Why Bad Art is Good For Your Soul (and Your Creativity)

Who's up for making bad art? Me, I am." That's the battle cry I'm adopting for the next 30 days. Why? Because I'm reclaiming my studio, and more importantly, my sense of play.

Like many, I've found that adulthood often equates to "serious business." We forget how to simply play. Years spent as a nanny reminded me of the pure joy found in messy paintbrushes and uninhibited creativity. Children don't worry about perfection; they dive in, explore, and create for the sheer fun of it. So, why don't we?

The pandemic, in its strange way, gifted us a reminder. When the world felt overwhelming, we turned to the things that brought us joy. Music, baking, crafting, and yes, art – these were our lifelines. We rediscovered the power of simple pleasures.

But too often, the pressure to create "good" art, or any "good" output, stifles our creativity. It becomes a chore, not a release. That's why I'm going on a 30-day "bad art" challenge. It's about letting go of expectations, embracing the imperfect, and rediscovering the joy of simply making.

Playing as an adult isn't frivolous. It's essential. It's how we de-stress, reconnect with our inner child, and unlock hidden creativity. It's about giving ourselves permission to be messy, to experiment, and to find joy in the process, not just the product.

So, I invite you to join me. Pick up a crayon, a paintbrush, a lump of clay. Make something, anything, without judgment. Let's embrace the mess, celebrate the imperfect, and rediscover the power of play. You might just surprise yourself with what you create – even if it's wonderfully, gloriously "bad."