by Noel Smith Sparrow
As an artist, it is extremely important to have a space to create.
As a traveling artist, it is even more important to have this space. A sacred space to invoke The Muse is a key component to creating good artwork.
If you are anything like me, a plush studio space is non existent. You make do with what you have, where you happen to have it; a friend’s kitchen floor, a patch of grass in a park, a small table at your favorite cafe.
All of these spaces are perfectly acceptable art studios. An artist needs a studio create like a devotee needs a temple to pray.
The fun is in the creation of this sacred studio. This happens through a little bit of magic and ritual.
Artists deserve their own art space at all times in order to create.
These are the habits you can perform to create your own Sacred Art Space.
1. Show up to your Sacred Art Space
How you choose to show up to your Sacred Art Space is important.
Your sacred space is a friend, so treat her with respect. You would not show up to a coffee date with a friend in fuzzy pajamas, would you?
Show up at least semi-clean and hygienically passable. Change your socks and brush your teeth.
How you show up to one aspect of your life is how you show up to all aspects of your life.
2. Mentally and physically create a boundary around your sacred space
Creating a set boundary around your Sacred Art Space secures it’s intention.
Intention is very important to have when creating good artwork. Intention is the all-important fuel to drive your creative force.
Creating an intentional boundary around your art space allows this to happen.
Creating an intentional boundary is very easy; the simplicity or complexity of the ritual is up to you.
Make the ritual yours. A thrifted table cloth you lay on the floor. A golden energetic bubble you surround yourself with in a public space. A simple mantra you recite before you begin creating. These are all simple and beautiful examples of creating boundaries for your Sacred Art Space.
I personally like to visualize drawing a white circle around myself and chosen spot.
When you feel like you are home, you relax. When you are relaxed, energy flows. When energy flows, creativity flows.
Good art is all about creative flow.
3. Romance your space through different senses
Indulging your senses within your Sacred Art Space is important.
It brings your intention to the physical plane. The physical plane is where you create your artwork. Romancing your senses brings you to this creative physical plane.
What are your authentic preferences when it comes to scent, taste and sound?
A choice essential oil, a hot cup of coffee with cinnamon, or maybe just a few wild flowers in your space. All of these examples have an extremely powerful effect.
Intention and attention are equally important in both the preparatory stage and the creation stage.
Romance yourself through your senses and reap the creative rewards.
(A note on fragrance: Please be mindful of other people in public spaces. As my great-grandmother used to say “Scent should be the hint of your presence, not the announcement of your arrival.”)
4. Organize your sacred space into sections
An organized space allows you to navigate your task at hand with ease and focus. The sections allow you to again shift your point of focus without being overwhelmed and wasting precious time.
I get a perverse pleasure in creating sections and piles. When I set up my Sacred Art Space in a coffee shop, I have a section for my books/journals, a section for my art tools and a section for distractions (phone and snacks).
An organized space enables you to focus precious energy on what is important:
Making good art.
5. Breaks and physically leaving the Sacred Art Space
Knowing when to take a break and physically leave the Sacred Art Space is necessary to the process of creation. I cannot praise the art of Intentional-Fuckery enough.
Breaks and pauses during creation is part of the artist’s process.
When you start to lose momentum and need time to let something important sink in, give yourself some Intentional-Fuckery time. Instagram! Facebook! A short walk outside! All are amazing examples of ways to give yourself that very important pause.
I personally like to read a few pages of a book from my book/journal pile.
When you come back to your Sacred Art Space, you are recharged and once again meeting your space with the respect it deserves.
In conclusion:
These rituals are not law. They are a few of many habits to cultivate and use in order to invoke the power of The Muse.
The importance is not in specifics, but in the intention behind the action. The intention being the all-important fuel for your art and magic-making.
Showing up and meeting your creativity with utmost integrity works magic. This I promise.
The importance is in the symbolism. The importance is in the care. Your work is worthy of this grandiose showing of respect. You are worthy of this respect. Your Muse will thank you.
If art and magic are your cup of tea, I highly suggest that you sign-up for my newsletter. Click the link and enter your email in the box below if you would like to receive more about my art, work and words.
Happy Days & Magic Things,
-Noel
About the Author:
Photographs by David Irvine