Marriage is not a noun; it’s a verb. It isn’t something you get. It’s something you do. It’s the way you love your partner every day. Barbara De Angelis
I know. This is an art blog, not a relationship blog.
Or is it?
Recently we watched “Big Eyes” on Netflix, a movie based on a true story. The motivations of the two lead characters fascinated me. The wife, artist Margaret Keane, allowed her husband Walter Keane to claim her work as his.
I won’t go into a lot of detail about the story itself but at one point I turned to my husband and said, “He wants the title, not the work.”
Like a good marriage, you first fall in love with your creativity. But you can’t be passive about it if you want a long term relationship. You must commit and work at it. And some days? It ain’t easy.
But it’s always worth it.
So to paraphrase Barbara De Angelis – “Creativity isn’t a noun; it’s a verb. It isn’t something you get. It’s something you do. It’s the way you love your muse every day.”
If you agree, why not “be a verb” and share this. Thanks!
Recently I asked myself these questions, “Why do I believe so passionately that creative expression is a sacred trust? Why do I believe it’s vital to leading a full life?”
It wasn’t always like that
I grew up around people who taught taking time to paint and draw was a frivolous use of a precious resource. The leaders of the church I attended taught fiction was like telling lies. Dire warnings that following my own path threatened the natural order of the universe. People I respected told me creativity was highly suspect and safer to steer clear.
Why the next thing you knew, I’d be thinking independantly!
Not my truth
Is it any wonder I felt confused? What I heard didn’t line up with inner wisdom.
It was years before I realized those message told me more about the messengers and not about truth. Their words and warnings reflected warped belief systems, disappointed dreams and their own legacy of distorted messages.
10. It’s a powerful way to teach without preaching. Let your creations do the talking.
11. Creativity connects us. We find others on the same path as us or we discover intersections and enhance each others’ journey.
12. Creative expression makes us more aware of the world around us. (When I sketch something I know it in a more intimate way than a mere glance offers.)
13. It expands our world. Think of what we owe to inventors, innovators, photographers, chefs, gardeners, etc, etc .
14. Play. The world needs less seriousness and more joy.
15. Creative living offers the satisfaction of being fully alive, using our gifts.
What did I miss?
Help me to add to this list by replying in the comments.
I’m including a pdf of 15 Reasons to Be Creative. Click the link to download. No need to sign up for anything.
Post it by your desk or in your studio. Share it with anyone who is struggling against old messaging to find their path.
The bad news is time flies. The good news is you’re the pilot. – Micheal Altshuler
My most popular post is about how to find time for your art. Seems everyone is looking for more time to devote to their art.
Last week Nova Scotia experienced the fourth nor’easter in about two weeks. Watching the snow swirl and the waves crash on the shore below us reminded me of those stormy days I struggled into work in the city. I’d dream about staying home close to a warm fire, doing something I loved.
After three storms, it struck me I still hadn’t done anything about that dream.
What was I waiting for?
Decision made, I set up a small painting area near the fire and that’s where I spent my afternoon. Watching the storm out the windows to my left. Drinking tea. Making art. Living the dream.
That pocket of time was right under my nose and I almost missed it. Almost.
I turned off my autopilot, climbed into the pilot’s seat and took back control.
Take the time
You might not be gifted with a whole afternoon as I was but most of us can find fifteen minutes in almost every day. Keep a small sketchbook and pencil handy and be awake to those moments that come our way.
When was the last time you spent a quiet moment just doing nothing – just sitting and looking at the sea, or watching the wind blowing the tree limbs, or waves rippling on a pond, a flickering candle or children playing in the park? — Ralph Marston
The picnic tables in the park down the street are calling to me. They overlook the bay and I plan to visit them soon with my paints and sketchbook for a little plein air work.
I love my studio but lately I’m hungry to be out where I can smell the ocean and feel the wind. After a dreary, rain-soaked season, I feel flat and empty.
It’s been an easy winter but still…it is winter. At first, I enjoy being cocooned indoors but by March I’ve been inside too long, despite daily walks with the dog.
One day this week, I’ll take my sketchbook, walk over the our park and set up on one of the tables. The neighbours may think I’m a bit touched but then again, who cares what anyone else thinks?
Even if I don’t paint, it’s never a waste of time to watch waves and listen to the wind.
We all need to get out of our studios and get back into life or we run the risk of growing stale.
As I look back on the early part of my adult life, it seems like I was always stuck, waiting for “permission”.
Permission to…
…be creative rather than “practical”.
…take time to do something about my dreams.
…create visions rather than set goals.
…be different and do things my way.
…explore many projects at once.
…start projects and not finish them.
I’m sure you have a few of your own you could add to my list.
It’s funny really, when you think about it. As kids we think being an adult means doing whatever we want. Then we become adults and we get stuck in a holding pattern, waiting for someone to tell us it’s okay to do the thing we long to do.
But who did I think would tell me to go ahead? I’m not sure I ever really thought that far. I just said things like “I could never…I can’t…Not right now…etc, etc.”
Until the day I asked myself, “Who’s making these rules?”
Oh and by the way? While you’re at it, you might inspire someone else to get out of their own way, too.
Cool beans, eh?
As we let our light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence actually liberates others. – Marianne Williamson
What are you waiting for?
Fill in the blank and share in the comments :
I give myself permission to _______________________
Recently we watched “Big Eyes” on Netflix, a movie based on a true story. The motivations of the two lead characters fascinated me. The wife, artist Margaret Keane, allowed her husband Walter Keane to claim her work as his.
The picnic tables in the park down the street are calling to me. They overlook the bay and I plan to visit them soon with my paints and sketchbook for a little plein air work.
It’s funny really, when you think about it. As kids we think being an adult means doing whatever we want. Then we become adults and we get stuck in a holding pattern, waiting for someone to tell us it’s okay to do the thing we long to do.