The Paralysis of Perfection

The Paralysis of Perfection

©KarenAmi 2023

What is perfect? We may find perfection in nature or symmetry and harmony these ideals can be paralyzing in the creative process. Our life experiences are full of missteps, trials and errors, and mistakes. We move closer to the myth of perfection with knowledge, reflection, and acceptance through the discomfort of growth and transformation. Our own unrealistic expectations for ourselves can prevent us from growing and thriving as creatives. The ability to allow ourselves to make mistakes and play is the key to imaginative productivity. At the core of perfectionism is fear. Fear of failure. Fear of rejection. Fear of not measuring up to other's expectations. Fear of judgement or disapproval of others. This fear can be crippling, especially in the arts which requires us to constantly be producing and putting our whole selves on the line. That vulnerability can stop a perfectionist in their tracks, making it nearly impossible to make anything at all. It is difficult to be creative when you are coming from a place of self-doubt, anxiety and worry about failure.

Perfectionism is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it can motivate you to perform at a high level and deliver top-quality work. On the other hand, it can cause you unnecessary anxiety and slow you down. Perfectionists worry that if they let go of their ‘meticulousness and conscientiousness’ it will hurt performance and standing. That is not to say that skill, technique, and methodology is not an important part of art practice- it is. Yet when we focus more on the structures of the art form ( technique, etc) we may be sacrificing our creativity and art.You are perfectly imperfect. Our ability to adapt and learn and change can help return to a place to play and find joy (again) in art practice.

Redefining Perfectionism in Art Practice:

1. Practice accepting where you are currently with your work. It can be difficult when you first start out (or really at any stage) to accept the gap between where you are and where you want to be. You have a vision for your work, but your skills just aren’t taking you there ... yet.

2. Learn to love your work and yourself regardless of where you want to be. If you are gentle and accepting of your process, you will get there in time.

3. Focus on making more work, more sketches, more models, instead of endlessly picking apart one project.

4. Lower your expectations of yourself and your work .Realize that you don’t have to create a masterpiece every time you enter the studio. If you go in and fingerpaint and it feels good, you learn something, you stretch yourself, and enjoy the process, that is a success. You don’t have to say something huge with every artwork that you make. Take the pressure off and you will enjoy yourself along the way.

5. Since art and creating is a process, you can always change directions, add new ideas, and develop a plan as you go along. Write down all your idea ina notebook, prioritize them if you like. Come to terms with the ones that just aren’t possible due to budget or logistics or physics, or whatever the roadblocks might be that are in the way.