Chapter 5 Maintain the Engine

To maintain a balanced, productive life as an artist, your physical and mental health must always come first. Without your health and well-being you do not have the physical stamina or mental clarity to do the work you love.

Artists are notorious for ignoring their health. I have encountered many artists who routinely take risks with their materials, not using proper ventilation or protective gear. A startlingly high percentage of artists have suffered permanent disabilities, nerve or immune system damage or even died from using toxic materials and practices.

But it’s not just the improper handling and use of toxic materials that can damage artists’ health. It can be subtler forms of ignoring the body, not making time to eat well, exercise regularly or get adequate rest.

It is important to remember that your physical body is the engine that drives the machine. If you don’t value taking excellent care of yourself, in the long run, the work may suffer. You may become exhausted, lose focus and mental clarity and become less productive. I’ve seen artists who are unable to maintain a consistent studio practice rely upon upcoming shows and deadlines to push themselves to work long, exhausting hours only to completely burn out and collapse afterwards.

3:00 Tell me some examples you’ve heard of of artists (writers, choreographers, sculptors, photographers, poets) who had other work they had to manage along side their own practice.

3:34 There are famous people such as Henri Rosseau, who worked as a customs agent! There’s a wonderful film about Ruth Asawa, who raised six children alongside making her sculptures.

4:14 Please share in the comments how you balance things, or how you don’t. If you’re struggling right now, what would help you to stay balanced? What shift do you need? Do you need outside help?

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[patricklynch]

I worked at a full time day job at a public library while maintaining a studio practise for 28 years. I've been retired from the day job for over six years. Life lobbed some really unpleasant curveballs after retirement that has made maintaining balance harder than I anticipated so keeping my studio practise consistent has had some ups and downs. Moving back toward up again. I can say except for working with toxic materials, I can raise my hand to all of the shoulds and should nots in terms of maintaining balance. You are so exactly spot on.

[josiejames]

I love the story of the artist working with all of those children around her! Wow! ⭐️ I was really inspired by the story of Rachel Ruysch, a Dutch flower painter from the 16- and 1700s. She had 10 children and achieved an international reputation within her lifetime. Her paintings actually sold for more money than Rembrandt’s. For a woman in that time and having all of those children, it made me think about how much is possible. Her work is also very beautiful! I think I could work on more regular studio time.

[pranjaliagrawal]

I watched your video of dealing with being unhappy or disappointed with the art that you have created. This obsession with doing something “just right” or “as close to perfect as it can be” feels even more toxic when you know it’s toxic. For months I had been trying to get rid of this habit little by little.
In your video, the way you explained it, accelerated the process. I am not very satisfied with my recent abstract painting but I felt that it’s okay to feel this. I am trying to apply this in all aspects of my life. The only fear is that I’ll get complacent and not even try to explore or improve.
Anyway, thanks a lot!

[kerryideillustration]

I am working on balance at the moment. It is a struggle for me. I am not working outside my art practice and am amazed at what other people achieve. I do make time for exercise and eating healthy but I still don’t have great energy. I feel like I should be able to achieve more.

[barrybark]

dyou have children? i can imagine You with them milling around and paint in your hair still laughing!. you and your vids are a great inspiration !

[Artsyclone]

This information is priceless thanks for this!!🙌🏼

Trying to grow my YT art channel any feedback would be greatly appreciated!
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