Return to Innocence

April 4, 2025


As artists, we often embark on a journey that starts with mastering technical skills and understanding the tools of our craft. Whether it's through years of practice or formal education, we focus on precision, technique, and perfection. But what happens when the structure of skill and technique stifles the essence of what made us fall in love with creating art in the first place?

The answer lies in returning to a state of innocence—a state that allows us to reconnect with the raw, unfiltered joy of creation. This "return to innocence" is not a regression, but rather a way to unlearn what we've been taught in order to embrace the untainted, childlike wonder that first inspired us.

Paradox of Mastery

In the world of art, technical proficiency is crucial. It's the foundation on which the artist builds. You cannot create a masterpiece if you don't understand your medium. The early years of an artist's life are often spent honing these skills. But, like any other practice, mastery can become a double-edged sword.

Once you've achieved a certain level of competence, you might find that your work becomes more rigid, less spontaneous. You begin to focus more on achieving perfection than on the process itself. This is where the paradox of mastery comes into play. The more skilled you become, the more you risk losing the very thing that sparked your creativity in the first place: the sense of exploration, curiosity, and wonder.

The Childlike State 

At the heart of this "return to innocence" is the idea of the inner child—the part of us that approaches the world with fresh eyes, full of curiosity and without preconceptions. Children don’t judge their art; they create without fear, without concern for what others will think. Every stroke is an experiment, every form an adventure. They are not worried about the final result, but instead are immersed in the joy of the moment.

As adults, we often suppress this inner child, either because we’ve been taught to value the finished product over the process or because we fear judgment. This is especially true for artists who have developed technical mastery. However, it’s essential to recognize that our inner child holds the key to our creativity. It is the part of us that is most connected to the things that truly resonate with our soul.

Rediscovering Wonder

Returning to innocence doesn't mean abandoning all technical knowledge. It means remembering why you started in the first place—because creating art is inherently joyous and fulfilling. It is an act of self-expression, a way to communicate with the world without words. The goal is not to abandon your growth as an artist, but rather to continuously find ways to let your curiosity lead you, to give yourself permission to play and explore with no expectation of the outcome.

This is where true artistic expression thrives: when we allow ourselves to be like children once more. We can experiment with new techniques, try new media, and embrace mistakes as part of the creative process. In doing so, we open the door to infinite possibilities. Creativity, after all, is not about perfection; it is about being open, flexible, and willing to follow where your instincts take you.

Overcoming Judgement

One of the greatest hurdles artists face is judgment—both from others and from themselves. As we grow older and more experienced, we become more aware of how our work might be perceived. We become anxious about whether it will be liked or accepted, and this can stifle the creativity that once flowed freely.

However, to truly return to innocence, we must silence the voice of judgment. This doesn't mean that critique is no longer valuable; instead, it means letting go of self-imposed constraints. When we stop worrying about what others will think, we free ourselves to create with the same authenticity and freedom we had as children. It is in this space, unencumbered by expectation and judgment, that the most powerful work is created.

Your True Self

The act of returning to innocence is, at its core, about reconnecting with your true self. It is about shedding the layers of societal expectations and external pressures, allowing yourself to return to a more primal, authentic place. When you tap into that sense of wonder and curiosity, you open the door to self-expression that is deeply personal and unique.

Art that comes from this place of true connection has the power to resonate with others on a much deeper level. It speaks not only to the intellect but also to the heart. It carries an authenticity that can't be faked, a rawness that cuts through the noise. And it’s this kind of art that leaves a lasting impression.

Forever Young

In the pursuit of technical excellence, artists can sometimes forget the very thing that makes art transformative: the ability to approach the world with wonder and joy. Returning to innocence is a reminder to reconnect with that childlike sense of possibility, curiosity, and freedom. It is about embracing creativity as a journey, not a destination—about allowing your inner child to be free to express itself without fear of judgment or expectation.

When you can cultivate this innocent, untainted creativity, you will create work that is not only authentic but deeply resonant with both yourself and others. Art that comes from the heart, unburdened by judgment, is the most powerful kind of art there is. So, let go, return to innocence, and rediscover the magic that lies in the pure, unfiltered joy of creation.