As a designer, artist, educator, so many people would say to me on a daily basis,
“I could never draw that, I am not creative.” Or “How did you think of that? I am not that creative.”
I would always respond “Sure you could! I believe anyone can if they are curious and willing to try!” The statement that really stunned me was an administrator once telling me,
“I don’t think you can teach creativity.”
Yikes! Art and design educators would be out of a job if that were true! Another administrator had it right when she said,
“You always bring out the inner artist in everyone.”
I truly believe we are all creative. We just need the encouragement to try with no attention given to the idea of success or failure. The only job creating has is to come into existence. One of my favorite books is called Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by the author Elizabeth Gilbert of Eat, Pray, Love fame. This book dispels the myth that creativity is a talent that some are born with and some are not. It really is magical when you relax, listen to what your heart wants to make and have the courage to just do it without thoughts of whether it is good or bad.
“A creative life is an amplified life. It’s a bigger life, a happier life, an expanded life, and a hell of a lot more interesting life. Living in this manner–continuously and stubbornly bringing forth jewels that are hidden within you–is a fine art, in and of itself.” Elizabeth Gilbert
For further encouragement, check our her podcast “Magic Lessons.” It may be all you need to hear to get out there and create!
