What are the three pillars of a sustainable working artist life?

The three pillars for a sustainable working artist life are Creation, Connection, and Inhalation. These elements are crucial for fostering a fulfilling and enduring career as an artist, as proposed by Crista Cloutier.

How does 'creation' extend beyond just making art in the studio?

Creation is broader than just studio work; it includes the stories you tell about your art, your digital presence, the choices you make in your environment, and even daily acts like cooking. Approached with intention, these are all considered creative acts that define an artist.

Why is connection considered more valuable than money for an artist?

Connection is presented as the real currency because it builds the essential relationships that sustain creative lives and communities. It involves active engagement, listening, and showing up, which are vital for support and opportunities in the art world.

What does 'inhalation' mean for an artist, and why is it important?

Inhalation refers to the vital practice of rest, reflection, nourishment, and inspiration, contrasting with the constant pressure to produce. It's crucial for artists to take this time to allow ideas to arise, stay open, and maintain their humanity.

The Three Pillars of a Sustainable Working Artist Life

I’ve been thinking a lot about what makes a fulfilling life for a working artist, and I came up with three pillars. Tell me if you agree:

1. Creation

2. Connection

3. and Inhalation

What is creation for a sustainable working artist?

Why is connection important for a sustainable working artist?

It’s the digital presence that you’re shaping
It’s the choices that you make in your environment, too

Why is inhalation important for a sustainable working artist?

These things don’t have to be distractions from your “real work” when they’re approached with intention.

They are creative acts, and that’s what makes an artist.

The intention and the authority that you bring to everything, not just to gallery walls.

Okay connection

That one’s really important because I believe that connection is the real currency,

In fact, I believe that connection is more valuable than money.

Yes, connection is answering emails
and it’s showing up at events
and it’s showing up on social media
but it’s also about listening fully to the person in front of you.

Whether that’s a colleague, a curator, a client, or the postman, we underestimate the threads of relationship

But in truth what I’ve observed is that they’re what hold creative lives together and creative communities, too.

Now, let’s look at the third pillar

Did that one surprise you? Inhalation

Inhalation is not optional yet our culture worships the exhale:

producing
posting
performing
delivering
showing up
doing working

But one cannot exhale forever.

You must take the time to inhalem especially as an artist.

Inhalation is rest
It’s reflection, it’s nourishment
It’s inspiration, it’s curiosity
It’s artist walks with your Muse
It’s how ideas arise it’s how we stay open
It’s how we stay human

So I’m gonna ask the community here, what does this balance look like in your creative life right now?

Creation, connection, inhalation: where do you need more balance?

Written by Crista Cloutier, artist mentor + founder of The Working Artist. (learn more about Crista here)

Frequently Asked Questions

1 What are the three pillars of a sustainable working artist life?: The three pillars for a sustainable working artist life are Creation, Connection, and Inhalation. These elements are crucial for fostering a fulfilling and enduring career as an artist, as proposed by Crista Cloutier.
2 How does 'creation' extend beyond just making art in the studio?: Creation is broader than just studio work; it includes the stories you tell about your art, your digital presence, the choices you make in your environment, and even daily acts like cooking. Approached with intention, these are all considered creative acts that define an artist.
3 Why is connection considered more valuable than money for an artist?: Connection is presented as the real currency because it builds the essential relationships that sustain creative lives and communities. It involves active engagement, listening, and showing up, which are vital for support and opportunities in the art world.
4 What does 'inhalation' mean for an artist, and why is it important?: Inhalation refers to the vital practice of rest, reflection, nourishment, and inspiration, contrasting with the constant pressure to produce. It's crucial for artists to take this time to allow ideas to arise, stay open, and maintain their humanity.