In a world where artistic talent seems reserved for a select few, it's easy to feel envious or inadequate. However, the truth is that creativity resides within us all. While some may wrestle with desires for talents they don't possess, it's crucial to acknowledge and appreciate the unique abilities we do have. This journey of self-discovery can lead us to uncover hidden talents, opening up a realm of creative possibilities.
Let's dive deeper into this notion and explore how embracing our individual gifts can lead to a fulfilling and artistic life.
In a society that often glorifies the extraordinary artistic abilities of a privileged few, it's natural to yearn for talents beyond our reach. Perhaps you, like myself, have daydreamed of singing with a voice that captivates hearts or strumming a guitar with virtuosity. Yet, when it comes to carrying a tune, you may find yourself stumbling like a clumsy traveler. But fear not, for this is not the end of the story.
Consider the humble hymn singer at church, offering their voice in a soft, cautious melody, careful not to offend the ears of those around them. While it may feel like a limitation, an unassuming gift can often be the gateway to unlocking the artist within. As I discovered, my inability to sing in tune led me down an unexpected path, where the lens of a camera became my instrument.
Photography, with its ability to capture moments frozen in time, proved to be my creative haven. Behind the camera, I found a talent waiting to be nurtured, a talent that allowed me to tell stories through images, capturing the essence of a fleeting emotion or the breathtaking beauty of the natural world. Each click of the shutter became a brushstroke on the canvas of my imagination, as I painted pictures with light.
This journey of self-discovery is not exclusive to me. Each person possesses a unique set of talents, waiting to be recognized and celebrated. These gifts, bestowed upon us by a higher power, serve a purpose beyond our understanding. They are the keys that unlock doors to personal fulfillment and artistic expression.
The process of unearthing these hidden talents can be an adventure in itself. It requires us to delve into unexplored territories, push beyond our comfort zones, and embrace the unknown. It may involve experimenting with different artistic mediums, such as painting, writing, dancing, or playing an instrument. It could entail exploring various creative pursuits until we stumble upon the one that resonates with our soul.
But remember, this journey is not about comparison or seeking validation from others. It's about accepting and celebrating the unique tapestry of talents woven within us. It's about nurturing these gifts, regardless of their perceived magnitude, and allowing them to flourish in their own right. By doing so, we tap into the vast reservoir of creativity that lies within, enabling us to express ourselves authentically and create art that speaks to the depths of our being.
So, my fellow seeker of artistic fulfillment, I implore you to embrace your God-given talents. Be grateful for the unique abilities that reside within you, even if they may be hiding in unexpected places. The journey of self-discovery is not always easy, but it is through this process that we uncover the hidden gems that make us who we are. Embrace the adventure, and let your artistic spirit soar, for the world is waiting to be touched by your unique expression of creativity.
Know what 'creative creating' is. Creativity can be expressed by painting a scene or writing a song, but it is so much more. Creativity is a very broad category of life's experiences. And it encompasses and envelopes many things―from cooking to decorating and bringing a room to life, to creating your child, to dressing in style, to the lifestyle you have created up to this point. Your creative side is a great storehouse of thoughts and ideas that most often are found in the details of everyday life.
Have an impulse to create? Act! It's easy to dismiss the impulses we all have to create. We may feel fearful or embarrassed because it is something new for the world to see. Or, sometimes it may feel like a waste of time, but creativity is not ever a waste of 'time'. Our creativity is an expression of our divine natures. When we act and create we are accepting and showing the world our true selves. When we unleash the power of our creativity we are one step closer to realizing our greatest purpose in life.
Carve out and compartmentalize time. Stop with the technology for a bit. Manage your time wisely. Don't let time be your reason for not being creative. Make time for a creative life.
What have you done so far? Look around, appreciate and recognize what you've created. You have created a lot―we all have, it is a product of living. Be grateful for all you have and have done, the progress you've made. Getting to the point of gratitude and appreciation validates your creativity, and that opens you up to more and more of it.
Come play with me! Have fun! We all have to be serious, as part of a good productive life, but being stern and serious does not stimulate creativity as well as having fun. Our creative self lies with our heart, the core of our being. When we laugh and play our hearts expand with joy, therefore our creativity expands as well. Make fun happen and creativity will appear.
Explore your world, see nature, be nature. Our natural world stimulates creativity. Take in the whole world. It is yours. Don't just look at things, really SEE things―all the life around you. No need to buy an airline ticket. Just walk out the door and start in your own backyard.
Finally, trust the judgment of your heart, your soul, and especially your spirit. Your creative self is alive and waiting. You were created by the Creator to create.
In the process of discovering your artistic self, you will become more positive-minded and more alive.
Skillshare (www.skillshare.com): Skillshare offers a wide range of online classes taught by experts in various creative fields, including painting, photography, writing, music, and more.
Coursera (www.coursera.org): Coursera provides online courses from top universities and institutions worldwide. You can find courses on topics like graphic design, creative writing, film production, and many other areas of creativity.
TED Talks (www.ted.com): TED Talks feature inspiring talks by experts from different fields, including the arts and creativity. Explore their vast library of talks to gain insights and perspectives on creativity and innovation.
CreativeLive (www.creativelive.com): CreativeLive offers live and on-demand online classes taught by creative professionals. Their classes cover a wide range of creative disciplines, from photography and design to music and entrepreneurship.
Local workshops and classes: Check out community centers, art studios, and cultural institutions in your area. They often offer workshops and classes for various creative pursuits, allowing you to learn from local artists and connect with a creative community.
Books on creativity: Explore books dedicated to nurturing creativity and unlocking artistic potential. Some recommended titles include "The Artist's Way" by Julia Cameron, "Big Magic" by Elizabeth Gilbert, and "The War of Art" by Steven Pressfield.
Creativity can be found in various forms and activities, so don't be afraid to explore different avenues that resonate with you. Engaging with these resources can provide valuable guidance, inspiration, and practical skills to help you unleash and develop your hidden creative talents.
Art and self-expression are ever-evolving. In his talk, Oles focuses on how technology can used to invent new forms of self-expression or reinvent old ones to make it easy for anyone, regardless of their artistic ability, to both create their own unique and beautiful works of art and enjoy the therapeutic benefits of the process.
Oles is the founder of ''Honeycombinatorics'', an app development company based in Canada. Oles' talk will focus on how technology can be used to invent new forms of self-expression (or reinvent old ones) to make it easy for anyone regardless of their artistic ability to both create their own unique and beautiful works of art, and enjoy the therapeutic benefits of the process.
Comments
Post a Comment