I was not encouraged to be creative as a child...in fact, the opposite was true. I was a product of the 50s where the object of life was to get married( preferably to a doctor or lawyer), have children and be taken care of.
I was a late bloomer and created out of the need to create. If I am not feeling creative I get very restless.
I look for projects that will capture my imagination. Sometimes I am visited by the muse and think it will never end....but it always does. Mostly I will get sick with a cold, flu, get a broken heart...or something that will make me sad and wallowing. I have a pity party for myself( I am usually the only invitee), and then carry on.
There was a time I felt intimidated by people so much more talented than I. Now I remove myself from the mix and thoroughly enjoy others talents and gifts. I get inspired. I identify and get uplifted.
sherry, don't you think that many or most girls until very recently have gotten very mixed messages about their artistic selves? boys too, but girls in weird ways. for example, girls are expected to be somewhat artistic. we're supposed to know how to find cute curtains and teach children how to weave potholders and such. however the minute we told our parents we wanted to be artists, how many girls get a scornful look or some kind of warning that it's ok but only if you have a man to support you? it's almost as if art were a luxury...something a girl was to do to fullfill herself AFTER she fullfilled the needs of everyone else and made sure she was "taken care of". how to make a living is the plight of many artists male and female, but i think you touched on something uniquely female. ....you brought up another good point. being intimidated by others' talents rather than inspired is a sure way to self torture.
Sherry, I can empathize with the restlessness, just ask my hubby. Lisa, can you imagine telling your parents, I want to be a tattoo artist? There are so many different avenues now days for creative expressions and venues to share them. When I used to teach art to the little minds of 5 years, the girls dove right into the projects, the boys were the ones intimidated...or so it seemed in my observation.
janet, you apparently have never met my father. and now he's deceased. but let's just say if i were to say NOW that i want to be a tatoo artist, you would be able to hear him all the way to your house!!!! LOL! yes little girls seem to dive into the art but on the topic of making a living at it, it's harder for the girls to understand why they were encouraged in the art for so long only to have it closed off later as an option. you made my point!
oh I can hear him Lisa. Sounds just like something my own dad would express, LOUDLY! *giggling* You should have been around here when my oldest son got his ear pierced and had long locks of hair. Wheeeeeweeeeee!
so, gang....what do you guys do when you feel the urge to create something but no idea comes? or the idea is in your head but it can't seem to come through your body ..either in words or through your hands or whatever? what then?
folks, yesterday i started painting again after awhile away from it. for awhile i thought i simply had nothing to paint. everything i did stunk, in my opinion. i must have "whited out" the thing at least 5 times. and i was about to quit. but then i thought of our little group here, and i decided let's just see what happens on the 6th try....if it's something good, i can tell you about it. well i don't know yet if it's good, but i DO know that it doesn't need to be whited out yet. and so i thought i'd post about the power of "sticking it out"! ;-)
Very inspirational!. Glad you persisted. It's an interesting process, isn't it?
I go through this thing every year. Here is the scenario. Since 1985 I have written lyrics to the 12 Days of Christmas, based on topical events of the year. Every year I say this is my last year. It is too hard. I don't feel like it. Too depressing. Bla bla bla. I then get a call from my friend who has the party I write the song for. Each year everyone await this years 12 days. I do it at other parties too. Around about now various people ask if the song was written yet. I just can't disappoint. So my friend lures me over with a great home cooked dinner and we brainstorm. It seems that committing to that dinner seals the deal and ideas come pouring out. Went to her house last night, with list in hand, and it was done in less than 2 hours!!
In a sense, looking back at the 12 days from other years, it gives me a sense of history. What was happening. Unfortunately I didn't start keeping them in a file until 1990 because I never thought it would become such a tradition.
great comment, sherry! thanks! i'm so like you. i think i can't, i think i can't...and then i just do it. at least most of the time. i'm still procrastinating a bit this morning. this early afternoon! ha. i just took a minor walk to stretch a bit. i sucked at that too. i could spend an hour worrying about THAT, but i'm going to paint instead. it's my painting date, and we'll see what happens. but nothing happens if you don't show up for your own writing/painting date, right? i'm so glad you keep writing. i'd love to see your 12 days of christmas...post it here if you want to share!
My worst obstacle is __"self". Being Irish and Canadian__hardheaded and strong_minded; "self" has to take a back seat; or nothing is accomplished. Thats me---now you all probably don't have that problem; and if so__I envy you!
ohhh i think we all have that problem, ruthann! ;-) perhaps we are not all canadian or irish, but those things can certainly work for you. never has a group of storytellers been more creative than the irish. and that hardheaded stuff might be just the ticket you need to not let anyone tell you something is impossible!!! "self" can be quite annoying in the creative process. it's HOW to tell it to shoo that is the challenge!
Ha ha Very good wiffledust__I like that!! And I only mentioned the "Canadian and Irish" connection as there seems in my family to be a real streak of unique strongmindedness and variety of stubborness. Lol. But I also am aware__all people have this--its the 'degrees' of such that make it interesting! Just for the record--"my hardheadedness is most likely the reason, I have come this far__from the beginning; a constant barrage of obstacles and mountains to climb __however 'rock climbing' sure strengthens the will power and abilities. :)
I think strong minded and stubborn gets the work done. As a Taurus, people always say I am stubborn. I prefer to call it tenacious :-)
On the other hand, our strengths can sometimes be our weakness. I find that if I am so fixated on my "truth", I cannot let anothers "truth" in, which may shed some light or inspiration.
Well, that is my 2 cents worth to the discussion.....except that I just took a writers class and a few of want to continue. I live in West Mt Airy. The plan now is to meet every other week. Let me know
i wish i had time to join that writer's class, but i am swamped. i hope you'll share what you're learning, sherry. i agree so much with what you're saying. i think our vices are our virtues and vice versa. my stubborn'ness gets stuff done and can also get me in quicksand. etc. i think being aware of this stuff helps. and when i'm just not sure i try to just rely on being kind. it's so simple and not always easy to do...not to others and not to ourselves. and not being kind to ourselves gets in the way of creativity. i'm sure of that.
Hey folks..if you didn't catch this on the main page, this is Elizabeth Gilbert. She is the author of "Eat, Pray, Love" talking about obstacles to creativity. It is one of the best talks ever!
...good question. Let me see... I consider myself to be a creative person. As a matter of fact, it is my passion. I choose to be creative. I thrive off of creating. I like to explore new things and most of the time, I like working off the cuff rather than a structured form. Although, I can work both ways. Whether it's creating a new meal, quilt, journal, or workshop.
When I have struggled with an obstacle, it is usually has to do with fear. I then adjust my sails by getting out my journal and get down in the dirt with what is at the core. I draw it out. I talk it out. I write it out. I move it out. I face the bugger and stare straight in it's eyes, and tell it I'm gonna do it anyway. I tell my most creative self to come forward and ask it to share it's wisdom with me. I use many modalities. Using your left hand in having an inner dialogue is most beneficial.
these are really good tips, lillian. i like the idea of using your left hand in an inner dialogue. do you use the right hand if you are left-handed? i'm pretty creative, too, but i think we all run up against our walls from time to time. i try hard to grab a moment when it flits in. i find the more i do, then the more i do. so sometimes i don't struggle with the walls. instead, i try to capture the positive moments and build on them.
I realized after several years (try almost a decade) of not drawing or painting one single thing that I miss it so much. It was such a part of myself while growing up. It was a talent that I had on my very own that I could escape into and get such pleasure out of. I have this thing that if I can't dedicate all of myself to it then I just should not do it. It is such a ridiculous notion. I recently looked into taking some painting classes through a friend. Now all I have to do is get the courage to actually do it. I have so many ideas in my head that are bursting to come out. I am now older and feel I have a lot more experience and more well rounded view of the world.Once I take that first step into the class it will be like getting back on a bicycle. As far as writing goes , believe or not, I get a lot ideas while sleeping of all things. I wake up with an opening line in my head and build from there. The subconscious is a wondrous thing!
Yes, Lisa...if your left hand dominate, use your right hand. Our most artistic-self is our inner child, she will come out even more if you use your non-dominant hand. The more you do, the more she will reveal. I have a whole journal dedicated to the other hand. Try drawing that way, too.
hey you guys...if you're stuck on something, remember getting unstuck involves DOING. if you're a writer, try the jumpstart exercises in our creative writing group here on wiffledust. if you're a musician, pick UP the instrument. inertia is cured by one single small step.....happy sunday!
so lately i've figured out that a big obstacle for me is not having all of my supplies where i'm likely to get an idea. so my new plan is to keep supplies in several places. paper ready, markers ready, hard drive, mic etc ready. i'd like another guitar...but oh well. the point is to have your supplies nearby so that you can launch right into it!
I run into obstacles all the time and typically those obstacles look like me! I agree about the habit aspect; knowing that when I have a "set up routine" I have to be more intentional in my breaking away from that routine ... letting "things" get in the way etc. That is when I start soaking in my tub more :-) (I wrote a little blog about re-discovering my creative juices).
objects in motion stay in motion. it takes tremendous effort to get moving again, but once done, it's far easier to get back in the habit of creating something every day.....
I try to create every day, but the tendency to let the rest of my life get in the way is sometimes overwhelming. It's easy to play the blame game too! I"I didn't do anything because ...it's Thursday!" I've watched my creative juices dry up over the years because, as Maryanne said, I kept running into myself and couldn't (or wouldn't) get the hell out of my way! Sometimes it's a guilt factor that does it. I don't need anybody else judging me 'cause I'm quite adept at doing that myself, thank you very much! It's just not as easy as it once was and it takes discipline mixed with desire. I've said for years now; Ya' gotta wanna!
first of all, thanks, you guys for helping me get this group active again. i think we all need it. anyone who is on wiffledust runs into these issues. i'm not sure you even gotta wanna, bob. i think you have to gotta do. cuz doing breeds doing. all the excuses are just part of the inertia, part of the familiar. it's a matter of getting in motion more than anything else. very hard sometimes, but that's where it begins. in that one step from not doing to doing. the WHAT you're doing isn't even as important as the motion
and "do" can mean the smallest step. but every step of motion moves us to a new place....motion is critical. there are times for stillness, but if you're reading this group right now, stillness is most likely not the answer
another big obstacle to the creative process is worrying too much about what other people think. there's a time and a place for that in the editing process or the rehearsal process. but the creative process needs a certain amount of freedom from the masses of folks in our brains judging us. we need some tools to filter that out. suggestions, anyone?
what I am going to write may seem simple, but for me, I do what I do for myself first. When those invaders creep into my head I blast them out with loud music that carries me more into my inner world where my creative forces flow from and the music becomes my conduit for channeling those forces without censor. If a part of me says, "this has been done before" I answer back with, "but not by me".
i love those techniques, maryanne! i'm going to blast a few out with some music next time and let you know what happens. and i think that "not by me" tool is awesome!!! thank you!
This column is exactly why I joined this band of wiffle pranksters. I'm not a creative person, but have lots of creative things to do: writing software, helping my wife with her curriculem writing projects, writing web copy. Sometimes the sheer blankness of the page in front of me kicks my butt. These are great ideas for getting unstuck. Die vampire die!
the blank page scares us all, dave! the trick is to dive in. anything is better than the blank page. just start. objects in motion stay in motion! and if you can't start, come here, and one of us will get you started!
gang, we have to have our tools nearby if there is any hope of doing something creative. there's some music i want to try writing, and i've found recently that every time i get the inspiration, the g uitar is in a different room. so i moved it early tonight so it would be in the right place if the mood hits me. and i've taken to having magic markers in most rooms too. it's too easy to miss the mood when the tools aren't nearby!
in steve jobs' commencement address (in the video section here), he said that death is the friend of the creative person. he said knowing our days are numbered and life is short takes away the fear of revealing oneself, the fear of making a fool out of oneself, the fear of failure. he said it allows you to live from the heart. he did, and we are all the better for it.
Steve was amazing as are so many who are not afraid to take risk/chances. My block is more about time than about what is inside me waiting to be released. I would love to be able to rent a clone for one week out of the month to stand in for me in my daily, overly busy life so that my "real me" can go play and let my imagination come out to play.
then maybe that's a sign that your life needs to be more about "the real you"??? maybe it's time to either get rid of all that other stuff or to delegate some of it? it's risky to not take risks!
guess what turns out to be quite an obstacle to creativity? ..yes, i've been doing a little research....consciousness! no kidding. apparently we do specific tasks best when awake such as addition or subtraction. driving. cooking. and we execute what we create when we're awake. but we do alot of our actual creating at an unconscious level. not only asleep but while we're awake just not aware of what we're doing. isn't that interesting?
Sherry Somach
I was a late bloomer and created out of the need to create. If I am not feeling creative I get very restless.
I look for projects that will capture my imagination. Sometimes I am visited by the muse and think it will never end....but it always does. Mostly I will get sick with a cold, flu, get a broken heart...or something that will make me sad and wallowing. I have a pity party for myself( I am usually the only invitee), and then carry on.
There was a time I felt intimidated by people so much more talented than I. Now I remove myself from the mix and thoroughly enjoy others talents and gifts. I get inspired. I identify and get uplifted.
Nov 10, 2009
wiffledust
Nov 10, 2009
Janet Stinson Therrien
Nov 11, 2009
wiffledust
Nov 11, 2009
Janet Stinson Therrien
Nov 11, 2009
wiffledust
Nov 14, 2009
wiffledust
Nov 29, 2009
Sherry Somach
I go through this thing every year. Here is the scenario. Since 1985 I have written lyrics to the 12 Days of Christmas, based on topical events of the year. Every year I say this is my last year. It is too hard. I don't feel like it. Too depressing. Bla bla bla. I then get a call from my friend who has the party I write the song for. Each year everyone await this years 12 days. I do it at other parties too. Around about now various people ask if the song was written yet. I just can't disappoint. So my friend lures me over with a great home cooked dinner and we brainstorm. It seems that committing to that dinner seals the deal and ideas come pouring out. Went to her house last night, with list in hand, and it was done in less than 2 hours!!
In a sense, looking back at the 12 days from other years, it gives me a sense of history. What was happening. Unfortunately I didn't start keeping them in a file until 1990 because I never thought it would become such a tradition.
Nov 29, 2009
wiffledust
Nov 29, 2009
Sherry Somach
I am planning on doing one day of song every other day starting Dec 1
Nov 29, 2009
wiffledust
Nov 29, 2009
Ruthann Emerson Lange
Jan 7, 2010
wiffledust
Jan 7, 2010
Ruthann Emerson Lange
Jan 8, 2010
wiffledust
Jan 8, 2010
Sherry Somach
On the other hand, our strengths can sometimes be our weakness. I find that if I am so fixated on my "truth", I cannot let anothers "truth" in, which may shed some light or inspiration.
Well, that is my 2 cents worth to the discussion.....except that I just took a writers class and a few of want to continue. I live in West Mt Airy. The plan now is to meet every other week. Let me know
Jan 8, 2010
wiffledust
Jan 8, 2010
wiffledust
Feb 21, 2010
wiffledust
May 13, 2010
Lillian Gaffney
When I have struggled with an obstacle, it is usually has to do with fear. I then adjust my sails by getting out my journal and get down in the dirt with what is at the core. I draw it out. I talk it out. I write it out. I move it out. I face the bugger and stare straight in it's eyes, and tell it I'm gonna do it anyway. I tell my most creative self to come forward and ask it to share it's wisdom with me. I use many modalities. Using your left hand in having an inner dialogue is most beneficial.
Jun 23, 2010
wiffledust
Jun 28, 2010
Ericka Gray
Jun 28, 2010
Lillian Gaffney
Jun 28, 2010
wiffledust
Aug 15, 2010
wiffledust
http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/ask/2010/10/james-surowiecki-...
Oct 24, 2010
wiffledust
Oct 27, 2010
wiffledust
Nov 19, 2010
wiffledust
Jan 31, 2011
wiffledust
Jul 7, 2011
Maryanne Mesple
Jul 7, 2011
wiffledust
Jul 7, 2011
Robert P. Meyer Jr.
Jul 7, 2011
wiffledust
Jul 7, 2011
Maryanne Mesple
Jul 7, 2011
Robert P. Meyer Jr.
We must do and do we must!
Jul 8, 2011
wiffledust
Jul 8, 2011
wiffledust
Aug 23, 2011
Maryanne Mesple
I do what I do for myself first. When those
invaders creep into my head I blast them out with loud music that carries me more into my inner world where my creative forces flow from and the music becomes my conduit for channeling those forces without censor. If a part of me says, "this has been done before" I answer back with, "but not by me".
Aug 23, 2011
wiffledust
Aug 23, 2011
Dave Schoeff
This column is exactly why I joined this band of wiffle pranksters. I'm not a creative person, but have lots of creative things to do: writing software, helping my wife with her curriculem writing projects, writing web copy. Sometimes the sheer blankness of the page in front of me kicks my butt. These are great ideas for getting unstuck. Die vampire die!
Aug 25, 2011
wiffledust
Aug 25, 2011
wiffledust
gang, we have to have our tools nearby if there is any hope of doing something creative. there's some music i want to try writing, and i've found recently that every time i get the inspiration, the g uitar is in a different room. so i moved it early tonight so it would be in the right place if the mood hits me. and i've taken to having magic markers in most rooms too. it's too easy to miss the mood when the tools aren't nearby!
Aug 31, 2011
wiffledust
Sep 9, 2011
wiffledust
Oct 5, 2011
Maryanne Mesple
Steve was amazing as are so many who are not afraid to take risk/chances. My block is more about time than about what is inside me waiting to be released. I would love to be able to rent a clone for one week out of the month to stand in for me in my daily, overly busy life so that my "real me" can go play and let my imagination come out to play.
Oct 7, 2011
Maryanne Mesple
Oct 7, 2011
wiffledust
Oct 7, 2011
Maryanne Mesple
Oct 7, 2011
wiffledust
"If you hear a voice within you say, 'You are not a painter,' then by all means paint...and that voice will be silenced."
— Vincent Van Gogh
Nov 13, 2011
wiffledust
guess what turns out to be quite an obstacle to creativity? ..yes, i've been doing a little research....consciousness! no kidding. apparently we do specific tasks best when awake such as addition or subtraction. driving. cooking. and we execute what we create when we're awake. but we do alot of our actual creating at an unconscious level. not only asleep but while we're awake just not aware of what we're doing. isn't that interesting?
Dec 7, 2011