What’s the difference between a creative mess and plain old clutter? I think the answer has more to do with your active energy that the type or amount of stuff we’re talking about. Let me explain.
In the midst of an unproblematic, genuine creative mess, you will feel inspired and perhaps even comforted. To have your tools and materials at the ready, objects and images all around to spark your imagination, and evidence of your artwork in progress, you can support your art-making activity. The big discerning question is whether or not you are being actively creative.
Are you making art?
Or, are you looking at your mess, walking by it without engaging, or even closing the door to any and all reminders of your creative projects. If the abundance and array (or disarray) of your belongings is in any way cause for hesitation, distraction or aversion, the jumble of things could very well be contributing to blocked energy, a.k.a. clutter.
Has your stuff gone stale? The once-potential energy of your creative space may be currently clogged by materials that are way past their expiration date. Here’s what Julia Cameron has to say about it in The Artist’s Way (p. 83):
“By tossing out the old and unworkable, we make way for the new and suitable. A closet stuffed with ratty old clothes does not invite new ones. A house overflowing with odds and ends and tidbits you’ve held on to for someday has no space for the things that might truly enhance today.”
To discern what clutter might be hindering your creative flow, take a look at your creative space. Reflect on these few questions, and then do what you need to do to bring ease to your creative energy.
How do I feel in the vicinity of this stuff? Invited into active creative play, or turned off?
Does my energy feel light and bright, or rather dull and sluggish?
Next Steps:
If your heart and mind feel free and playful, inspired and supported, make something!
If you sense that something is in your way, it probably is. Pick an area that seems blocked to you. Maybe it’s your studio table, tool bench, bottom drawer or top shelf. Maybe it’s a closet in the other room. Wherever you invest a little time and effort to de-clutter, your creative spirit will benefit in all arenas.
For example, my table in this state might be just fine for me to sit down and draw. Truth is, all this stuff suddenly feels to be in my way. No room to play!
Now set a timer for 20 minutes, and have at it. Put things back where they belong. Purge the old and unworkable. Don’t worry about reorganizing or making things pretty for this quick de-cluttering task. Just trust your ability to tell what no longer serves you. Search and discard. When the timer sounds, step back and notice what has shifted.
Yes, you may not have completed the entire task, but you made some room. You can repeat the process as needed. And, if your desire to clear your space is a bigger project than you want to tackle alone, help is available.
Only you can be the judge of how your creative energy is flowing. So take note and take a step to do what’s needed. Your creative spirit will thank you.
