Hello, art lovers! It’s been a while since I last wrote, and I can hardly believe how quickly this year has flown by. While I’ve been quiet on social media, I’ve been busy channelling my energy into something deeply personal: my own home. After years of delivering art commissions, creating installations for galleries, and large-scale projects like the Commonwealth Games and the British Art Show 9, I found myself both creatively fulfilled and utterly exhausted. I needed a space where I could rest, recharge, and reignite my creativity—so I turned inward and focused on transforming my home.
This renovation journey has been about more than just updating decor; it’s been a process of creating a sanctuary that reflects who I am and nurtures my artistic spirit. Here’s a glimpse into what I’ve learned along the way, along with a few steps that might help you create your own nurturing space.
The Power of a Nurturing Environment
As an artist, I’ve always believed in the power of space to evoke emotion and memory. When I create installations, it’s about making spaces feel nostalgic and transformative. But, ironically, my own home had become cluttered and chaotic—a far cry from the sanctuary I needed.
It’s a misconception that artists work best in messy, chaotic environments. While some do thrive in creative chaos, I’ve found that, as I get older, I feel more at peace and free to create when my space is organised and calm. This transformation wasn’t about following trends; it was about crafting a space that “sparks joy,” as Marie Kondo, the famous organising consultant, puts it. I wanted my home to be a place that nurtures me and allows my creativity to flourish.
Clutter as a Barrier to Creativity
Starting this renovation made me realise just how much clutter had quietly accumulated—old projects, random keepsakes, and "just in case" items that had begun to weigh on me. Clutter wasn’t just taking up physical space; it was also crowding my mind, blocking creativity.
As psychologist Jordan Peterson notes, “Order is the precondition for the possibility of creativity.” His advice to “start by tidying your room” was surprisingly effective. Each room I cleared seemed to release a little more tension, making space for fresh ideas to flow. In the words of Steven Pressfield’s The War of Art, “The more resistance you experience, the more important your unmanifested art/project is to you.” This journey has been about overcoming that resistance, layer by layer, creating room for new inspiration.
The Home as a Studio for Life.
Now, as I walk through my newly renovated home, I feel a sense of peace and pride. There are some things which need to be finished but the majority of it is complete. This place has become more than just a home; it’s a true reflection of who I am and the life I want to live. It’s my studio for life, where I can create, reflect, and recharge. Creating a nurturing environment isn’t only important for artists—it’s important for everyone. Whether you’re working from home, raising a family, or simply seeking a place of rest, the space you live in shapes your thoughts, emotions, and energy. For me, my home is becoming a balanced space where I can fully express myself both as an artist and as a person.
Now that I’ve had time to recover from the exhaustion and had time to reflect on my past projects, I am ready to begin creating again. I've recently enjoyed attending industry events and will update on this blog soon. By establishing a Friday charity shop donation ritual and keeping my space intentional, I’ve cleared the way for new artistic inspiration, new projects, and a renewed sense of purpose. The clutter is going, and in its place is possibility, inspiration, and peace.
5 Steps to Create Your Own Nurturing Space
If you’re feeling inspired to transform your own environment, here are five steps to get started:
Identify One Area to Start With
Begin with a single, manageable space—your desk, a closet, or even one drawer. Choose a small area that you use frequently, so you’ll feel the impact of decluttering right away. Starting small makes the process less overwhelming and builds momentum for tackling larger areas over time.
Establish a Regular Decluttering Routine
Create a simple habit, like a weekly or monthly decluttering ritual. For example, set aside time each Friday to remove items you no longer need and consider donating them to a local charity. Regularly letting go of unneeded items helps maintain a clutter-free space without it becoming a daunting task.
Define Your Ideal Space
Take a moment to envision what a nurturing, peaceful space looks like to you. Consider colours, textures, and layout. What kinds of things make you feel calm or inspired? Use this vision as a guide when deciding what to keep, discard, or add to your environment. Let this ideal be a reference point for your journey.
Organise with Intention
As you begin to declutter, organise your remaining items thoughtfully. Place frequently used items in easy-to-reach spots, and store less-used items neatly out of sight. Give everything a “home” to avoid future clutter. Digital spaces matter too—take time to organise files and folders to keep your digital world streamlined.
Celebrate Progress and Adjust as Needed
Recognise that transforming your space is a journey, and small changes add up over time. Celebrate each step, even if it’s just a cleared desk or a tidy shelf. Allow your space to evolve as you do, making adjustments that support your creative flow, peace of mind, and overall well-being.
By following these steps, you’ll begin creating an environment that not only nurtures your daily life but also invites inspiration and creativity.
Thank you for reading, and as always, let me know if anything here resonates with you. It’s a joy to share this journey, and I’d love to hear your thoughts or stories about creating your own nurturing spaces.
Until next time, take care of yourselves and your spaces.
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