Embracing Slowness: The Art of Doing Less for More Artistic Depth

In an age where multitasking is glorified and productivity is often measured by how full our calendars are, slowing down might seem counterintuitive. Yet, as I’ve grown older and gained more experience, I’ve discovered an invaluable truth: slowing down and focusing on fewer tasks can lead to more substantial, high-quality outputs, especially in the realm of artistic creation.

Rediscovering the Value of Slowness in Art

Using the collodion dry plate process to create negatives and making platinum-toned Kallitypes for handmade fine art prints has taught me a great deal about the value of a measured pace. This method, steeped in the traditions of the earliest photographers, requires patience, precision, and a thoughtful approach—qualities often overshadowed by today’s fast-paced digital workflow.

I have grown to cherish the multi-day journey of crafting a single print. Each phase of the process, from meticulously cutting glass plates to cleaning them and finally coating them with my collodion emulsion, grants me invaluable moments of pause. During these interludes, my mind is free to wander and explore, often leading me to my most innovative ideas.

If you enjoy slowing down with film, darkroom printing, and meaningful photography, consider subscribing to my YouTube Channel. I share new videos each week focused on simple tools, timeless techniques, and the quiet joy of analog.

Why Slow Down?

Slowing down allows for a deeper engagement with your materials and techniques, fostering a more intimate understanding of the artistic process. When you reduce the number of tasks you’re juggling, you increase your ability to concentrate and enhance your attention to detail. This improves the quality of each piece and amplifies your satisfaction and connection to your work. It is the connection part that will help you mature and evolve as an artist.

Implementing Slowness in Your Artistic Practice

Here are practical steps you can take to integrate the philosophy of doing less into your art practice:

Prioritize Quality Over Quantity

Start by reevaluating how you measure success in your work. Shift your focus from the number of pieces you produce to the quality and depth of each piece. Choose projects that challenge you and allow you to explore new depths in your craft.

Review my Creative Pillars and review how I measure success now. This is much different for me than how I thought even a few years ago.

Set Clear Boundaries

Limit distractions and set aside dedicated time for deep work. This might mean turning off your phone, closing your email, or setting specific hours during which you focus solely on your art. Boundaries help protect your creative time, making engaging deeply with your work easier.

Simplify Your Tools and Techniques

Instead of constantly seeking new gear or gadgets, deepen your expertise with your existing tools. Mastery comes from understanding the nuances of your tools and how to manipulate them to achieve different effects.

Engage in Reflective Practice

After each project, take the time to reflect on what went well and what could be improved. Keep a journal of your artistic process to track your thoughts and decisions as you work. This reflection will help you learn from each piece and see how slowing down affects your outcomes.

Teach Others

Sharing your knowledge and skills with others can reinforce your practice and remind you of the foundational elements of your craft. Teaching encourages you to slow down and consider the fundamentals, helping you and your students appreciate the process as much as the product.

The Benefits of a Slower Approach

By adopting a slower approach, you’ll likely notice a richer depth in your work, a heightened sense of personal satisfaction, and possibly, an increase in the volume of work you feel proud to showcase.

Slowness allows you to cultivate a more sustainable practice, one that prioritizes long-term growth over fleeting achievements.

In conclusion, while society continues to push the boundaries of speed and efficiency, remember that art doesn’t have to conform to these standards. By choosing to slow down, you’re not just making art—you’re also making a statement about the value of thoughtfulness and depth in a fast-paced world. So, take a breath, slow down, and let your art flourish in the space you create.

If you enjoy slowing down with film, darkroom printing, and meaningful photography, consider subscribing to my YouTube Channel. I share new videos each week focused on simple tools, timeless techniques, and the quiet joy of analog.