Context
Centring on slower pace of living and creating has been pivotal in my disengagement from toxic productivity, while consciously choosing to re-engage with creative projects without the pressure to complete something, anything and as soon as possible. Rediscovering happiness and authentic engagement in my creative art practice – which sits at the intersection of film, writing, handmade arts & crafts and inclusive education- has re-shaped my practice and how I work. Being more in tune with the projects needs is one of such positive changes.
From the time I set up my creative art practice, I’ve always worked on few projects at the same time, which suits my anxious neurodiverse traits and my curios creative nature that gently pushes my own creative boundaries.
Currently I (that structure will definitely change with time):
- Post every Sunday evening on Substack,
- Post video essays every Monday evening on YouTube,
- I also have filmmaking or writing projects I develop as well as handmade art project. I move between the long-term projects depending on how the idea I’m working on is developing and if I have any solutions to the creative problems I’m trying to solve.
Developing handmade projects allows me to step away from my computer, which I use to create at leat 80% of my work. Besides working with my hands is a great way to improve my already existing skills. Through that process I’ve also learned how to appreciate textile and gardening (some of you might already know that my balcony garden is part of my creative art practice) much more than I used to in the past before I expanded my creative art practice.
The Project
The project I’m introducing in this post doesn’t have a title yet, so I’m going to call it “Untitled”.
I knitted the first element of the project in 2022. At first, I thought I was going to make a red hat, but I quickly changed my mind after running out of the red wool. Since 2022 the knitted piece has been travelling in my knitting bag untouched and unfinished as I had no idea what I was going to do with it. The only thing I was absolutely certain was that I needed to leave it as it was.
Completely out of blue in the early 2026 I decided that I was going to create a knitted artwork, which I’m planning to hang on a larger knitted square.
For the project to be completed I still need to knit more squares. So slowly I’m making my way through my stash of wool. I have no idea how this project will develop but I’m excited about the unknown.
In 2022 I wouldn’t have thought about creating a knitted artwork and be content with the creative unknown. Luckily so much has changed in my creative art practice since then. The slow creative approach to the development and creative process has helped me relaxed
into the creative process, leading with trust instead of chasing the outcome. Besides, not every project I develop has to have an outcome. The process itself might point me to yet another project. (Since I started trusting creativity more it has happened quite a few times.)
For now, I’m knitting squares for my “Untitled” project and enjoying the physical activity. To make the process more mindful and more in tune with slow creativity I don’t listen to any audiobooks or podcasts or watch films, shows or content, while knitting. I want to be able to hear all the ideas my creativity presents me with, and I can’t hear her if the outside noise is disrupting our communication and connection.
You might also be interested in:
When a Project Becomes Too Much
About the Author
I work across film, writing, art projects and inclusive education, exploring how we create, sustain and reconnect with creativity. I’m Made By Dyslexia, so expect the occasional typo and a deep commitment to big ideas. If you’re looking for a thoughtful conversation about your own creative practice, I also offer Creative Practice Review.
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