We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Pamela Grau a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Pamela, thank you so much for making time for us today. Let’s jump right into a question so many in our community are looking for answers to – how to overcome creativity blocks, writer’s block, etc. We’d love to hear your thoughts or any advice you might have.
After practicing art for five decades, I’ve had to navigate and comprehend my creative journey. Initially, I believed that merely showing up in my studio daily was the key to artistic inspiration. However, I used to be extremely critical of myself when my creative well seemed dry. I’d paint and repaint, faithfully appearing in my studio, yet the magic was elusive.
Around three decades ago, I had an epiphany. I realized that creating artwork is akin to the process of giving birth, and just like childbirth, it couldn’t be a daily occurrence. There are periods of creative drought when I feel frustrated and even question my own identity as an artist (there was a time when I struggled with imposter syndrome). These fallow times are eventually succeeded by bursts of creative impulses, but nothing concrete materializes – it’s like becoming fertile.
Then, I typically become creatively “pregnant” through some form of intake, whether it’s an inspiring exhibit I’ve visited, a new artist’s work, an idea sparked by the news, or any unexpected source. This influx of inspiration excites me, filling my mind with a multitude of ideas. I start dreaming about the paintings I want to bring into existence, recalling Vincent Van Gogh’s words, “I dream my painting then I paint my dreams.” I might start sketching out these ideas, and suddenly, I find myself in the studio, unable to stop. The creative energy flows in all directions, and everything I touch seems to work seamlessly – I’m in the artistic flow.
A few weeks later, I step back to examine my work, and it feels as if I’ve given birth to a whole litter of paintings. I figure I give birth 4-5 times a year which is quite productive. So how do I overcome creative blocks? I embrace my creative seasons with self-kindness and understand that winter does not last forever nor does summer. When I am not feeling it I do not go to the studio with the intention of creating. I go out into the world, visit friends, cook, do things that make me happy.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I reside in Ojai, California, and am an active member of the Ojai Studio Artists organization. Our group comprises 65 artists, and every year, during the second weekend of October, we host a three-day event where we open our studios to the public. This annual event draws over 3,000 visitors to the Ojai Valley, offering them a unique opportunity to explore our creative spaces. It’s important to note that we are all volunteers, and supporting our artistic community is a deeply cherished commitment of mine.
In addition to my involvement with the Ojai Studio Artists, I also serve as an Art Commissioner in Ojai, contributing to the enrichment and growth of our local artistic community. This role brings me immense joy as it allows me to be part of community-building initiatives.
Furthermore, I am a parent to three married adult children, and I am blessed with six grandchildren, all of whom live nearby. It might seem like a lot for someone who values their solitude in the studio, but I find great fulfillment in balancing my artistic pursuits with my family life.
I am currently represented by 10 West Art Gallery in Santa Barbara, California and the OVA Gallery in Ojai
www.pamelagrau.com
www.OjaiStudioArtists.org
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
The three valuable lessons I wish I had known when I first started are: 1. Embrace mistakes – make lots of them. Change the way you perceive errors. Once I realized that they often lead to my best work, I became genuinely content and less self-critical. Just like learning a new language, artistic growth takes time.
2. Suspend judgment, both of yourself and others. We’re all evolving in our creative journeys. I’ve encountered many new artists seeking my opinion on their work. Avoid seeking external validation. It’s a process, and even then, don’t subject your budding artistic self to external voices. You will encounter critics; you might even be your harshest critic, but try not to be. It doesn’t foster growth.
3. Stay open to learning from everyone.
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
I meditate daily. The regular practice helps.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.pamelagrau.com
- Instagram: @pamelagrau
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pamela.grau.3/
