Practice
1.“perform (an activity) or exercise (a skill) repeatedly or regularly in order to improve or maintain one's proficiency.”
2. “ the actual application or use of an idea, belief, or method, as opposed to theories relating to it.
"the principles and practice of teaching"
Maintaining anything takes some level of commitment. There are so many distractions in the world. Other jobs that pay bills, family, friends, social media, global news, physical exhaustion, emotional apathy. Time for any practice; art, exercise, meditation, sport, etc. involves more than an time block on a calendar. It takes energy, commitment and emotional investment often for intangible rewards.
For me, it is the intangible rewards that keep me investing in my practice. It isn’t art sales, exhibits, or stacks of finished work, although each of those things are intensely gratifying. It is the sense of wellbeing, mentally and emotionally, that keeps me maintaining and even protecting my practice. When I don’t have studio time, I see a drop in my creativity and my outlook in life.
Studio time isn’t always fun or playful. It can be frustrating when a composition doesn’t work out or when inspiration is lacking. But working through the frustrating times along with the inspiring times leaves me with a feeling of mental stimulation and inner wellbeing I hope I never have to go without. My art practice is what allows me to continue to grow as an artist, to explore new techniques, revisit old ideas, refine my skills and stay engaged. This engagement is what leads to new inspiration for me, and it is what keeps me going.