CREATIVITY
Elizabeth Gilbert begins her book, Big Magic, with this Q&A:
Q. What is creativity?
A. The relationship between a human being and the mysteries of inspiration.
Do you wish you were more creative? I say MORE because we are all creative whether or not we acknowledge it. We just may not be creative in the way we wish to be. What got me to thinking about this is Dawn's post on Gilbert's book. Please go to her post first to read her excellent review of the book, then come back here. . . . .
Q. What is creativity?
A. The relationship between a human being and the mysteries of inspiration.
Do you wish you were more creative? I say MORE because we are all creative whether or not we acknowledge it. We just may not be creative in the way we wish to be. What got me to thinking about this is Dawn's post on Gilbert's book. Please go to her post first to read her excellent review of the book, then come back here. . . . .
After reading Dawn's post I went to the library the next morning and got Gilbert's book. The first chapter addresses our fears. Mine was the second one she listed. As I read it this was my response (in parentheses): "You're afraid you'll be rejected (no) or criticized (no) or ridiculed (no) or misunderstood (no)----or worst of all----ignored (YES!)." That was it! What's keeping me from going after my long-held desire to illustrate my children's stories is my fear that after all my hard work it will be ignored. This is a deep-seated feeling I know very well, having been ignored as a child and even into adulthood because of my wallflower tendencies.
I've given up my hope long ago to have my stories bought by a publisher (they all ignored my request to send in my manuscript). So I decided if I learned to draw and paint I could self-publish. Now I'm realizing what's holding me back is my fear that once having done that my book will be ignored by the buying public. At least with a publisher you have a huge company promoting your book which helps a great deal. To self-promote is to risk having to face those feelings of being ignored AGAIN.
So, I'm realizing that if I'm going to pursue this I really must do less worrying about being ignored and more pursuing of my creative process. It's the process I really do love. In fact, Gilbert says at the very least you end up with a souvenir of your creative adventure! For me, my end goal may lead to being ignored, but at least I'll have enjoyed the journey and I'll have something to show for it. I love the way Gilbert put it: " If people ignore what you've created, too bad." Yes, too bad for them that they missed out on entering my world of creative adventure!
A creative life is an amplified life ...
How about you?
🎨 Do you want to pursue a more creative life?
🎨 If the outcome didn't matter, do you think you'd be more interested in trying your hand at making something?
🎨 What would that be?
I was already familiar with Elizabeth Gilbert's talks on creativity. I posted a video on Take Joy Society in Movies/Videos under Motivational Videos called "Elizabeth Gilbert's Top Ten Rules For Success." While you are there take a look at the other links I've posted under the Tabs at the top of the web journal, as well as the Later Bloomer website in the side bar, for inspiration to live more creatively--more joyfully!
.•*¨`*•. ☆ .•*¨`*•
Take Joy!
Well, if this doesn't resonate with me today nothing will. I have just bought this book {second hand copy in perfect condition} and am about to start reading it today. For me, I think {without having read it} fear of rejection and ridicule will be the key elements I must deal with. Rejection is a powerful thing which can raise many emotions.
ReplyDeleteYes! I want to be more creative! However, I feel the downside of being a creative is that we are highly sensitive souls. Whatever holds us back, or affects us, is amplified by our very nature. I also think that others just don't understand or get it, how a few simple, thoughtless words or actions can have the power to undermine or even destroy creativity.
I repeatedly recall reading a passage in Frank Herbert's "Dune", many decades ago, which went along the lines of Fear is the Mind Killer. I don't think I know of anything that has stayed with me the way that has done, and it holds a deep truth. Fear of rejection, fear of not being loved, fear of not being up to scratch, the list goes on.
I am hoping this book will help me overcome fear so that I can finally put behind me the many put downs and rejections I've had over the years and move into a new, creative future where I will not fear the critics.
It will be interesting to see what others say, and how we progress using this book as a tool.
Deborah, I think the book will be a great deal of help to you because it's going to change your opinion about creativity, and from there everything else that's been holding you back is going to fall away. Gilbert's style is somewhat blunt and some people might be put off, but blunt is what we need sometimes to make us see the truth. It's great that you own the book so that you can underline everything that resonates with you. That way you can go back and reread those lines. I've been writing the passages in my journal--writing, too, is a great way to reinforce what we learn. I wish you great INSPIRATION as you go on your creative adventure!
DeleteI really must have a look at this book, it sounds most interesting.
ReplyDeleteIt was a quick read and refreshingly candid.
DeleteBig Magic is on reserve for me and soon I will be reading. I believe I already know why I put my creative endeavors aside. I put my self and my interests last. How sad that I do that but it's a fact. There always seems something or someone that needs my attention before my own. Being a sensitive creative spirit I also dread rejection. Maybe this read will be the kick in the pants I need to pursue my interests more intently. ♥
ReplyDeleteIt helps to have a special place to create where you can go and shut the door as a signal that you're not to be disturbed unless it's really important! But I find it hard to switch gears sometimes and need large chunks of time. I'm always in awe of people who can snatch a few minutes at the kitchen table to write their novel.
DeleteI don't think I have much of an artistic bent in me, although I do calligraphy, and I've always loved interior design and architecture. I often imagine having had a career in either of those fields, but I don't regret at all being a teacher, and I certainly don't mourn NOT being an architect or designer. And I have definitely PLAYED interior designer in my own homes. I've done rubber stamping for quite a while too, and I love the creativity involved in that. Ideas pop into my head at all different times, usually when I don't have a pencil & paper handy, so the challenge is trying to remember the brilliant idea - LOL. The only time I really wish I was more creative is when I see work I really admire. That's when I wish I had even a quarter of the talent it took to do whatever I'm admiring.. But I can't say I really think about it much, or regret not being more creative. I guess I'm creative enough for me. I do think we have all different talents, and not all of them are necessarily in the "creative realm." Some people can paint, or sculpt, or write symphonies. Others are amazing listeners. And still others can whip up a gourmet meal using the contents of Mother Hubbard's cupboard. My dad could come up with puns - believe it or not - at the drop of a hat [very agile mind]. Used to amaze us how he'd just blurt one out, apropos to the situation at hand - LOL. What's important is USING the talents we have, whatever they may be, and to the best of our ability, Sometimes we get lucky and they're recognized. Most of the time they're not. But as long as the person DOING the work is happy and enjoyed what he/she was doing, that's probably all that SHOULD matter.
ReplyDeleteJanet, if you use Gilbert's definition that a creative life is an amplified life I'd say you've lived a creative life. The scrapbook of ideas for your dream house that you've kept over the years is an example of how inspiration has chosen you to express itself. And you probably were creative in your teaching in ways you might not call creative but were. Gilbert talks about curiosity being more important than passion when it comes to being creative. You, my friend, are one of the most curious people I know! I think you should read the book just to show yourself that you DO live a creative life. 😊 P.S. Calligraphy is definitely an artistic endeavor!
DeleteI enjoy the creative ways to "re-cycle" things. Although, I do not think that an "Author" lurks inside me, I do like to explore various craft ideas. Some creations I have made are using dollar store gems & old bowling balls to create colorful gazing balls for the garden. I've also used wine corks & wine bottle to make a number of things. Pinterest is a wonderful site to find ways to design items that would just be thrown away. Happy creating to all of the folks that read these posts!
ReplyDeleteThere's all sorts of ways to be creative. I think you've found a perfect way for yourself. It takes a special eye to see the possibility in things that otherwise would be thrown away!
DeleteCathy, have you heard of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators? I follow Alexandra MacVean, who is a children's book illustrator, and found it mentioned in her materials.
ReplyDeleteYes, I was a member for a couple years as well as our local chapter.
DeleteThis books sounds interesting, along with her take on creativity. Must look into it!
ReplyDeleteI found it very helpful in understanding why I procrastinate sometimes.
DeleteLovely Topic Cathy. I think I was born to create things; my husband claims I am never without a paintbrush, spade, needle and thread, scissors or a pencil.... and he is correct. The idea of my creations being rejected or ignored certainly does occur to me,but it never stops me from continuing that which I enjoy doing. It is the journey that I find the most gratifying. If your book does not succeed with the public, the experience of creating it will always be with you AND the original artwork will be a treasure to your descendants.
ReplyDeleteWhen I did my first book 11 yrs ago, my goal was simply to have created a book. I had no aspirations of fame or fortune, it was simply another avenue for my artwork. I was fortunate that my book was financially successful and even won a picture-book of the year award! BUT even if none of that had happened, and my book had been ignored, I would never have regretted the 2 years it took to complete it. Of course, I would have been sad, but as an artist who makes a living at it, I know about failure as well as success.
What I am saying is, don't even think about whether or not people love your work, just do the best you can, enjoy the process and take pride in the final product. I personally know at least a dozen women who have children's books in the works or on the market, and I don't really think most are breaking any sales records; but the women are certainly enjoying themselves and happy doing something they love. So, forge ahead and enjoy yourself!
I agree, Jeri! But first I must learn to draw and paint well enough to achieve my dream. THAT process is can be a struggle at times.
DeleteCathy, Indeed, You are learning your craft at this point and that can be frustrating at times.
ReplyDeleteYes, indeed!
Delete