Eva Papastergiou

How to nurture your inner observer

In art-making at some point you might take a step back from your artwork and engage with your “inner observer”.
The inner observer is the ability we have to notice and assess the bigger picture. Practice mindful art-making: create without judgement, allowing whatever arise to be expressed with the materials. Over time this practice will help you develop a compassionate and insightful inner observer. By embracing your inner observer art-making becomes a powerful tool for personal growth and healing.

📝 Journal Prompt: “Meeting My Inner Observer”

“Close your eyes for a moment and imagine your inner observer as a presence within you — quiet, gentle, and wise. What does it notice when you create? What does it say when you pause and step back from your work?”

Reflect on:

  • When do you feel most connected to this part of yourself?
  • How does your inner observer differ from your inner critic?
  • What helps you hear its voice more clearly — silence, breath, certain materials?
  • What do you want your inner observer to help you see, accept, or understand through your art?

Let your response be honest and gentle. This is about noticing, not fixing.


🎨 Art Prompt: “Through the Eyes of My Inner Observer”

Create a piece that represents what your inner observer sees when it looks at your creative process, not just your final artwork. This might include:

  • Layers, marks, or symbols that reflect emotion, resistance, flow, or insight
  • Using your non-dominant hand for a portion, to bypass judgment
  • Stepping back periodically to add one element you see only when you pause
  • Collaging past works or “mistakes” as part of the new piece — embracing the full process

Let go of expectations. Focus on expressing awareness rather than achieving a result.