THE DOCTOR IS IN

Dear Dr. Sue,

Where do you begin when you don't have a clue about where to even start? I have this vague desire to write or paint, or both, but nothing very specific, so I don't know where to start yet.

--R

Dear R,

Some people are born writers, painters, or musicians--they respond to and repeat rhythmic patterns starting in the crib; they construct stories or songs almost as soon as they learn to talk; or they derive aesthetic pleasure from swirling strained squash and green peas into abstract designs on the tray of their high chair. Others feel more generalized urges to create art. They know they have certain perceptions and sensitivities, perhaps an ability to find common themes in disparate images, or simply a feeling that they are capable of self-expression on a deeper, more internal plane.

Sometimes, these are people with a specific gift they simply haven't discovered yet, whether from lack of self-confidence, negative early experiences, or a dearth of opportunities to explore different media. Others may find that their yearnings don't fit the existing forms, and discover a need to develop their own unique venues for self-expression. This is often how new art forms are created.

As a consumer, which medium are you more likely to turn to for comfort or diversion?  This is not always an accurate predictor of the kind of art you want to make, but it's often a good place to start. (If your answer is "both," you may wish to consider comic books or graphic novels.) If you really can't decide, just flip a coin. The important thing is to make a commitment and plunge in. You can always change your mind later.

I would recommend enrolling in a structured class, since waiting for inspiration to strike spontaneously doesn't seem to have worked for you. If the thought of showing your work to others makes you anxious, set the bar as low as you can--find a beginner's composition class, or an amateur sketching club, and talk to the teacher about your desires and concerns. Keep in mind that your only task is to explore a new medium and see whether you wish to continue. If the class doesn't inspire you, look for a different one, or switch media. Keep exploring until you find a medium and a setting that feel right to you. And keep in mind that commitment to one form doesn't exclude exploring another. Any type of serious artistic pursuit will enhance your expressive ability and strengthen your connection to your most authentic vision--and often there is spillover from one form to another.

Susan O'Doherty, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist with a New York City-based practice. A fiction writer herself, she specializes in issues affecting writers and other creative artists. Her book,  Getting Unstuck Without Coming Unglued: A Woman's Guide to Unblocking Creativity, is now available in bookstores. Send your questions to her at Dr.Sue at mindspring dot com.   

Comments

[Richard]

Dr. Sue,

Good advice. Reading your response reminds me how a good psychologist responds. I'd probably tell someone who told me they don't know what to do when they have "a vague desire to write or paint" to lie down until the moment passes.

But maybe that's not such a flip answer. Yesterday, tired and stuck in my writing, I went to lie down in the middle of the afternoon and rest and forget about it. But just lying up there, I came up with an idea that sent me back to my desk.

So maybe to "lie down until the moment passes" isn't such a sarcastic answer. If the moment *doesn't* pass and sends you off to work, then the problem is solved.

[Leslie Budewitz]

Thanks for your column, Dr. Sue, and this post in particular.

Sometimes exploration IS the art. Some of my most creative friends don't make a living from art but do make an art of living -- they decorate, garden, cook, entertain, write great notes, choose or make terrific gifts. I find that the more effort I make to be creative in other areas, the more my writing improves. As you say, classes are a great way to explore options for an artistic commitment, but they – and other explorations – are also a great way to feed our primary art.

Leslie Budewitz
www.lawandfiction.com

[dr.sue]

Thank you, Richard and Leslie. Richard, I'm going to try the lying-down technique next time I'm stuck! And, Leslie, that is an excellent point--creativity is expressed in a number of venues not traditionally thought of as "art." I had a great-aunt I always thought of as a "life artist," because she kept such a beautiful, welcoming home.