On being creative
“There is no such thing as creative and non-creative people, only people who use their creativity and people who don’t.”
In my line of work I meet a lot of people who believe that they are not creative. Their reasons generally fall into three categories:
“I’m not artistic.”
“Who has time?”
“What’s the point?”
Well, I’m here to tell you that no matter what your art belief system is, you are creative and your creative life is important. The key is to let go of your expectations of a fabulous outcome. Instead focus on the process and play, play, play with your art supplies.
We are all creative beings. It is a part of our expression as humans. Tapping into our creativity through art making and play brings us joy, new ideas, connection, learning opportunities, and improved health. Focusing on the process versus the product takes the pressure off of having to create a Work of Art. What a relief!
People who engage in creative activities improve their lives
Recent studies from institutions as highly regarded as Harvard and Drexel universities and the Mayo Clinic have shown that engaging in creativity improves physical, mental and emotional health, benefits memory function, and even helps stave off cognitive decline. One study showed that as little as 45 minutes engaged in visual art activities measurably lowered cortisol levels (the body’s stress hormone).
“Oh, sure, if you’re an artist!” you might be saying. “Because when I try to get artistic I get stressed out!” My guess is that wrapped up in your art experience is an expectation that what you make has to be beautiful and worthy of hanging on the wall or selling in a museum book store.
But there’s a much more fruitful way to approach the art of creativity. And that is to let go of your expectations and get crafty just for the fun of it. Over and over those studies showed that positive outcomes didn’t have anything to do with how “artistic” (or experienced) the subjects were. Just engaging in creative play with art supplies was enough to change people’s lives for the better.
This is something I share with my students week after week in my art journaling classes. The most important thing is to let go of expectations and dip your hands in paint. Engaging in art making with a goal of exploration, enjoyment and experimentation gives you a lot of space to take delight in the colors you use, the interplay of textures, the surprise of how two images interact on the page. Letting go of being “productive” gives you the power to not make a work of art. And that takes a lot of pressure off.
“Creativity is a dynamic energy source that anyone can tap at any time.”
The long days of summertime are perfect for clearing some space on your table and in your calendar to play with art supplies. Here are a few easy to manage suggestions:
Get a pad of paper and some color markers and just doodle.
Explore a new craft or art supply.
Go on a photo walk with your smart phone and look for something surprising in the viewfinder.
Fingerpaint!
