Creativity, Part III
Bela Fidel
I was just checking the list of books on Creativity on Amazon.com and almost fell off my chair. There are dozens of books covering what seems to be all aspects of creativity. Still, here I am, writing about it from my perspective, based on my experience as an artist, introducing the still voice of the Angels and the harsh ramblings of the Daemon or the Critic. I don’t know if what I write will be helpful to anyone who can go to Amazon.com and fill a whole shelf with more informative and mind-expanding titles on Creativity than any article here will provide.
The secret is that I write mostly for myself. I am on a personal crusade of making myself more visible, showing my vulnerabilities, sharing my humble opinions on this journey fraught with ups and downs, smooth sailings and rough seas. I do not write to help anyone – but I’ll be very happy if any one article does. For me this is an exercise in self-confidence, in sharing what affects me and how I see this roller coaster called art-making. It is my personal journey.
You will have understood by now that creating is not a simple activity. It is not just standing by a blank canvas, mixing colors and composing something good and interesting. Again, check out Amazon.com on books about creativity and your universe will undergo a serious revision. But it is possible to keep it simple while still delving a little deeper into this aspect of ours.
Some of the characteristics necessary for the flourishing of Creativity are:
Passion – Art found us and injected us with the passion to create, express, invent, connect seemingly unconnectable elements, ideas, concepts. None of this would be possible without a passion to create. This passion is like an Escher labyrinth: we love art that loves us that must be loved that seeks us out so we can pursue it. If it is in your soul you cannot lose it, regardless of circumstances.
Right now I am a studio-orphan. Also packing to move my home. No time to draw, paint or even think of creating. And yet, throughout the day I find myself mentally adding a nice, thick brushstroke with yellow on my unfinished 48×48, stored before I could complete it. I have an idea I want to try, first thing, when I resume painting. And I thought I’d be so busy packing that painting would be the last think on my mind. If it is in your soul, it will not leave you.
To be a creative artist you must be Open Minded, available to new experiences, perspectives and influences. You must be able to connect disparate elements, marry concepts that have nothing in common, take risks.
Risk-taking is what takes us to original, authentic and impactful creation. Staying in our comfort zone will not take us to The Zone. Risk-taking involves exposing vulnerabilities, showing ourselves soul-naked, risking rejection, humiliation, loss of reputation, etc. Risk-taking can also be the crown of our work and process, the thread that will please “our people”, those who understand us and/or our work, those who accept us especially because of the risks we take. The bottom line, though, is taking risks for ourselves, for our craft, our creative health.
This process requires Perseverance, dedication, stubbornness even. We must push through obstacles, silence our Critic Dearest and self-doubt in order to make the necessary progress. Without Perseverance we will not last a day on the job.
Living a creative life is much more than the romantic ideals of the starving artist, of the misunderstood genius, of the eternally frustrated soul. Living a creative life is more about self love, self respect, self esteem. If it is in your soul, you must nurture it.
Perseverance demands Discipline. This involves regular practice, self-reflection and a commitment to continuous learning and growth. It also involves Curiosity. The mantra is “what-if”. It goes hand in hand with Risk-taking, exploring, being courageous and not caring about the opinion of others.
Perseverance is the equivalent of Daring Greatly. Which is a muscle we must develop, slowly, continuously, mindfully. It is why, despite the immense number of books about creativity on Amazon.com, I am showing up here, pen in hand, writing for myself, strengthening my muscles on exposure, vulnerability, self expression, authenticity. And if it touches you in any small way, I will consider it a special bonus.