Let's Talk Creativity

As you know, I am seeking my place in the creative world.  So, naturally, creativity will play a major roll in forming my future.  That's what I'd like to talk about today:  creativity.

I've been thinking about the "elements of daily living" I'd like to incorporate into my life and creativity is at the top of the list.  My goal is to engage in some form of creativity most every day.  That could mean active first-hand participation or passive participation as a "consumer" of others' creativity.

This past week I've done quite well in the passive participation category.  I attended Teresa Bartenstein's art show opening, went to the St. James Court Art Show, finished Pat Conroy's South of Broad, and saw the movie Julie & Julia.  And I have a few more passive arts activities planned over the next week:  a Tiempo Libre concert at my alma mater Transylvania University, Actors Theatre's A Midsummer Night's Dream, and I might hit the Kentucky Guild of Artists & Craftsmen show in Berea this weekend.

So where's my active participation in the creative process?  Writing this blog has been the only creative endeavor in which I have actively participated this week.  Writing has been nice, but I'd like to find more ways to engage in creativity on a regular basis.  Classes are one option and I'm looking into a class at the Kentucky Museum of Art & Craft called Creating Colorful Creatures: Fabric and Polymer Dolls next weekend and am considering a mosaics workshop from the mosaics guy himself in Chattanooga in November or December. 

I'd also like to assemble a "treasure chest" of creative activities from which I can draw when I need a creative fix.  I plan to gather a variety of activities for my treasure chest (or toy box!).  Things like needlepoint, collaging, coloring books & crayons, finger paints, sewing projects, knitting/crocheting projects, beading, jewelry making, paper mache, and things like that.  Of course, I don't know how to do all of these things, but learning will be part of the fun.

How do you satisfy your creative urges?  Do you have suggestions for treasure chest must-have items?  I'd love to hear from you!

Joy & Creativity to All!

Comments

[www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1391319264]

This sounds like fun: buy an easel, a couple of canvases, and acrylic painting supplies. Don't start with a finished picture in mind...just keep the supplies out and add elements when you feel.

[jennifer brandenburg]

mel...i keep seeing SOUTH OF BROAD...how was it?...do you recommend?...jen

[Melony]

Jen - South of Broad was a good read. Some parts are a little far fetched, but then that's fiction. I picked it up before my trip to Charleston with NaNa and Mrs. Ginter.

Have you read any of Jodi Picoult's books? She's one of my favorite contemporary fiction writers. She takes difficult topics and really makes you think about them. Vanishing Acts was the first one I read and I was absolutely capitavated by her "voice" and the way she told the story. As soon as I finished it I was ready for my next Picoult! My Sister's Keeper is also fabulous -- a very difficult subject, but soooo well done. I cannot think of a single one of her books that I've read that I did not really enjoy.

Happy reading to you!

[jennifer brandenburg]

mel...haven't read any jodi picoult but meg has and really likes her...i'll have to pick up one of meg's and try her...jen