(Illustrations by Nolan Pelletier / CBC Arts)
Sometimes, creativity can hit a wall. Whether you're a professional artist or just dabbling in creative pursuits, it's normal to feel stuck or uninspired from time to time. But here's the good news: you're not alone. Even the most accomplished artists face creative roadblocks. The journey of creativity is often filled with ups and downs, twists and turns. And when you find yourself at a standstill, it can be challenging to figure out how to move forward.
As May ushers in a season of new beginnings and fresh ideas, CBC Arts has launched a special project to ignite your creativity. They reached out to a diverse group of Canadian artists, including visual artists, musicians, filmmakers, actors, authors, playwrights, and more, to share their insights on overcoming creative obstacles.
This project, titled "Think Like An Artist," presents a wealth of wisdom and experience in a unique format: a virtual deck of cards. Each card features a tip or trick from one of the 67 notable Canadian talents involved in the project. Users can either draw a card at random for a serendipitous burst of inspiration or browse through the deck to find guidance tailored to their specific challenges.
The contributors to "Think Like An Artist" include a wide range of creative minds, such as Oscar-winning filmmaker Sarah Polley, visual artist Ken Lum, conceptual artist Kapwani Kiwanga, musician Peaches, writer Mariko Tamaki, visual artist Micah Lexier, composer Owen Pallett, and author Omar El Akkad, among others. Accompanying each tip is a unique artwork created by illustrator and designer Nolan Pelletier, adding an extra layer of creativity to the project.
The inspiration behind "Think Like An Artist" draws from similar creative aids like "Oblique Strategies," a renowned tool for lateral thinking developed by Brian Eno and Peter Schmidt. Like its predecessor, "Think Like An Artist" aims to spark creativity and offer new perspectives on tackling creative challenges. By providing a glimpse into the creative processes and strategies employed by some of Canada's brightest artistic talents, the project offers valuable insights for aspiring artists and creators.
Bridget Moser, a performance and video artist who contributed to "Think Like An Artist," emphasizes the importance of discussing the creative process openly. She notes that generating ideas isn't always a spontaneous occurrence; it often requires dedicated effort and persistence. By shedding light on the methods used by artists to overcome obstacles and cultivate inspiration, "Think Like An Artist" encourages a deeper understanding of the creative journey.
In essence, "Think Like An Artist" serves as a digital toolbox for anyone seeking to navigate the twists and turns of the creative process. Whether you're grappling with writer's block, struggling to find the right chord progression, or feeling uninspired by your current project, the tips and tricks shared by Canadian artists in this project offer valuable guidance and encouragement. With a little inspiration and a fresh perspective, you'll be well-equipped to overcome creative challenges and embark on your next artistic endeavor.
