An Argument For Embracing Hobbies
Do you have a hobby? I didn’t have any until a couple years ago. It can be difficult to have a hobby when your work is your passion, or obsession.
A hobby can appear frivolous -- a misuse of your precious time and money that should be funnelled back into your CAREER. That’s how I thought anyway.
I have always loved arts and crafts. As a child right through high school, I loved making collages and doing sewing projects and playing with clay and femo.
But when I got to theatre school it became clear to me, that if I wanted a career in the theatre, I would have to give EVERYTHING to my WORK. And so I did.
My entire identity was wrapped up in being a theatre creator and actor.
And it turns out, when your identity is 100% wrapped up in your work and work isn’t going “well” it’s easy to become depressed.
I often fantasised about doing pottery, but it wasn’t until after I’d relocated to the UK that I attended a drop in pottery session at Hackney City Farm. And WOW. I started going regularly and when I moved to SE London I started taking regular classes at the Kiln Rooms. It's a dream.
I'm a slow maker and a slow learner. I am not great on the wheel. I make up for what I lack in craft with the charm of my decorations. I LOVE IT. AND IT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH MY CAREER.
What I love most about doing pottery is that I lose my sense of time and am totally absorbed in what I’m doing. Another thing I love about it is that I am creating tangible things that will exist forever unlike the elusive and illusory world or live performance.
I am now a hobby convert! IMHO hobbies allow us to diversify our identity and let us be more whole.
Some Reasons to Listen to the Hobby Inkling
It’s healthy to have a life that holds more than your work, even when your work is your love
Non-achievement oriented stuff reduces stress (source: quilting blog)
Pure pleasure (!!!) fills you with endorphins and makes you feel terrific
Learning new things keeps you young (source)
Socialise with people outside your field! Conversations that have nothing to do with your work puts what you do into a bigger context and broadens your awareness
Rest from work is key to having new ideas
Bonus: all these things will make you a better artist!
Not sure what you want to do as a hobby? Think about things that brought you pleasure as a kid. Being outdoors, a sport, arts and crafts… another great one is volunteering for a cause you really believe in. I’m also in a book club which I love.
To receive more creative resources, practical tips and inspiration like this straight to your inbox each week, join my mailing list.