The Creative Process: How to Overcome Creative Blocks and The Fear of Uncertainty in Art Making with Manuela Thames

Santa Fe Workshops collection of free online events, Creativity Continues features a special evening with fine-art photographer Manuela Thames. The work of creating art, while beautiful and fulfilling at its best, is mysterious, and often extremely frustrating. It involves overcoming fears of failure, criticism and rejection, lack of inspiration, and self-doubt. In short, creative work is full of uncertainties that it’s easier to avoid rather than face, and that often stifles the creative process altogether.

As artists, we all strive for our work to be seen, to be recognized, to be valued. We strive towards creating the kind of artwork that will be liked, praised, admired, collected, and sold. The desire to succeed in the art world, while completely normal and important, can ironically often stand in the way of the creative work itself. The emphasis on the result can actually hinder our focus on the process. 

Manuela speaks about embracing these creative barriers as an aspect of the artistic endeavor and about redefining success, and how doing so can free us to confront uncertainties and unleash the authentically creative and inspired work we seek to realize.

Creativity Continues is a program that collectively develops creative voices by offering connection and encouraging expression. Because the goal is to engage all within our creative community, we encourage you to extend invitations and share Santa Fe Workshops Creativity Continues events with anyone who expresses an interest. 

Event Recording

Many thanks to everyone who joined us live. View the recorded program below: