Creating Art in a Hurried World

“Glacier in the Mind" Emotions Freeze Over

"Glacier in the Mind," abstract expressionisam 60 in by 72 in, acrylic on unstretched canvas.

As an artist who paints plein air and natural landscapes, my work "Glacier in the Mind" emerged from a place of creative tension between the rush of daily life and the stillness required for authentic artistic expression.

The Artist's Practice of Presence

The process of creating abstract expressionist work demands a particular kind of attention. When I approach the canvas I'm making a conscious decision to step away from the treadmill of productivity that dominates our culture. The contrasts and textural elements in this piece weren't planned. They emerged through allowing myself to be fully present with each moment of creation.

Breaking Free from Creative Glaciers

"Glacier in the Mind," abstract expressionisam 60 in by 72 in, acrylic on unstretched canvas.

Every artist knows the feeling of creative paralysis. It’s that sense that your ideas and expressions have frozen solid, immovable and heavy. Working in black and white stripped away distractions and forced me to confront the essence of what I wanted to express. The process of applying paint, then scraping and working the surface, mirrored my own journey of breaking through creative blockages.

Time Wealth in Artistic Practice

Fellow artists often speak of being "in the flow," but reaching that state requires what I've come to think of as "time wealth." This isn't about having endless hours in the studio but about bringing quality and presence to the time I do have. When painting "Glacier in the Mind," I practiced resisting the urge to rush through uncertain or difficult technical challenges.

The layering technique used here is building up then selectively removing parts. Artistic growth happens not when we fill every minute with activity, but when we allow space for reflection and unexpected discoveries.

The Uncommon Path of Unhurried Creation

Creating this way runs counter to our culture's obsession with productivity. As artists, we have the unique opportunity to model a different relationship with time. For example, my plein air practice has become less about capturing as many landscapes as possible and more about experiencing each location deeply.

This painting represents my commitment to creating from a place of enjoying the process rather than the actual painting itself. The contrast between light and dark areas speaks to the tension we all face between doing and being.

Finding Your Artistic Time Wealth

The most valuable lesson from creating this piece was recognizing that technical skill alone isn't enough. The most compelling art emerges when we create from a place of authentic engagement with the work. It is when we're willing to slow down and listen to what wants to show up on the canvas. It is not when I'm racing to complete a piece, but when I allow myself to experience the fun of each moment with my materials and subject. This unhurried approach to creation doesn't just produce better art. It cultivates a more meaningful relationship with the creative process itself.