I believe the commonly held idea of artists toiling away alone in their studios, isolated from each other, guarding their techniques and often in some state of despair is becoming a thing of the past.
It’s a myth that no longer serves our collective human need to come together, support each other and move our evolution story forward. The bottom line is:
We need each other.
We need each other to heal our isolation stories, to remember we are all connected and to find inspiration among our creative peers. We need each other to feel seen, heard and understood, and to know we are not alone on our creative journeys. Often, we don’t even know why we need each other until we find each other!
But once it happens, it’s hard to imagine life without our tribe.
[Image: Zipporah Lomax]
As a person who brings creative people together for a living, I witness the power of gathering every time I teach. It often begins with shy hesitation — a time to test the water and feel out the container. Is it safe? Can I be vulnerable? Who are my people here? However, it does not take long for the walls to come down. Often it feels like a collective exhale. Finally! We can be ourselves with all our creative idiosyncrasies in tact. This, my friends, is when we are able to come alive.
This is when we shine.
So. How do you find these tribes of like-minded creatives? If you work alone in your studio all day, it’s unlikely that your people will magically appear at the door. You need to take action. I suggest first becoming clear on who you want to attract and then align your energy to SEEK them out. Remember, energy attracts energy and intentions play a powerful role as well. Here are a few ways you might seek your tribe:
- Sign up for an online class or in-person retreat. Both formats are great ways to connect with people who may share similar interests.
- Reach out to people you currently admire from afar. They might really love to hear from you.
- Start talking about what kind of community you want to find or create. The more you clearly state your desires, the stronger they become.
- Hang up a sign at your local art supply store or community art space that lets people know you are seeking a creative tribe. Chances are, you are not alone.
- Be active on social media. There are so many ways to connect virtually these days, but you need to be active in order to be seen.
- Invite people you already know to come together. Often times, people just need an invitation…or a leader.
[Image: Zipporah Lomax]
The more we can surround ourselves with people who are living and creating in ways we admire, the easier it is to stay on our own creative paths. What kind of tribe do you have? How did you find them? What do they bring into your life? I would love to hear about your experiences with creative communities on the Bloom True Facebook page or on Twitter. Remember to use the hashtag #bloomtrue when posting.
For a peek at the creative tribe gathered with me in Mexico right now, click here. We have been collaborating up a storm and having so much fun!
This post is taken from my free weekly “Seeds of Inspiration” letter. Every week, I send out a “Seed” with my current musings, insights and reflections on brave intuitive painting and living. To receive these letters in your inbox weekly, please sign up here.
Thanks ya’ll!
xo flora
