A couple months ago, I had a very interesting conversation with an elderly gentleman artist. We covered a few topics, but the the thing that he said that really stuck with me was this:
The arts are *not* a luxury. Participation and appreciation of anything remotely artistic or aesthetically pleasing is necessary for human survival, and absolutely imperative for the human race to thrive.
Creativity feeds and inspires the soul. It is a comfort to others and a balm to the spirit. It is a river from the Source of life to us and through us.
I recently have been given quite a few opportunities to share and sell my craft. It has given me the impetus to really start looking deep into what shapes the vision for each piece and how to encourage that to grow, and be channelled in the right direction.
This collection is called "Deep calls to Deep". It can be found in Banbury Museum Shop until mid October. I will be adding to it gradually. Please contact for any interest in purchasing. Prices range from £58 to £195.
Each person has a seed of creativity in them. Its learning to recognise it and nuture it.
I've found what strikes a chord in my heart and ignites my synapses on fire.
Here are some practical things I've learned that help me, and might resonate with you:
- Identify places, things, architecture, cultures, areas of natural beauty, and people that you enjoy. Usually, these are the things that will feed your creativity.
- Sketch things (even if you can't draw) or write down things that simply catch your fancy - look at books and museums with these themes
- Focus on things that are wholesome and healthy for your soul,
- Take TIME to be quiet and listen, dream and imagine
I love walking around National Trust gardens and properties - even just around Banbury there are some very detailed and well executed bits of architecture that I might find a shape, a feeling or an angle that will inspire a design. Traveling, (Vienna in this case) and seeing how other cultures approach aesthetics, and even being around certain people increases my capacity for creativity.
And it is a flow - God is the source of all life producing creativity. Deeply buried in each of us is the same nature, the same ebb and flow.
Inspiration can strike at anytime - you just need to look for it, expect it! Anyone can be creative, it's a matter of finding YOUR flow.
Psalm 42:7 Amplified
"Deep calls to deep at the sounds of Your waterfalls. All your breakers and Your waves have rolled over me."