Nine New Year’s Resolutions for Creative Artists: From Brian K. Hemphill’s Expressive Artistry Notebook

Creative artistry is a flowering plant that must be continually nurtured. Here are nine New Year’s resolutions writers, visual artists, and performers can make to reinvigorate their artistry. By the way, the nine areas of artistic development I suggest correlate with the nine root elements identified in my newly released book The Elements of Creative and Expressive Artistry: A Philosophy for Creating Everything Artistic (http://www.elementsofartistry.net/). As some of you may know, The Elements of Creative and Expressive Artistry is an all-artist guide aimed at helping artists understand the nine root elements common to all artistic disciplines and their significance in expressive artistry. So, as a creative artist, here are some New Year's resolutions you might consider.

Form
Resolution #1 – I will investigate a new or unfamiliar form related to my artistic discipline. (All art relies on the expression of form. If you are a classical singer, for example, explore Gregorian chant, or, more daringly, jazz.)

Composition
Resolution #2 – I will improve one compositional element to improve my artistic expression. (All art products and performances must be expressed through composition. For example, visual artists or writers can improve arrangement or movement in their compositions. Performers can also explore these elements through performance.)

Technique
Resolution #3 – I will improve my technique by increasing my knowledge, skills, or concentration. (Technique comprises three branch elements: technical knowledge, skill dexterity, and concentration. Set yourself to improve at least one of these aspects of your technique.)

Perception
Resolution #4 – I will restimulate my perceptions with new sensory experiences. (Perception is the artist’s ability to collect, interpret, and re-express artistic sensations. Rekindle your senses by visiting a museum, attending a dance or musical concert, or taking a walk in the woods.)

Emotionality
Resolution #5 – I will renew my feelings towards the simple, everyday acts and things I observe. (Emotional sensitivity impassions artistic expression. Reexamine your feelings when you observe the tenderness between a parent and a child or when you see a spontaneously act of kindness.)

Conscious Imagination
Resolution #6 – I will perform one adventurous experience to expand the capacity of my imagination. (Conscious imagination is the playground of adventures fueled by new experiences. Engage in one new experience related or not related to your art field. For example, sky diving or scuba diving can provide great adventure; but so can writing, painting, or dancing atop a mountain you climbed.)

Subconscious Imagination
Resolution #7 – I will foster an expectation to create a significant artistic breakthrough that transforms my artistic domain. (Creative breakthroughs and epiphanies arise from the subconscious imagination and often push the boundaries of art. This resolution is ambitious and may require 1, 5, or even ten years to accomplish. Accept that artistic achievement is a process.)

Spirituality
Resolution #8 – I will commit to my vision and actualize a challenging artistic project or performance. (Recognizing and acknowledging the role of spirituality in artistic expression is critical for personal growth. Commitment to a vision draws passion and inspiration to any artistic cause.)

Spontaneity
Resolution #9 – I will incorporate the values of play and an appreciation for the “aliveness of the moment” in my artistic work. (Spontaneity revitalizes artistic work by focusing on creativity in the moment. Experiment with bringing a sense of fun and creative abandonment to your work. Spontaneity is a vital element to cultivate.)

Artists who are serious about progressive and steady development of their artistry would benefit greatly by preparing an annual list of their artistic goals. Every new year is a convenient time to review and reassess your progress, and, as needed, reset goals. This deliberate approach will advance your artistry by leaps and bounds. My book The Elements of Creative and Expressive Artistry can be used as a resource to boost artistic development.

Hardcover, softcover, and e-book editions of The Elements of Creative and Expressive Artistry are available at http://www.amazon.com/, http://www.barnesandnoble.com/, and other booksellers. Autographed copies of the book can be ordered through the author's website at http://www.elementsofartistry.net/.
About the Author
Brian K. Hemphill is an artist, author, blogger, and teacher. He has explored a number of artistic disciplines, including fiction and poetry writing, visual art, drama, film and video production, dance, and music. He now offers one-one-one coaching sessions, workshop presentations, and book talks about the factors that foster artistic creativity and expressiveness. Hemphill lives in the New York metropolitan area.

Book Title:
The Elements of Creative and Expressive Artistry: A Philosophy for Creating Everything Artistic
Publisher: iUniverse Publishing
Publication Date: September 2011
Number of pages: 600

ISBN FORMAT PRICE
9780595483013 6x9 Perfect Bound Softcover $33.95
9780595603893 E-Book $9.99
9781462005840 6x9 Dust Jacket Hardcover $43.95