As a life-long creative, I’ve dabbled in and around many mediums throughout my days. Slinging paint, writing stories, strumming guitar, attempting (and failing) to become a baker.
There is nothing I've found that can bring me back to my center quicker than creating. In 2018, I began to build a creative practice, something sustainable and simple, knowing that prioritizing this act, daily, brings great joy, calm and focus to my days.
Of late - I've been straying a bit from my creative practice, absorbed in the chaos of a move - and find myself seeking shelter in my phone. A habit I abhor and am diligently working to BREAK. I find the more information I consume from my tech, the less sparks I want to chase and create.
In an effort to reclaim my creative practice- and to calm my spirit - I've deemed April the month of creativity here at the studio. A month to recommit to painting, to exploring, to curiosity, to less consuming and more creating.
Aiding me in my process is last year's addition to my library The Creative Act by Rick Rubin. This beautiful creation is a must-read for anyone looking to recommit to, find inspiration or gain insight into the creative process. It's a collection of Rubin's thoughts and experiences working with musicians over his storied and amazing career.
For me, it has offered bite-sized nuggets nudging me back towards my creative practice. Inviting me to remember my connection to the Universe, through my creativity - getting me started on my painting / writing / making journey...daily.
If you're looking for a kick-start to your own creative practice - this book could offer an invitation, an opening, a reminder that creating is what we are ALL here to do.
- All that matters is that you are making something you love, to the best of your ability, here and now
- Living life as an artist is a practice. You are either engaging in the practice or you’re not.
- Creativity is a fundamental aspect of being human. It’s our birthright.
- We can’t force greatness to happen. All we can do is invite it in and await it actively. We’re all different and we’re all imperfect, and the imperfections are what makes each of us and our work interesting.
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We tend to think of the artist’s work as the output. The real work of the artist
is a way of being in the world.
- When we’re making things we love, our mission is accomplished.
- The goal of art isn’t to attain perfection. The goal is to share who we are. And how we see the world.
- Oscar Wilde said that some things are too important to be taken seriously. Art is one of those things. Setting the bar low, especially to get started, frees you to play, explore, and test without attachment to results.
- As artists, we seek to restore our childlike perception: a more innocent state of wonder and appreciation not tethered to utility or survival.
- Think to yourself: I’m just here to create.
