The Loneliness of Artist Life | 6 Ways I Deal

In this video I share my experience with loneliness as an artist and 6 ways I have learned to deal with it. Hope it helps! Hope you enjoy! Hope you’re doing well!

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[amyadams]

I’m an artist, a mother of 2 young boys, an introvert, and a homebody. Being alone at home working all day, though I’m super grateful for the calm time, can get to anyone when you dwell too much and too long in your own mind. I ended up getting two Bengal kitties and they’re so awesome to have around to keep me company during the day. I take a weekly art class at my local art store and I get to see the regulars and talk about art and network about events. I take a meditation break every afternoon. (And I listen to Howard Stern to have a good laugh.)😋 These are just some of the ways I help combat my loneliness. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this topic, Brooke.❤️

[trishgrencer]

I specifically listen to podcasts with cohosts so that I can pretend we are friends while I paint. 😂 that sentence alone speaks volumes to how lonely creative jobs can be. Several of my friends have offered to chat while I paint over the phone but I always turn them down because I can’t concentrate on the conversation and my work. Great video!

[MattConlonArt]

100% can relate, even though drawing/painting all day is exactly what I want to be doing and I love my alone time, it can get a little lonely when some days the only "interaction" are people commenting or engaging with what you post online

[brihdratha]

A true artist is bound to be in solitude as that's the only place where he finds peace and isn't misunderstood

[katec]

Good topic. I'm an artist/designer and my wonderful cat who was my best friend died last year. Since then sometimes the loneliness alongside my grief is crushing and makes me feel almost like its harder to breathe. She would roll around on the floor next to me in the studio, watch films with me in the evenings and was my constant companion. I've been looking for ways to make more connections, the other day I went to a cafe and ended up chatting to half the people in there which was nice (people overheard me talking to the staff then started chatting to me so it wasn't me forcing conversation on strangers just to clarify). But I need something more regular than that so I'm looking for more volunteering and some kind of hobby groups. I often watch too much netflix and YouTube and it's because it makes me feel less lonely ie the Star Trek crew feel like my colleagues and friends until I realise I'm alone staring at a screen. I'd love to see this topic discussed more as I think loneliness is a huge issue for a lot of us in our current society.

[coryrain]

I like to listen to two books on loop. “The Creative Act” by Rick Rubin and “Big Magic” by Elizabeth Gilbert. These books always pick me up and put me back on my feet. Another absolute must read for artists is “The Artist’s Way” by Julia Cameron. Brooke, I saw in the video that you are familiar with this title already, for everyone else, this one is a bit of a heavy lift, but it will transform your art and life if you do the work.

[janinafisher]

And I discovered you because of Kelsey Rodriguez who you met at Creator Camp! So it brought you at least one follower! Loved your interview with Kelsey on her channel. I live in the boonies of Ontario, and I used most of the suggestions you have - except instead of Fitness or cafes, I watch YouTube videos and write comments to the creators! LOL! I actually have some cool "comment convos" with some of you folks. Look forward to watching some of your other videos! You are a fabulous artist. (Oh, forgot to say on the Kelsey video that I absolutely LOVE that you don't have a "niche." I love the variety of your art! Obviously your collectors do too!

[Zpievanka]

The singing in the end was the best! ❤About loneliness on home working I know a lot too. Since I am not an organized person I procrastinated so much on social media and writing to friends because I felt I have been left behind from everyone who has colleagues in their work to talk with. When I was working in tearoom later, I was much happier when interacting with people. So I admire how you can handle this home work as an artist for so many years. You really nailed it! 😉

[greyareaRK]

My wife reminds me to look for artist associations (still haven’t) and the dog gives me disapproving looks and sighs dramatically for walks. There was also a depression issue I’m now dealing with professionally. Great video. Thanks!

[Eovielle]

Discord is great to keep in touch with other creators or like-minded people. Its video and chat functions enable not just painting together over a large distance, but with the right community joining a voice chat in the evening for catch-ups and discussions is possible too.

[Mona_Leah]

I love your vibe in front of the camera, it’s very natural and relatable❤

[tango-bravo]

I have been working from home for years. For the past five years, I’ve been working and sleeping in an 8’x8’ room. I have a bedroom that I hardly ever use, and the only thing in my “living” room is a workbench and an arm chair. I live almost my whole day in the same small room and honestly, I love it. I have it all set up perfectly for everything I need, including several pieces of furniture I made or modified especially for the space. I suppose it’s not for everyone, but it works for me and it helps me be very productive and relaxed at the same time. One thing that was a game changer for me was installing multicolored smart lightbulbs in some of the lamps. That way I can use different colors for different times of day it it totally changes the feel of the room just by clicking on the app. Thanks for sharing your journey keep up the great work 🧑🏽‍🎨

[distillednoise]

I can totally relate. Being an artist and working from home lack that interaction with people during the insane amount of hours that you spend working and hanging out with friends during the weekend doesn’t make up for it. on top of that, i leave alone so i don’t even have interaction with parents/siblings 😅

[joeb]

I became basically a recluse when the pandemic hit. I’m an introvert, I don’t like crowds or loud noise so my time alone was and is a huge blessing. Rather than my art causing solitude, it was solitude that brought me to art. I’m new to painting and enjoying the creative aspect. I can’t in any way compare my artistry to yours but I thought you might find my different perspective interesting.

[brad_radio]

I am SO glad you did come :') you were the first person I met at camp and you genuinely were the perfect icebreaker for what ended up being a phenomenal weekend.

I often feel hella alone over here on my little island LOL, but you're so right. connecting with like-minded and hearted people definitely makes this lil rock a bit less lonely :) thank you for being one of them <3

[littletinyegg]

Your videos are so high quality Brooke they’re inspiring me so much! I’m a full time artist and def struggle with the lonelies at times. My weekly figure drawing class and going to art shows and markets helps a ton!

[sunriselotus]

I feel so much loneliness thank you for making a video on it.

[stephsecrist]

You can sing!!! Nice job. I found you recently and I’m working my way through all your videos. My gym has treadmills with YouTube connection and I watch your videos while I exercise. Never stop posting please.

[paintedpawstudioPetportraitart]

Thank you for talking about this! It’s definitely hard for me to find the balance between staying focused on work/ being productive and not getting lonely. But, even hearing you talking about it here feels like a bit of connection 💙✨

[amandac]

As someone living in the GTA it is absolutely wild that a studio space Toronto is more expensive than in a city like Vienna …

Thank you for covering this topic,
I relate to much of it. Feeling lonely is not easy to bring up in conversation, so I appreciated listening. We can all feel a little less along after watching :)