Getting inspired without Instagram.

Madonna and Child (2019), on her way to her new home in Montreal.

Last week, I gave a Creative Mornings talk on How to Develop a Creative Process. Thanks to the 600+ of you who joined!

In every workshop I teach, there is inevitably a question about Instagram: how to use it or not use it as an artist. I thought I would talk about my feelings on IG here. And they are...

I hate Instagram :)

I don't think Instagram is a great way to discover new artists or stay deeply engaged with a creative community. I've been pretty outspoken about this. I think it flattens the experience of discovery, making the ideas that are influencing us determined by an algorithm vs. our own true desires.

Not to mention, regardless of how I use this "tool," I always feel like trash afterwards. This is because IG is first and foremost a machine for advertising. It wants you to feel like you’ll never have enough [exotic vacations, cool shoes, qualifications, etc] so you buy more of those things. It's designed to make us feel like we're missing something. Check out The Social Dilemma on Netflix for more on these ideas. 

So, how can we thoughtfully discover new artists and ideas without using Instagram?

This is the big question. Our creative lives have become so enmeshed in this platform (especially during quarantine), it's hard to imagine another way of being. If you struggle with this, I feel you. I thought I would share some of my strategies for discovering new artists that don't involve Instagram. They're a bit old school, so be prepared! Here are 5 things I ask myself to jump-start my discovery process:


1. What's happening globally?

I like to check in on 6 international museums and see what kind of conversations/exhibitions they're having. I do this online if I can't travel. Those museums are:

- Montreal's Phi Foundation/DHC Gallery
- Toronto's Art Gallery of Ontario
- Amsterdam's Stedelijk Museum
- Milan's Fondazione Prada
- New York's Guggenheim
- London's Tate Modern

There are SO many great museums out there, but I start with these because I like what they put on. I've seen some of my favorite shows at these museums.


2. What's happening locally?

I check in with regional art spaces that support up-and-coming artists. MASS Gallery in Austin, Artpace in San Antonio, and Lawndale Art Center in Houston are three spaces I love in Texas. 


3. What's at the library?

I check in with the Art Library at UT Austin or visit a local book shop. I browse the stacks for things I didn't know about and treat myself to an artist book or zine!


4. What can my peers show me?

I ask my friends to make recommendations - is there something you think I might like? Someone's work that I'm in conversation with?

Try this with a friend: Send them 3 artists you love, and have them send back 3 artists you don't know. It will help you discover new artists and themes in your work.


5. What are the artists that I already know and love making right now?

I revisit artists I know and love to see what they're making in this moment. I might go to their website or see if they have an upcoming show. I treat artists I love like bands I'd want to go see live. Seeing the work in person makes all the difference. We don't have to find new artists all the time. Sometimes just remembering the story-tellers you love and letting them tell you their latest story is hugely inspiring.


Let me know where you discover new artists outside of Instagram and I'll share it next newsletter.

Psst: if you’re picking up what I’m putting down, sign up for my bi-weekly newsletter, A Mighty Practice: