Have you ever felt stuck creatively, like you’re just repeating yourself in the studio? Maybe you’ve found a style that works or a product that sells, but deep down, there’s a part of you longing for something fresh, something new. If that’s you, I’ve got a word for you today: experiment—joyfully.
Yes, experiment. Not with pressure, not to “get it right,” but with joy and curiosity. Because one of the most powerful ways we cultivate our creative voice is by giving ourselves permission to play.
God Is Always Doing Something New
In Isaiah 43:19, the Lord says:
“Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?”
God is always at work, birthing new things in and through us as artists. But we don’t always perceive it—not because He’s not speaking, but because we’re not making space to listen. Joyful experimentation is one of the ways we create that space. It’s how we tune our hearts to the fresh movement of the Holy Spirit in our creative life.
My Journey into Play
Years ago, I felt led to explore some new materials in my studio—not because I had a plan, but simply because I was curious. I started fiddling with paperclay, encaustic wax, cold wax, and even bits of metal and bark I found in nature. No pressure, no expectations—just play.
I didn’t know it at the time, but those quiet moments of experimentation would eventually shape my entire artistic voice. What started as a fun diversion became a core part of my sculptural work. Today, those materials are some of the most recognizable and meaningful elements of what I create.
It didn’t happen because I chased a trend or followed a formula. It happened because I made space to explore—and God met me there.
When We Play, We Discover
There’s something deeply spiritual about playful exploration. It loosens the grip of perfectionism. It invites the Holy Spirit into the process. And it often awakens parts of our creative voice that were lying dormant.
In fact, I believe some of the most mature, meaningful artistic expressions emerge not from pressure, but from permission—permission to play, to wonder, to experiment.
Cultivating a Lifestyle of Exploration
If you’ve been feeling dry or stuck creatively, I want to encourage you to try something new this week. Not for a result. Not for a product. Just to explore.
- Pick up a new medium.
- Try a different texture or subject.
- Combine tools or materials you normally wouldn’t.
- Rearrange your studio to invite movement and inspiration.
Even 30 minutes of curiosity-led creativity can reawaken something powerful in your spirit. You never know what God will breathe on until you show up and play.
Final Thought
Friend, joyful experimentation isn’t a waste of time—it’s a vital part of the creative journey. It’s how we cultivate growth. It’s how we discover the new thing God is doing in us. And sometimes, those playful little moments in the studio become the very expression He uses to transform not only our art—but our lives.
Want to hear more and dive deeper into this conversation? Listen to the full podcast episode here: https://www.matttommeymentoring.com/podcast
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