Yesterday, I was reminded of the quiet power of an abundant mindset — especially in creative work. I had been listening to a talk by Nicolas Wilton, one of my mentors. He spoke about the importance of sharing everything we know with those who are a few steps behind us on the path.
Nick says that this generosity is not just kind, it’s magnetic. When we give openly and freely, we create a portal. Through this portal, the most wonderful things flow back to us, not in a transactional way, but in a deeply human, creative, expansive one.
This resonated deeply with me. I’ve always learned best through sharing — both giving and receiving. I’ve been lucky to study under some fantastic teachers. I honestly couldn’t tell you who taught me what. I don’t know who told me that magic Gelli printing trick. Or who suggested collaging found papers?
Which is why an experience I had a while back struck such a different chord. I’d taken two excellent courses from a well-known artist, full of rich techniques and great energy. A few months later, I was starting to plan some workshops of my own. Around that time, I received a furious newsletter from the artist. They were livid that someone had been teaching one of ‘their’ techniques.
It caught me off guard. I felt anxiety, wondering, what if I accidentally share something someone thinks they ‘own’? But I also felt sad. Because the truth is, we all stand on the shoulders of others. Nothing I know came from a vacuum. And art isn’t a fixed curriculum, it’s a river. When we share, that river flows stronger for everyone.
My husband commented that this reminded him of the Four of Pentacles Tarot card, which involves clinging tightly out of fear. This action blocks the natural movement of energy. In contrast, the Six of Pentacles shows a figure giving freely. They receive in turn. The whole cycle is supported by trust and generosity.
As Nicolas Wilton puts it:
“Established artists are really fortunate. They can be afraid to share that spotlight… afraid they might lose their position. If some other great artist comes along and the gallery takes them instead. And there’s only so much to go around.”
But is that true? What if there’s actually plenty to go around?
Rick Rubin writes:
“A river of material flows through us. When we share our works and our ideas, they are replenished. If we block the flow by holding them all inside, the river cannot run and new ideas are slow to appear.”
And Austin Kleon puts it even more simply:
“If an artist may say nothing except what he has invented by his own sole efforts, it stands to reason he will be poor in ideas.”
For me, abundance looks like this: a group of artists, each offering what they can, helping others. Some of us are further along in one area, others in another. We’re not in competition — we’re in community.
I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Have you ever felt caught between sharing what you know and holding back? Do you have a favourite tip, technique, or teacher that changed everything for you? Let’s celebrate the generous flow of creativity — feel free to share in the comments 🙂
Ailsa Brims Art 