice.

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