Challenging Perfectionism Through Art
Art-making can be a powerful way to challenge our own perfectionism.
Valuing Process over Result
Art is as much (if not more) about the journey as it is about the final product. Ideally, when you’re absorbed in painting, sculpting, or any other creative project, you become more focused on the process rather than the end result. The act of creating becomes a practice of acceptance and growth, rather than a pursuit of flawlessness.
Celebrating Unpredictability
One of the joys of art-making is its unpredictability. Whether it’s the way colors blend together or how a piece of clay responds to your touch, the outcome is often surprising. This unpredictability can be liberating, teaching you experiment, let go of rigid expectations, and embrace the unexpected.
Reframing Perfection
With art, perfection is not always about technical precision but about conveying emotion, telling a story, or expressing a personal vision. This perspective helps dismantle the conventional standards of perfection, allowing you to appreciate the value of authenticity and individuality.
Building Resilience
Creating art often involves facing challenges and overcoming obstacles. When you’re willing to risk imperfection in your art, you build resilience and develop a healthier relationship with so-called failure. This resilience can translate into other areas of life, helping you approach challenges with a more flexible and open mindset.
Finding Joy in the Moment
Finally, art-making can be a meditative practice that brings you into the present moment. When you’re engrossed in creating, you’re less likely to be preoccupied with how your work measures up to an ideal. Instead, you find joy in the act of creation itself.
Perfectionism-Challenging Art Prompts
Making an ugly piece
Ugly is, of course, a subjective word…so there are many ways to make an ugly piece. You might start by picking your least favourite colours, and awkward compositions. Give yourself permission to fail gloriously. How does it feel?
Non-dominant hand art
Paint or draw something with your non-dominant hand (e.g., if you’re right-handed, use your left). Notice the change of speed, the challenge, and how the experience is overall. Were there any interesting or unexpected moments? Did you feel any freer?
Recycling art
Take one of your previously-made art pieces and cut it up to make a collage, or draw/paint over it completely. What does it feel like to repurpose something that felt like a failure? What did it feel like to ‘ruin’ something that you tried to make perfect?
