Calming Before Creating: Preparing Your Space for Stress Relief Through Art
In the fast-paced noise of modern life, creating art can be a sacred refuge, a space for grounding, reflection, and healing. But before the first brushstroke touches the canvas, the environment you create for creating is just as important as the act of painting itself.
This post explores how preparing a calm and intentional space before doing art can amplify its power to reduce stress and restore inner peace, inspired in part by the book “Art Heals” by Shaun McNiff, a foundational voice in the field of art therapy.
Why Calming Before Art Matters
According to McNiff in Art Heals, the process of artmaking itself becomes therapeutic when approached with presence and intentionality. Before you begin, taking a few minutes to settle your energy and establish a peaceful environment lays the foundation for emotional clarity, creativity, and healing.
At Gava Studio, we believe art is a spiritual expression of the soul. It’s not just what you create, it’s how you prepare to create that defines the experience.
Choosing the Right Space for Art
One of the simplest and most powerful ways to enhance the calming effects of art is by choosing the right place to work. Your environment sets the tone for your creative session. Here’s how to prepare it with care:
1. Keep it Simple
Select a space that is uncluttered and free of distractions. Too many objects, noises, or visual stimuli can disrupt the flow of energy. A clean space allows your mind to breathe.
“Clutter is the enemy of clarity. When we clear the space around us, we clear the space within us.” - Gava Studio
2. Silence the Buzz
Turn off notifications. Put your phone, smart watch, or any device on Do Not Disturb mode. Even better, keep them in another room. Give yourself the gift of 10–20 uninterrupted minutes.
This is your time to reconnect with your inner self, without the digital pull of the outside world.
3. Pick a Calming Time of Day
Choose a time when you’re least likely to be disturbed. For parents, nighttime after the kids are asleep can offer a peaceful window. Whether it’s early morning or late evening, find your personal quiet hour and claim it.
4. Create a “Cozy Corner”
Even a small corner in your home can become your sanctuary. Add a soft light, a candle, or your favorite plant. Your goal is to make it feel calm, cozy, and safe, an invitation for your mind to relax.
A Note from Gava Studio
This practice is not about perfection, it’s about presence. Your space is your stage, and your soul is the artist. Creating the right environment helps unlock the deeper benefits of art as a tool for meditation, healing, and mental clarity.
At Gava Studio, we draw inspiration from the Gabbeh tradition, where weavers create intuitively, guided by the heart rather than rigid patterns. The same principle applies here: when your space is calm, your heart can speak clearly.
Coming Next:
In our next post, we’ll explore how to prepare your inner self before you begin painting, from short breathing exercises to gentle affirmations that deepen the meditative experience of art.