“My college study of creativity was in the recreation (and philosophy of recreation field). Our task was to provide environment, tools, and activities that would spark creative expression–provide a means for self-expression and stir an emotion of life, quiet nerves or bolster the spirit and have fun. Often this activity such as singing, writing, acting, dancing/movement would lead to discovery of a talent or new interest, or was a way of bringing people together. I think we have to allow opportunities for self-expression-perhaps by providing access to beauty in art, nature, music we spark a creative urge that all humans possess.”

Well-said, Mom.

Regarding what Hazel said, I think love is a strong source of inspiration, but I want to more clearly define this. It’s not necessarily being in a romantic relationship that inspires (although this, and simple attraction have done so for centuries with the desire to please and impress). But a passion for something that you don’t simply love for what it does or can do for you, but for what it is. It is easy to write a poem for someone you find beautiful on the outside, inside, or both. But there are millions of these, and they get lost overtime because they are so similar. It’s not so easy to express your feelings in writing (or any other medium) for someone or something you would be willing to give your life for, because you believe in them so strongly. But these creations will outlive the others. You can be creative without love, but a loving eye, ear, mind, & heart will be more eager to seek out inspiration…seeds to give birth to new ideas.

From Zeller-Zi: Ch. 8/Section 1: There were once 2 painters who lived on a farm. They took care of over 100 cows and 10 pigs. One painter painted portraits of the cattle. The other only painted pigs. One day, the cow painter laughed at the other, saying, “How you can you only paint pictures of the pigs? There are only 10 of those filthy creatures! Surely you should paint cows like me, for there are so many of them to paint.” The pig painter simply smiled, and returned to painting a picture of one of the pigs. A year passed and the cow painter had painted 100 pictures, one of every cow. But he had run out of cows to paint. The other painter still made pictures of pigs. Curious, the cow painter tried painting pigs. After 2 weeks, he finished 10 pictures, 1 of each pig. The other painter still continued to paint pigs. Desperate, he at last painted 2 more pictures: 1 of the pig painter, and a self-portrait. It was only after painting these 2 pictures that he realized why he would run out of inspiration, while the pig painter did not. In both pictures, they were painting; but the pig painter had a smile and a twinkle in his eyes. He did not simply paint what was there; he painted the many different ways that he saw those 10 pigs. His own thoughts and feelings entered into the pigs when he painted them. They were not simply things to paint pictures of, but sources of life. The cow painter, having reached enlightenment, flew off into the clouds, never to be seen again. Most of the cows overheard his enlightenment, and flew off too. The 10 pigs remained on Earth, immortal protectors of all artists. The pig painter went on to do exhibitions in Paris, London, and New York. He currently lives in LA with a wife and 2 children, all of whom are vegans.

I find that in my own creative work, the more I push myself to face my deepest fears & weaknesses, while embracing my strongest beliefs and values…the more meaningful my work becomes. An artist lives life like everyone else, except they live it with a different awareness. I think a painter can become the brush, the composer can transform into an orchestra, the filmmaker/photographer can become the camera. And then…the things we do…become our art.

creativity also has seasons. it’s best inspired by love, beauty, and loving relationships. those who in love are natural poets and artists. they have tons of new ideas to please their loved ones. and they find countless expressions to praise life. (nothing personal hehe)

Did I tell you I’m taking a class called “Creativity and Content Development”? Its a great class and Im learning a lot. First off, here is something that is kind of our model for creativity…

The Five Rules of Creativity:
1:If what you are doing isnt working, do something else.
2:Ideas come from ideas, work comes from work. Have ideas, do work.
3:Don’t edit your ideas. It is enough to have them: be sure you have wrung out every bit of them each time, identified what they are, and turned them in every possible direction. This can only be accomplished through disciplined play.
4:Don’t resist anything. Do anything that is remotely interesting to you.
5:What you are doing is supposed to be fun. Have some.

It may not seem like much but that can really go a long way. Anyone can be creative. But its a discipline that often times has to be learned, or at least honed. I really feel like the best thing a person can do to be creative is to do it a lot and often. That is to say, come up with as many ideas as you can for something and work from there. What is it about the pros that makes them seem so great and make it look so easy? We dont usually see their first drafts. Or their second. Or their twenty-second. We only see the BEST one out of countless other less than perfect ones.