The 8 Artist's Body Systems
Often an exhibition is referred to as showcasing a new 'body of work'.
This is quite an apt description. Much like the body, the work is dressed to it's best and presented for the world to see. Any naked insecurities are covered up. The underlying processes, growth and multiple [organ]isation systems that work together to create that body of work are hidden beneath the surface and concealed from view.
This got me thinking of how an artist's life and work have a lot of similarities to the workings of the human body; each need systems to work properly, yet these are often invisible in the exterior product.
Here are the 8 Body Systems of an Artist's Work:
1. The Circulatory System
Our network and carrier.
As artists, we need a strong network of friends, mentors, organisations and clients to help support and carry our ideas. This network transports your art to the world through marketing, word of mouth or general emotional support. Without them, your work could not be circulated.
Is your network is anaemic?
2. The Skeletal System
A strong framework is the foundation for all creative output.
The place we create in, a diary with intentional time for making, relaxing, working and developing our skills creates the structure to develop your creative work, each day, week, month or year. Without a strong framework, things are left to chance.
Does your framework need to be realigned?
3. The Excretory System
'Failures', poor mindset or rejections need to be displaced.
Ideas that don't work, negative thinking or projects that are dead weight can constipate your time and energy. Mistakes or failures provide valuable lessons that you'll use in the next piece, but if you linger on them for too long, they become waste.
Where are you wasting your time and energy?
4. The Muscular System
Without flexing our creative muscles, you can't push or pull new ideas and move from one place to another in your creative journey.
When you do a physical workout, your muscles may ache and feel uncomfortable temporarily, but thereafter, the body becomes more fit. Your Art will never get creatively fit by sitting still waiting for inspiration to arrive. We need to do the work, welcome temporary discomfort and commit to regular creative workouts.
What are you doing to stay creatively fit?
5. The Digestive System
Think of the Digestion System as the finances.
How do you make enough income to nourish the development of your artwork? Without the income, the 'food,' we’re more than likely going to grow to resent the artwork and starve our passion. Some artists teach, sell products or have a job - there's no right or wrong way to supplement your art.
How healthy is your diet?
6. The Endocrine System
The Endocrine System is all about energy and is one of the biggest resources that we often overlook.
Being aware of how to preserve mental, physical and emotional energy to prevent burn out and looking after ourselves is vital for creating a long term creative life.
Are your energy levels, level?
7. The Respiratory System
When do you choke and when do you reach flow?
Consider the difference between sprinting and jogging. When you cram in too much in your schedule, you're sprinting and that can only be maintained for a short stretch. Eventually, you'll be left gasping for air. Jogging, on the other hand, is about learning your own pace - one that can be maintained for much longer, breathing rhythmically and in a state of flow.
Do you need to take a deep breath?
8. The Immune System
Imposter Syndrome, not feeling good enough, uncertainty and feeling like a failure are like viruses that weaken our resolve and affect our artwork. We need our own Creative Immune System to fight back and build resilience to criticism and unwelcome thoughts.
Do you need to prescribe yourself some rest and relaxation or an inspiration pill?
Each of these systems enables you to create your work. They interlink and when one part isn't working fully, the rest suffer.
For example, if you've created lots of artwork but you have a weak Circulation System, no one will see that work and you'll not sell, that then effects your Digestion System (i.e your finances.)
If you think any system is being neglected or needs a bit of TLC, look to the Skeletal System, (your Framework.) Get your diary out, consider where needs your attention and schedule some time to focus on strengthening your systems.
And tell me below; how do the other 3 major Body Systems, The Nervous, Integumentary and Reproductive Systems link in with your artwork?
Studio Notes
If you’d like to create more art, my bi-monthly email, Studio Notes is packed with strategies for your creativity, gives you a peek into the studio and delivers encouragement and lessons to make time for and develop your Art.
ForM is by far my favourite group exhibition of the year to visit and I am honoured to have been one of artists involved in it this year.
If you missed the exhibition, here’s a round up.