“Creativity comes from a desire to express the true self.” – Gloria Steinem
Too often, art has been insulated, considered and written about as precious – something only “official” artists do.
In her book “Revolution From Within” Gloria Steinem notes that “most art in the world does not have a capital ‘A,’ but is a way of turning everyday objects into personal expressions.”
She encourages creating images or objects as a way to gain a more intimate understanding and fuller expression of who we are, and declares:
“Creativity is most likely to come from intrinsic interest, not external reward; from a desire to express the true self.”
And she cautions that neglecting to use our human capacities, out of fear or shame, “leaves a small hole in the fabric of our self-esteem.
“Think of the times you have said, ‘I can’t write,’ ‘I can’t paint’… Since this was not literally true, you were really saying: ‘I can’t meet some outside standard. I’m not acceptable as I am.'”
This kind of critical self-judging often relates to the idea of being a “failure” at doing something creative.
Getting beyond or “bypassing” intellectual restrictions on our creativity can be a matter of shifting one’s attitude.
Singer songwriter Jewel once commented: “I have to be constantly learning; I have a very insatiable appetite.
“I feel if I’m not on the edge of failure, I’m probably not being challenged sufficiently.”
For her, failure is not something to fear or shun, but a part of her journey.
Kristen Palana is a multimedia artist and educator, and an Associate Professor of Digital Media.
In her writings and teaching, she suggests ways to be more creative in everyday life, as well as in creating arts projects.
The image at top is for one of her blog posts; this is a related video of hers:
This video is a sample lesson from her online course “Skyrocket Your Creativity and Get Better Ideas: 7 Easy Ways.”
Some material from her blog post: “5 Easy Ways to Destroy Creative Blocks For Good” on her site :
1.) Change It Up!
It could be using a new material (wood instead of canvas, pixels instead of paint, etc). It could mean working large when you normally work small.
Or it could be setting a timer and having yourself create quickly in an hour instead of fussing for weeks, months, and years.
You would be surprised how quickly your enthusiasm returns once you start working in a different way.
2.) Sleep On It
Did you know that some of the best ideas are generated while you are asleep and not even trying?
*Related article:
8 Famous Ideas That Came From Dreams (Literally.)
I can hear your argument already. “But I can never even remember my dreams! I’m not sure I even dream at all.” It may feel like that at times, but in fact everyone dreams.
Even if it feels weird or uncomfortable, there is a way to help you remember. It just takes a bit of practice and perseverance.
Learn more about her online course
Skyrocket Your Creativity and Get Better Ideas: 7 Easy Ways.
*Note – The above is an affiliate link (and perhaps others on this page) to a product or program you might find helpful as a creative person. The company pays me a commission, if you choose to make a purchase. There is no extra cost to you. See details in note below the end of this article.
Here is a video of mine using audio in a video from a previous Udemy course by Kristen Palana.
Images in the video include:
Photo of Kristen Palana is from her site kpalana.com.
Nancy Drew (Emma Roberts) arranging her lunch (2007 movie).
City map from movie “Premium Rush.”
Musician Ed Sheeran.
Actor, writer, producer Felicia Day.
~~~~~~~~
Douglas Eby (M.A./Psychology) is author of the The Creative Mind series of sites which provide “Information and inspiration to help creative people thrive.”
ø ø ø ø