No inspiration, lots of procrastination. Endless scrolling on social media. It can feel like the black cloud of creative depression will never lift. Waiting for that day to come is an act of faith.
All tagged creativity
Of Rabbit Holes, Flowers and Hope
I continually ask myself about the relevance of art and creativity. Is art relevant and why? I have been trying to understand the nature of duality and finding hope when we witness war. How do we navigate conflict? What role does art in its many forms play in creating the future and changing perceptions?
Ugly Ducklings and Swans
It takes courage to follow that path less taken when the ‘crazy restlessness’ of creative adventure takes hold. Rather than throwing out your early artworks as ‘ugly ducklings’ they can be viewed instead as creative ‘markers’, leading you on a journey of discovery.
Think like an artist
Intuition comes in many forms. It means being finely attuned to the creative tools and materials you use as well as rejoicing in life’s little miracles. Following your instinct helps you think as an artist.
Planting seeds, harvesting legacies
You can move away from a town, but it can still draw you back to it. Returning to the small town of Mansfield to honour the life of a friend, was also a process of honouring and integrating the many parts of my own life.
The Rhythm Method
What happens when you get out of your daily rhythm? You have to get back into flow. There are seven positive small actions I took to get back into the rhythm of creating again in my studio after five months away.
All is not Lost
We are our own worst critics. We have so many ideas around failure that it is easy to get discouraged. Yet all is not lost. When you adopt a “never give up” attitude your lost days can turn into blessings.
Netflix in Bed
Holed up in a friend’s spare bedroom while recovering from Covid, I invited the world to come to me. Outside the sun is shining on an English summer and the back-garden where I take my meals to get some fresh air, yet I am drawn inside back to my bed and the world of stories as the hours and days slip by.
It’s about time (exhibitions)
How do you make time work for you? This might mean synchronising with your body clock to create extra time so that particular tasks are done when you are most focused and alert. When there is a big job to do, like getting ready for an exhibition, you need to create time in abundance.
Why Create?
Creativity is a blessing. It takes you outside of yourself to a place that is “out of time”. It is akin to connection with something greater, the divine, the universal life force.
Marking the Days
When you are at home is self-isolation, how do you mark time? In the Middle Ages the marking of time was both cosmological and seasonal. Can we turn crisis into opportunity and document our days with creative activity?
Gambling on Yourself
The only way to grow is to expand your thinking. I’ve invested in myself many times over even when I didn’t have the money upfront. It has always paid off although I couldn’t see the outcome at the start. Gamble on your creativity - for hard work and investing in yourself pay off.
Be the Light
I love lighthouses.These powerful beams of light are a metaphor for connection, across the seas and lands. Having an online business is a bit like that. Shining a light from an online platform to inspire others.
That sixth sense
I’m a great believer in intuition. That “sixth sense” when you know someone is watching you, or you know that a friend needs you to ring them. Activating your intuition when making art means you are connecting your hands to your heart which guides your inner knowing so you trust in the process of creation.
Year in Review 2020
When the world went into lockdown and my travel plans were cancelled, I brought the world to me. The view outside my window became a portal into the chaotic world outside and my daily lives on social media helped inspire others to keep creating through crisis. I learnt that home can be the best source of inspiration.
Happiness is....
What brings you happiness? For me it is the beach and my garden. It is also creativity. I’ve teamed up with 3 other women to bring the gift of happiness, wellbeing and inspiration to your inbox starting December 1st. It’s free to join.
Room to grow
Creative activation take courage. You need to be able to recognise when it is time expand your horizons. Like repotting a plant. It’s an energetic thing.
The Marigold Antidote
The Marigold Antidote, it’s medicine for the soul when it feels weary and is suffering from general malaise. Finding joy in the day is the active ingredient. Like marigolds in flower, that sunny splash or orange inspires painting and writing. Creative antidotes to pandemic days.
When flowers pick themselves...
Flowers are a big part of my life. Picking them connects me to my matrilineal lineage. There is a story in all my favourite activities. Such creative play like doodling helps unlock the stories buried deep within and form part of a series of powerful exercises I use in my online creativity courses.
Tried and Tested
Whether it’s poetry, painting or cooking, the arts need to be cultivated and nourished. One hundred years ago, household guru, Mrs Beeton believed that putting structure in the week would build good household habits. I believe the same can be applied to creativity and building a creative habit.