CREATIVE STAGNATION: IDENTITY, STYLE AND PROGRESSION
Prologue: It has been a while since I've written in the blog. To be honest 2016 hasn't been the most fruitful year personally. I've written, taken countless photos and shot some films but in the end the feeling I had inside was that of emptiness. I didn't feel any personal growth, I didn't feel that I had learnt and tried something new, I didn't feel like I had done enough; What I felt was what I'd call 'Creative Stagnation'.
Today, I had a really interesting talk with a few of my friends - who also happen to be photographers - about the concept of creative blocks. The talk started when one of them commented on how last year was very tough for her and how she's been having this creative slump. Each one of us then commented on how we had a very similar experience and the possible reasons on why we might have experienced such stagnation. Below is an analysis on some of the reasons we discussed and some possible solutions that might help other creative minds out there. (Also check out their work on Instagram: @thebongolese, @shadowwalk3r & @mtickzgraphie)
REASON(S)
In the conversation we discussed different reasons that might lead to a creative block but the ones the stood out were related to the journey of the artist towards finding his/her identity and style. Artists usually start out by learning the skills required for the art in question and at that point in time the journey is heavily reliant on the absorption of as much knowledge that can lead to a perfection in the utilization of these skills. After a certain point, this journey seizes to be merely about the acquiring of skills and gradually transforms into a journey of self-expression.
Now in order to express one-self through art; the artist has to be a aware of his identity - not only as an artist but as a person - and his style as well. And this is where my friends and I agreed to as the source of our creative stagnation. We had all fairly mastered the skills required to be photographers (things like the camera, lensing, framing, composition, lighting and use of color etc.) but we agreed upon that we were all at that phase where we were trying to understand and identify which type of artists we are/want to be and how that is related to the styles we have established for ourselves throughout the years.
The phase of self-realization or identity seeking might be a result of two things: One, having a library of ideas in your mind but not knowing how to incorporate those ideas with your style in such a way that it would reflect your viewpoint. Two, trying to find new ideas and ways to truly express yourself at that point it time. Now during this process your mind is more occupied with questions, doubts, criticisms of self that cause your performance to take a dive leading to a form of creative stagnation. It doesn't mean that you won't be writing or taking photos or making films but you'd find the results subpar to the level you expected to achieve. Only through self-identification - of style, purpose, goals, lifestyle, perspective - would one achieve the closure he/she needs to push the boundaries of his art.
I also had another analysis that I found resonated with myself at this point in my life. Apart from the issue of self-identification, I was/probably still am facing a great spiritual block. I think these two for me go hand in hand. Yes, there is the part were an artist has to identify their style, workflow, points of interest, social/political/economic perspectives but the concept of the inner self is beyond the physical and it's the metaphysical part that I feel is lacking something; I feel a spiritual void. I feel consumed by the material aspects of modern social media (followers, likes, spectacle, assurance) but my inner self isn't satisfied and I think it's only through spiritual awakening (through the Divine) will I truly find inner peace and my voice as an artist.
SOLUTION(S)
We talked about a few number of solutions and here is what we came up with:
- Reading: At the point of creative stagnation I've found that reading can really benefit the mind especially when said stagnation is related to issues of your identity. Through reading (be it magazines, novels, technical books, philosophy etc.) one can find new paths, ideas, thoughts and perspectives to look at things and through the process find oneself.
- Writing: This process can be very efficient as a way to communicate with your inner feelings, thoughts and emotions. One doesn't have to write perfectly but surely has to write what is honest. You don't need to share what you've wrote but by taking time to scribble down your thoughts, you're creating more space to understand yourself.
- Getting some quiet time: This process is mostly related to the spiritual void I've talked about in the previous section. With all that is overwhelming us in the material world, we don't get enough quiet and alone time to sit, contemplate, explore and listen to our inner selves. And by not doing so it becomes harder and harder to identify oneself. I've really been impressed by how most great influential people have always taken time to be by themselves and ponder about life and the self. From Prophets like Moses, Jesus and Mohammed to public figures like Gandhi, Malcolm X and Bruce Lee and even how most disciplines in life such as the Shaolin always teach concepts like self-reflection and meditation. All these examples have a common trait; self-awareness, spiritual knowledge and understanding of the self and others.
- Friends: Even though the topic is really focused on the self, we are after all social beings. Friends who can encourage you, open dialogue on different relevant matters directly or indirectly related to art and inspire you are really important in your progression as an artist and person as well. In my opinion, the company you keep defines the person you are.
To conclude, I'd say that the concept of identity isn't fixed. What you're today isn't who you're tomorrow. This process of self-identification and self-awareness is an everlasting one and that is why even though artists might have similar traits in their body of work, the works they've done throughout their years differ in content, execution and sometimes style. But one thing we can say they have in common is that they mirror what the artist wanted to express at that point in life.
Epilogue: This article is by no means a scientific or psychological analysis on self-identity, spiritual awareness or creative blocks. Nor is it an objective piece on the journey of an artist. It is just ideas of a few friends who had a common foe coming together to find a solution. It is also a purely subjective analysis by myself on the issues discussed with my friends today and my hope is that it might help others with a similar problem find closure.