"Challenge in artistic flow experiences: an interdisciplinary intervention" by Janet Banfield

This article, published in the journal Qualitative Research in Psychology, explores the psychological phenomenon of flow through the lens of artistic practice. The author, Janet Banfield, argues that the traditional understanding of flow as an inherently positive experience characterised by a balance between skills and challenge does not accurately reflect the experiences of artists. Instead, Banfield proposes that flow in artistic practice is often associated with periods of frustration, self-doubt, and anxiety, stemming from the unpredictable and dynamic nature of the creative process. The article further examines the crucial role played by materiality and the artist’s relationship with their tools and materials in shaping both the challenge and the potential for flow.