Taking Play Seriously

Hello Friends,

Welcome back to Nick’s News :) . We are dedicating this monthly newsletter to offering words, resources, inspiration, and support for your creative life. Whether it’s within the walls of our studio or elsewhere. 

This month we have a wonderful piece about play and experimentation by Briana Newsom, one of our newsletter's regular contributors. Bri is a ceramicist, writer, and dear friend. She holds a Master's of Education and is a former high school teacher. She is here to remind us of the very important topic of play!

taking play seriously · April 2026

I don’t really know how it happened; one day I was doing cartwheels on the grass and coming up with choreography to my favorite Cheetah Girls song and the next I’m figuring out how to make a spreadsheet to budget my weekly groceries. 

It happened gradually. First, our scheduled playtime was sacrificed to late homework, study sessions, and socializing.  Before we know it, our sense of childlike whimsy and excitement becomes harder to reach. Eventually, we’re paying bills, worrying about our health, and squeezing in rest and fun in whatever time remains.  

Unfortunately, as we grow older, play becomes less of a priority. Some of us may still carve out some time for creativity, but how often is that impulse overshadowed by our desire for perfection? Our frustration grows and our confidence shrinks with each attempt to make something perfect. Even our creative practice can become rigid and void of whimsy if we forget to center play. 

When  it becomes difficult to access joy in the creative process, take that as a sign you may be operating from fear. Play reminds our brains that we are safe. And when we feel safe, we take risks, experiment and innovate. Without play, our artistic endeavors become just another task to complete rather than an expression of joy. The truth is simple: playfulness makes us better artists. 

Beyond art, play is crucial to our overall brain development. Psychology research suggests that whenever we follow our curiosity, take healthy risks, and experience something new, our brain builds more self-trust and confidence. Not only does play provide a sense of relief from our endless responsibilities and expectations, but it gives us an opportunity to learn something new about ourselves and the world around us. 

As adults, we need to nurture our lost sense of play, and we also need to preserve that instinct in our children. Life creeps up on us fast,  but the more we play, the stronger our sense of self becomes. Children who feel safe enough to play, grow up to be confident, secure and creative thinkers. We must encourage that joy and freedom as much as possible and create spaces for it to thrive.  

Tips for incorporating more play in our daily lives &  ceramics practice

Program Highlights

Community Events

Join us Saturday, April 25th at 3pm-10pm for the South Pasadena Arts & Music Crawl! Guests get the opportunity to hear live music, explore some of the local small businesses and artists in our community.

Recommended Reading

• I Am an Artist by Doro Globus 

• The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron