Same Walk, New Eyes
Walking clears my mind, moves my body, and stirs up new ideas. Maybe movement is just what keeps an artist’s creativity flowing.
Why Don’t Artists Talk About This More?
You don’t often hear artists talk about fitness routines or physical stamina. But I wonder—how do others maintain their energy?
We use our heads, hands, and bodies to create art, so I really believe that artists need to take good care of their physical well-being.
Art schools teach us how to create, but they rarely talk about how to sustain a life of creating over time. Isn’t it strange? Our bodies are part of our artistic tools, so why aren’t we taught how to use and care for them?
A Loop Around the Block
Lately, I’ve been into walking. I found a perfect 30-minute loop around my neighborhood. Chicago’s still chilly, but when the sun’s out, I grab my coat and head outside. Despite the cold, you can feel spring sneaking in—buds are sprouting, and some eager folks have already placed vibrant flowers in their planters.
It’s such a joy to spot little signs of the season!
Shifting My View (Literally)
When I stay inside, I tend to spend hours glued to my iPad screen. So stepping outside and noticing the subtle changes in the world feels refreshing and grounding.
One fun trick: I try walking my usual route in reverse, or even just on the opposite side of the street. Suddenly, everything looks different! I’ve discovered unexpected things—like a gym I’d never noticed, a house with beautiful stained glass, or a light-up arch someone set up in front of their sidewalk.
It reminded me of something so simple, yet so true: when you shift your perspective, you notice something new.
Movement as a Creative Pump
Walking helps get my blood flowing, clears my head, and makes it easier for ideas to come. Maybe movement is like a pump—it keeps an artist’s ideas circulating. We don’t always think of it this way, but movement isn’t separate from making art. It’s part of the process.