Hi, and welcome back to the Chrissie Murphy Designs Blog. Today, I want to talk about something that’s become absolutely essential to my art practice — contemplation before creating.
In our fast-paced world, taking time to pause and reflect can feel like a luxury we don’t have. But especially for artists, contemplation isn’t just a nice-to-have — it’s a vital step before even picking up a brush, pen, or camera. Thoughtful reflection before creating helps your artwork gain intention, depth, authenticity, and purpose.
Why Contemplation Before Creating Matters for Your Art Practice
At its heart, art is about expression and connection. Without taking time to think first, it’s easy to create impulsively — making pieces that might look nice but lack meaning or emotional impact. I used to create that way for a long time, too.
When you pause to contemplate before starting, you clarify your vision, define your message, and make sure every part of your work serves a purpose. This thoughtful approach helps you develop your unique artistic voice — understanding not just how you create, but why you create.
How to Cultivate a Practice of Thoughtful Art Reflection
Contemplation doesn’t mean waiting around for inspiration to strike. It’s an active process, and it looks different for everyone. You might sketch ideas in a notebook, jot down thoughts, or research concepts before starting.
Some find prayer, music, or spending time in nature helps them connect with the essence of what they want to create. Setting aside dedicated time for reflection can be just as important as the act of making art itself — whether that means sitting quietly in your studio, reviewing past works, or having deep conversations about your practice.
The Benefits of Contemplation in Your Creative Process
We live in a culture that values speed and instant results, so slowing down to think first can feel counterintuitive. But taking that time often leads to art that’s more cohesive, emotionally resonant, and meaningful.
Contemplation helps you refine your ideas, avoid frustration, and create with confidence. Some of the most powerful artworks come from a vision nurtured long before the first stroke.
Why Contemplation Before Creating Builds Artistic Depth and Authenticity
Like any skill, learning to pause and reflect takes practice. It asks for patience and the willingness to sit with uncertainty. But when you embrace this quiet, thoughtful space before you start, you open yourself to greater creativity, honesty, and depth in your work.
So, next time you feel the urge to jump straight into creating, try to resist. Take a moment to pause, think, and shape your vision. Your art—and your creative journey—will thank you for it.
Stay Inspired & Join the Conversation
I’d love to keep sharing this journey with you. If you want practical art tips, creative inspiration, and updates on my work and exhibitions, please join my newsletter — it’s a welcoming space made for artists like you.
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Also, I’d really enjoy hearing from you: How do you bring contemplation into your art practice? Has it changed your creative process? Please leave a comment below — your story could inspire someone else on their journey!
Until my next blog post, “I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received”
Ephesians 4:1.
In peace always
Chrissie xx
Thank you for your thoughtful reflections. In the midst of all the deadlines and chaos swirling around it is so easy for me to feel guilty that I am not doing enough. Yet, when it comes to creating, it is in stillness and calm that the most beautiful imaginings become reality.
Thank you so much for your comment Nancy. I agree, that guilty feeling that we’re not doing enough is something that so many of us feel at some point in our creative journey. Slowing down and taking time to contemplate an artwork before we begin has so many positive dividends 🙂
Hi Chrissie,
I felt definitely thrilled, reading your thoughts on contemplation before beginning to create! I was thrilled, to realise that someone of what I think of as the “modern” world, actually found benefits from something I have been doing almost unconsciously for over fifty years. During my professional Calligraphy life, I never ever just “started writing”, there was always a sort of quiet time, while I checked my pens, mixed the inks, inspected the paper or vellum that I was planning to use and then, when all was ready, I would sit and just look out into our garden and let my mind drift and float, until I felt relaxed and ready and THEN I would start my lettering !
These days, with my love of tangling, I still unconsciously do the same thing, sit and turn the pages of my storage books, waiting to see which pattern would reach out to grab me…….almost calling “use me, use me!!
Actually, contemplating before creating is a necessary and admirable thing to do before starting ANYTHING……..cooking for instance, sewing…..and so on! Thank you for reminding me,just how important it is and for letting me know, I have been doing the important stuff after all !
With much love,
Sue Zanker xx
What an encouraging comment Sue. I definitely think you have been on the right path for a very long time (it sounds) practicing quiet reflection and contemplation before creating. When I think of how I used to create (before my Diploma studies) I never gave any time to contemplation. I just got straight into it and now I can see how empty my work was.
Contemplation has allowed me to be able to deeply connect with my own work, and I think this is important if we want to develop our own artistic voice.
Over these last few years I have learned so much about myself and how all of who I am is in my work. It has provided space for authenticity to grow and I feel I am creating much more meaningful work because of it.