Finding freedom with an art challenge - INKMAS 2023
In the world of art, where meticulous planning and perfectionism often reign supreme, I recently found a breath of fresh air and creative freedom through a spontaneous decision – joining the Instagram art challenge, Inkmas 2023. Hosted by the talented Fiona Smyth , this 25-day challenge aimed to infuse the holiday season with artistic cheer, inspiring artists to create daily responses to Christmas-themed prompts.
Truth be told, I've never been one to participate in art challenges. My usual approach to creating art involves extensive planning, research, and a commitment to delivering large-scale pieces that represent the pinnacle of my skills at the time. However, a fellow creative spirit, Kirsten, shared her enthusiasm for Inkmas, and something in me clicked – why not embrace a new and different artistic adventure?
With my tightly planned painting style, characterised by precision and a quest for perfection in every piece, I hesitated at the idea of producing daily artworks. But, as they say, growth lies outside our comfort zones. So, with a leap of faith, I dove into the challenge.
What unfolded over the course of those 25 days was not just a celebration of the holiday season but a personal revelation about my creative process. The prompts encouraged spontaneity and a departure from the calculated nature of my usual work. I found myself letting go of the need for perfection and diving headfirst into the joy of creating without overthinking.
In the past, I had convinced myself that every piece I created needed to be a masterpiece, a fully realised work of 'art.' This pressure, I realised, was rooted in my constant struggle for creative time. With a limited schedule, each moment spent on art felt precious, and I believed it should result in a refined output.
However, the daily rhythm of the challenge broke this self-imposed constraint. It taught me the value of experimentation, of going with my first instinct, and accepting that not every piece needed to be a polished masterpiece. If one attempt didn't work, there was always tomorrow to try again.
In embracing the spontaneity of Inkmas, I discovered the profound joy of the creative process itself. The challenge prompted a shift in my perspective – from obsessing over the outcome to relishing every step of creation. It became more about the journey than the destination.
This newfound freedom has since become a guiding theme in both my creative work and my life. The need to play, to explore, and to enjoy the act of creation has taken precedence over an unwarranted obsession with perfection. As I continue to steal time from my responsibilities to nurture my creativity, I carry with me the lessons learned from Inkmas – that sometimes, the most beautiful art emerges when we let go of perfection and simply allow ourselves to play.
