As children, we all explored constantly—the world was new and we needed to try things out, push boundaries, and make discoveries in order to grow. Most of the time we were totally absorbed in these activities and found them enjoyable. Artists in their beginning phases often show a similar attitude—they are willing and eager to explore, play, and experiment in an open-ended way with few expectations. But once artistic maturity sets in we tend to settle into more predictable practices and may lose the urge to explore. There are important benefits to finding your groove and sticking with it, but how can we keep an inventive and adventurous spirit alive at the same time?

Achieving artistic maturity is a goal for many of us, reaching a point when we have something to say and the ability to say it well. It means having an authentic voice and consistent work. Yet staying open to change and engaging in experimentation and adventures into new media and subject matter are important to keeping our work fresh and exciting, and avoiding rigidity. These explorations are entirely legitimate ways to spend time and resources.

Trying new things takes acceptance that you may not always produce anything worth saving. It also takes self-confidence that others will appreciate and follow your adventures, and that your voice will continue to come through even with change. There can be a wide range of expression that comes from your core self. Countering the tendency to stick to the tried and true may take the form of attending an artist residency or workshop, travel, or simply setting time or place aside in your own studio for this practice.

So, let’s avoid being stodgy and unadventurous in reaching artistic maturity. Attitudes of play, experimentation, and non-attachment remain important to your work even as you mature. While focus and intentions are essential to doing deep work, adventure and childlike enjoyment are also aspects of mature work.

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