When You Encounter Setbacks & Resistance
Image of “Beige Concrete Wall Photo” by Utsman Media on Unsplash.
Today, I want to talk with you about how to cope when you face significant barriers to your creative work. In one way, shape, or form, we will all encounter a major roadblock or setback in our creative lives, including those so massive that they have the power to derail us. For me, this first occurred on a grand scale in 2014.
In the span of a few months, I was offered a deal to participate in a filmmaker’s documentary, a major sports stadium requested to purchase my paintings, and I was in the middle of preparing for a solo art exhibition. Yet, through a series of unfortunate events, I watched each of these opportunities unravel or completely disappear like smoke -- right before my eyes.
Perhaps you can relate. Maybe you recently lost a commission opportunity you worked so hard to land. You might be encountering a dry spell, and your creative work feels stuck, stagnant, or mere repeats of pieces you’ve made in the past. Or, you’re reeling from a devastating critique lobbed by a fellow artist, teacher, or someone you truly admire. Perhaps you’re tackling one of the most difficult creative foes -- your path seems completely unclear, and you’re questioning whether or not you’re meant to make art at all.
No matter what challenge you may be encountering, know that you are not alone.
Artistic setbacks and stumbling blocks manifest in myriad forms, and it comes as no surprise that there’s no one-size-fits all solution. Recovering from a creative setback may even require you to move through the traditional stages of the grieving process such as shock, pain, anger, reconstruction, and acceptance. When I lost those opportunities in 2014, I felt as though my time as an artist was over. I grieved. I cried. Fault lines and unhealed fractures plagued my sense of self-confidence for far too long.
Image of “Cubes, Squares, Blocks” by Greyerbaby via Pixabay.
One way to cope with creative losses is to remind yourself that you are the foremost authority on your work. Always.
A potential buyer backed out? Your gallery dropped you from their exhibition cycle? A trusted colleague critiqued your work to shreds (and not constructively)? A favorite publication rejected your latest poem? These sting painfully, there’s no doubt. But even if they’ve rejected your work, or perhaps rejected you as well (or it feels this way), they never have the final say on the quality or potential of your work.
Ask yourself, is the creative work I’m making a true reflection of who I am and what I want to say? Or, does something seem to be missing or out of alignment that I can correct? Am I proud of the work I am doing? Are there areas I’ve been wanting to expand or improve upon?
As best as you can, try to reframe the situation back to feeling a sense of healthy pride and personal responsibility in your work. Everyone will likely have an opinion, but have you considered your own perspective recently? If you’re prone to self-flagellation, try taking a conscious look at something you feel you could improve upon, along with a personal creative strength (we all have at least one...and likely many more)!
A second and profound way to manage setbacks comes from the great painter Frida Kahlo. Kahlo suffered a devastating bus accident that left her with significant health challenges for the rest of her life. She endured multiple hospitalizations due to her injuries, yet, she channeled her creativity into finding unconventional ways to paint. In this article, you can check out photos of how she had a special easel made that was strapped to her bed to allow her to continue working. She even painted her body cast!
Image of “Paint Brushes Painting Creativity” by Free-Photos via Pixabay.
Kahlo teaches us the critical importance of taking care of our health during life’s difficult chapters. She also shows us the need to keep engaged in our creative work, despite what life throws at us. Of course, this is never easy. In 2014, I was frozen by crippling doubt. For me, picking up a paint brush felt like one of the most dangerous, reckless actions I could take. Yet, through a commitment to keep trying and keep making, more answers and opportunities eventually emerged. Doubts -- while never fully gone -- finally began to ebb away.
If you’re currently grappling with struggles, I hope you’ll take time to recommit yourself today to your creative work. Know that it’s beneficial to you and your own well-being, as well as others’ lives you enrich through your expression.
Keep fighting the good fight.
I promise to do the same. :)
Warmest wishes,