How Ubud Open Studios will help your art or craft practice
You could just attend Ubud Open Studios to feed your eyes, snoop around some stunning spaces, and get some content for your socials (no one is judging!), but if you’re trying to maintain your creative practice, attending an event like this can really help. It can remind you to keep going, of all the different benefits of growing your practice and introduce you to a huge artistic community that can help you in your art journey.
The Solitary Journey: Mental Well-being & Presence
In a world that seems to move at the speed of light, with notifications pinging and emails demanding our attention, the simple act of sitting down with our craft becomes a radical form of self-care. Whether it's throwing clay on a wheel, sketching in a quiet corner, or carefully piecing together a quilt, these moments of focused creation allow our minds to settle into a meditative state. This is where we find what psychologists call 'flow' – that magical state where time seems to dissolve and we're purely present with our materials and process. It's not just enjoyable; it's essential for our mental health in an increasingly digital world.
Building Blocks of Growth: Personal Development Through Making
Every time we sit down to create, we're not just making art. The creative process teaches us lessons that extend far beyond the studio. When a pot warps in the kiln or a painting doesn't quite capture our vision, we're learning resilience. When we finally master a technique after countless attempts, we're building self-trust. These small victories and challenges shape us into more patient, persevering individuals. The beauty of craft is that it provides tangible evidence of our growth – we can literally see and hold our progress in our hands.
Connected Through Time: The Human Element of Craft
There's something profoundly moving about realizing that when we work with our hands, we're participating in traditions that stretch back to the dawn of human civilization. Every time we pick up a paintbrush or mold clay, we're connecting with countless makers who came before us. In a world that often feels disconnected from its roots, craft grounds us in human history. The objects we create become more than just things – they're vessels for stories, carriers of memories, and bridges between generations.
Brain Benefits: The Cognitive Advantages of Creative Practice
Our brains also light up in unique ways when we engage in creative work. Unlike the linear thinking required for most modern jobs, craft requires a complex interplay of planning, spatial reasoning, fine motor skills, and creative problem-solving. It's like cross-training for your mind – while you're focused on perfecting that glaze recipe or working out a design problem, you're actually building neural pathways that benefit all areas of your life. Research shows that regular creative practice can improve everything from memory to emotional regulation.
Finding Your People: The Power of Creative Community
There's something magical that happens when creators gather. Whether it's a weekend workshop, an art fair, or a regular meetup, being around fellow makers can transform your practice. These gatherings become incubators for new ideas, safe spaces to share struggles and victories, and launching pads for collaborations. In a world where creative pursuits are often seen as "hobbies," finding your artistic community validates your work and fuels your passion to keep growing and experimenting. Ubud Open Studios is a perfect way to find your artistic community here in Bali and beyond.
Technical Exchange: The Growth That Comes From Sharing
Every maker has their own unique tricks, techniques, and happy accidents that have become part of their process. When we come together, these individual pieces of wisdom create a rich tapestry of knowledge. Watching another artist work can reveal solutions to problems you've been struggling with, or inspire entirely new directions in your own practice. There's an openness in the making community – a generosity of knowledge-sharing that feels increasingly rare in our competitive world.
Sparked Inspiration: Creative Energy Is Contagious
Creativity breeds creativity. When you spend time around other artists and makers, you can't help but be energized by their enthusiasm and unique perspectives. Seeing how others interpret similar materials or themes can shake you out of creative ruts and push you to experiment in new ways. This kind of inspiration isn't just about technique – it's about seeing how others maintain their practice, balance their creative life with other responsibilities, and stay motivated through challenges.
The Business of Art: Growing Beyond the Studio
Finally, while creativity feeds our souls, understanding the business side of our craft helps sustain our practice. Being part of a creative community provides invaluable insights into the practical aspects of making – from pricing strategies to marketing approaches. These connections often lead to opportunities for shows, sales, or collaborations. More importantly, they help us understand how to value our work appropriately and build sustainable creative practices that can thrive long-term. We here over and over about the small and large opportunities that come about because of Ubud Open Studios and it makes us smile every time!
We hope we’ve convinced you why events like Ubud Open Studios are amazing opportunities for fellow artists and craftspeople and that we will see you for the next edition!
