Is it for their wall, or your soul?

In this post/video

• I reflect on where my artistic process is at the moment, and where I am coming form
• Provide journal questions for you to explore your own Wall versus Soul quandaries
• Suggest things to think about when buying art

Saturday morning reflection on the artistic process. In the ongoing quest to understand my artistic process, I ponder a recurring topic — is this art destined for someone's wall or am I making something for my own soul? Is it a devil's choice?

It used to for sure be for my soul

When I was younger, my work was a mirror reflecting the turbulence of my love life, sexuality, and spiritual exploration. Archetypes like the rabbit, Stag woman, and horsewoman were my companions, guiding me through a period of expressive arts in my 40s. These symbols held profound meaning, rooted in personal experiences and dreams.

My life got better but my art started to wobble

As I got older and my life stabilized, the archetypes that once served as pillars of expression started to feel like they belonged to my younger self, and no longer resonated. I needed to find new symbols or a new way of expressing myself so I could breathe life into my art, get past my blocks, and open up to different ways of working.

Is abstract art the way forward?

I tried was experimenting with non-representational art. I enjoyed the freedom of playing with color, texture, and mark-making without the burden of recognizable imagery. Yet, instead of trying to figure out what imagery to use, instead the puzzle was how to resolve composition - a puzzle I definitely did not find any meaning or pleasure in. There is so much design in abstract art, and while I enjoyed that about it, I could not find the depths of meaning or self expression in working abstractly that I was searching for in my practice. That left me vulnerable to seeking outside validation for my work.

Letting the process go where it needs

I decided to focus on objectively observing the inner critic and other doubting internal voices while I was working. I found that there is a rhythm. I fall into the work, get lost in it, and then am kind of gently delivered back into consciousness, like when you wake up naturally. And BAM, the voices would move right in!  If I enjoyed making what I was making, I stood up for it!  

This process has resulted in a lot of little characters coming forward. I find them charming and strange. I don't know who they are yet, and I honestly feel uncomfortable with their style.

Am I just soothing my creative anxiety?

The question I have now is whether I can trust this approach. By following pleasure and trusting what emerges when I am in the zone, I wonder if I am staying safe. I feel unsure about this emerging style and that causes some cognitive dissonance. 

Is it for someone's wall or is it for my own soul?

Artists need to be conscious of when they are making art for themselves, and when they are shifting to make art that can thrive in the marketplace. The sweet spot is when it is both. 

Some sound advice is to start by making art that is for you and then edit/resolve/improve/refine some of those works that seem like they are marketable. There is of course a learning curve with this. Keep everything unless it makes you cringe (and even them, hold onto it for a while and reevaluate it later). Much of the work that doesn't meet that sweet spot can be sold in studio sales for a lower price.

I am going to continue to trust the process and see where it leads. Right now that means activating the surface with non-representational colors and lines. I let something emerge form that and follow what feels good and puts me in the zone. Right now, these characters are emerging and I'm going to see what happens if I give them more time to develop and evolve. 

I want to get to know them, to write about them, interview them, relate to them, ask them what they want. These creepy and whimsical images serve as breadcrumbs, guiding me toward an unexplored realm of self-discovery. 

What about your own artistic practice?

Do you find your own art sometimes going in baffling directions you don't quite understand but thoroughly enjoy making? Are you struggling to work abstractly after working representationally? Here are some journal questions to explore.

1. Reflect on a recent piece of art you created. Did you find yourself creating with the intention of displaying it or as a form of personal expression for your soul?

2. Consider the symbols or archetypes you often incorporate into your art. How have they evolved over time, and do they still hold the same significance for you?

3. Explore the tension between the freedom of abstract art and the structure of deliberate composition. How do you navigate the balance between spontaneous creation and intentional design?

4. Think about the characters or elements in your recent artworks that may challenge conventional norms. How do these creations make you feel, and what do they reveal about your evolving artistic voice?

5. Have you ever felt the pressure to conform to certain artistic expectations, either from yourself or others? How did this influence your creative process?

6. How do you decide whether your art is for public consumption or a personal exploration?

7. Explore your relationship with consistency in your artistic work. How do you feel about having a consistent style or theme, and how does it impact your creative process?

8. Reflect on the idea of creating art for your soul. What does this mean to you, and how does it influence the choices you make in your artistic journey?

9. Think about a time when you intentionally created something that might not be widely accepted or understood. How did you reconcile the potential reactions of others with your inner artistic drive?

10. Consider the concept of artistic anxiety. How do you manage creative anxiety, and do you ever find yourself making art as a way to cope rather than to truly express your soul? Do you think you stick with certain skills or styles to avoid doing something new and uncomfortable?

If you have difficulty answering these questions, or find that you need help in your creative practice, creativity coaching is a powerful way to breakthrough. Contact me and let me know what your biggest artistic challenge is! 


Is the art in your home speaking to your soul?

• What emotions or feelings do you aim to evoke or experience when you look at art within your living space?
• Reflect on your current collection of art. Are there any common themes or motifs that consistently appeal to you, even if they were initially chosen for decorative purposes?
• Consider a time when you visited a gallery or exhibition and felt a strong connection to a particular piece beyond its aesthetic appeal. What aspects of that artwork made it memorable for you?
• Imagine engaging with the artist behind a piece of art you're considering. What questions might you want to ask them about their creative process, inspiration, or the meaning behind their work?
• Reflect on the potential impact of art with meaning on your daily life. How might a thoughtfully chosen artwork contribute to a sense of connection, introspection, or inspiration in your home?

I'd really love to hear from you about what resonates for you when looking at art!  Comment below or shoot me an email. Talking about art is one of my favorite things. Maybe I can suggest some artist whose work you'd love!