No Time Like the Present
Sometimes I feel like my creativity is futile with all that is going on in the world. Sure, it is good for my well-being, and it makes me happy, but what’s the point? I’m not a rocket scientist, or a surgeon, or a politician (yikes!). I can’t change the world with my art or my writing. Or can I?
What if bringing a little joy with my art helps someone get through a tough day? And what if a thought-provoking story brings hope or a new perspective to someone who really needs it?
When I think about what matters to me, I think about people. The lives that impact me the most are the ones that show courage and resilience when life is throwing crap at them. I admire the ones who keep creating even though no one may ever see or hear what they have made. They do it for joy. They do it because it changes them - they evolve as they release their creativity. They do it because if they don’t, they will shrivel up inside. Their values are wrapped around their craft like a blackberry vine - it’s very difficult to separate them.
I want to be someone whose values seep through my artwork. I want my creative space to be one that is sacred; a place where I can let creativity flow and whatever comes out either heals my heart or blesses yours. I know that’s a big ask - but I also know it's possible. I’ve experienced it. And I have learned that it was not a happy little accident - it was on purpose. I actually listened to the pull of creativity and sat down and gave myself permission to play. I played with paint. I played with words. I played with music and song. Several days a week for a few years, I set aside time to sit and play. I made a lot of ugly art, and I wrote a lot of nonsense.
It began as self-directed therapy during the 2020 worldwide meltdown. I began each day with 15 minutes of play. A little joy goes a long way when the whole world feels fragile. I did it for 100 days in a row, following prompts from an artist online. When I was finished, I looked at the art I had made and realized I needed to continue this good habit for the rest of my life.
Six years later, I still make ugly art and draw goofy doodles and write profoundly wonderful nonsense - and sometimes something beautiful emerges. It comes out of me, through this portal called creativity, which flows through my values and out into the world. It’s not an accident or a miracle — it’s what happens when one practices play.
I encourage you to try it today. Yes, right now. Grab a pencil and paper and doodle. Breathe deeply while you mess about with lines and squiggles and be a little silly. Draw balloons or, an apple or a flower. Write your name as you did in junior high school with balloon letters and squiggles. Just 15 minutes of jotting down a few thoughts, scribbling a sketch or simply moving your pencil around the page can calm your nervous system, give your brain a little break from the worry of the world and bring a little joy into your day.
If you are struggling to get started, take a class or a workshop to kickstart your creative habit. I will be teaching a workshop in person called “Creative Rhythms for the Apprehensive Artist” on April 11th from 10-1 PM. You can register and get more details here: https://artsgabriola.ca/isle-of-the-arts-festival/
Until next time, keep creating!
