Although it has only been 2 weeks since my last post, I have accomplished much. (…and yes, I know, blogs are supposed to be updated frequently, but I have been DOING, instead of talking about what I am going to do.)
My book is almost finished. My brain will work on the title while I drive to Galveston this afternoon.
I will walk on the beach and enjoy conversation with friends, shared treats, and a glorious summer sunset this evening. I am confident that my book title will appear by the end of the weekend.
Just for insurance, I am planning to work in my garden tomorrow. If I don’t get the zinnias planted soon, I my as well forget about them.
In addition to making art myself, my life purpose is to make art more available and more visible in the world.
My business of art class aligns perfectly with this purpose. Many artists who are making wonderful art are not sharing it with the world because the whole process is too mysterious and intimidating.
In my class I teach easy steps to make the process easy and comfortable for every artist.
Thursday I taught my class to an eager group of artists. This morning I sent notices to everyone on my list announcing the July 24 Business of Art Class. The class changes each time, because I respond to all questions. The guide book guarantees that everyone receives the basic information, so much of the class covers supplemental things. I share sources of supplies, and much personal experience.
I already have 4 speaking appointments for the fall…3 to artist groups and one to a business group.
I am feeling really creative. A walk on the beach and a day in the garden…life is grand.
Last week my husband and I drove to Natchez for a family reunion. The opportunity to reconnect with people I love AND to sit on the deck and watch the lake has inspired me. I worked on my book, 101 Ways to Increase your Creativity. It is almost finished.
Yesterday I played catchup with email and other tasks. Today I listed my studio on Google maps. I visited many artist websites and blogs.
And I figured out how to put a link to my etsy store.
Creativity involves letting go of preconceptions and exploring new ideas. Every invention was either the result of an experiment (or many experiments) or the result of an accident. If it was the result of an accident, the person had to be observant enough to notice the unexpected result and open enough to realize a possible new application for it.
Steve Jobs, of Apple Computer and Pixar fame, said “Creativity is just connecting things. When you ask creative people how they did something, they feel a little guilty because they didn’t really do it, they just saw something. It seemed obvious to them after a while.” Walt Disney “saw” a mouse acting in new ways and talking. From this idea, he built a worldwide company that has brought joy to millions of people.
Anthropologist Margaret Mead said, “To the extent a person makes, invents, or thinks something that is new to him, he may be said to have performed a creative act.”The point of these quotations is to show you that whether or not you think of yourself as having the potential to be an artist, you are indeed creative. Creativity applies to all areas of life, not just to art.
Creativity is neither skill nor muscle. Like both, creativity requires exercise to grow.You can exercise your creativity through play. During unstructured play time, the child within the adult is free to surface. As the singer and songwriter Joni Mitchell noticed, “You’ve got to keep the child alive; you can’t create without it.”
I am considering teaching a class on how to develop your innate creativity. This class would be helpful for people who want to be artists or writers, but do not feel that they are creative enough. It’s also perfect for creative people who are experiencing blocks, and anyone who feels like increased creativity would improve life.
About Ann: Ann Bell is an artist, writer, teacher, and creativity coach who resides in Houston, Texas. Visit her website at www.AnnBell.net to see samples of her work and learn more about her.. If you would like to receive information about her new class on encouraging your creativity, send an email to artist@AnnBell.net requesting “Creativity Class Info”.
Are you creative? I say, “Yes! Emphatically, yes. All human beings are creative. The more important question is: What are you doing to encourage your creativity?”
Many people judge their creativity by whether they have produced creative work. However, this gauge measures Read the rest of this entry »