Creativity

When I was a kid, I used to sketch and draw for fun. My favorite subject to draw was people. It was fascinating to put pencil to paper and watch someone "come to life" right there on the page. Especially once I got  their eyes right and it was as if they were looking right at me. Weird but cool!

But as I got older and life's responsibilities descended upon me, I stopped doing much of anything in the way of art or creativity. I found tiny outlets here and there but nothing substantial. I felt like I was wasting the talent God gave me. But I had little ones to raise and a whole bunch of home keeping skills to learn that I hadn't learned growing up, so my focus was definitely not on myself.

But now that my children are older, I'm revisiting my creative side. There are lots of great helps on internet and I've had fun poring over the beginner paintings.

Creativity is not just about art, however. We're all born with the innate ability to create and I think we are happiest when we allow ourselves time to develop creatively. To dip our brush in some paint, sculpt something with clay, design a room, capture a beautiful moment behind the lens, etc.

There are a multitude of ways to express creativity, but the important thing is to take some time to express it. With the internet you can explore all kinds of different methods - art journaling, scrapbooking, painting with acrylics, oils or watercolors, quilting, needlework, knitting - there are so many outlets.  Blogging is a verbal creative outlet for some. And while I'm not a very "creative" writer, I do enjoy writing as a form of creative expression and an outlet for the thoughts on my heart.

But currently, I'm exploring painting. I've always been fascinated by it but too afraid to really try. Paint can be very expensive and I've never really known what I'm doing. There are a half dozen unfinished canvas paintings in my basement that sneer at me whenever I happen by them.  But no more.

My dining room table is cheerfully covered with all sorts of goodies - canvases, sponges, brushes and acrylic paints. I'm going to do a painting today with my younger son and I'm so excited. :) It's a composition I found on the internet that looks impressive but seems simple to do.

How about you? Do you make time in your busy life to express your creativity? I'd love to hear about it!

Comments

Courtney said…
I love to decorate my house. Right now I'm working on my boys' bedroom. The last time their room was addressed was when the oldest boy was a baby, so I'm working on giving them a "big boy" room. Several years ago my husband went to South Africa on a safari hunt and brought back some really cool pieces that are my inspiration for the room. I enjoy using unique things and items I already have on hand to create beautiful areas in my home. Recently I moved some things around in my kitchen and dining room and it gave the spaces a new look and feel and it didn't cost a penny. Good luck in your painting endeavors. It's neat you're doing it with your son. It'll make some precious memories!
Jessica K said…
I used to be very into art. I designed a mural that ended up being painted on one of the walls at my high school and was voted most artistic. In college I got burnt out on it (I like doing things for fun, not because I feel forced to, which I did in my college art class) so I haven't done much art since then (7 years ago). But now I love knitting! I mostly knit sweaters and hats for my kids, and I'm also working on a blanket for my baby.

I also dabbled in guitar in high school, but again, I didn't like it because it was forced (I took a class). I'd like to get a guitar and start learning again. Before, I was frustrated because I didn't instantly play like my favorite musicians. Now? I just want to play a few hymns for my own enjoyment. I'd also like to learn to play piano.

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