Gang,

Today we are going to talk about creativity. Now, in this time and place it is probably more important then ever to talk about this topic and most of all, it is important for you to become aware of the fact that you are creative. Why is this important? Because it is a gift that we all have. It’s a gift that we neglect so often that we tend to forget about it or even deny it.

I don’t know. I guess it’s the TV and media, advertising and the whole way of life that is imposed onto us in these modern age that we just tend to rely on others. We tend rely on corporate fashion designers to tell us what creative is, we rely on magazines and TV to tell us what’s cool, we consume almost 90% of our time, we just consume and we consume in large scale.

And this is not natural.  Interactivity is natural. Yes, we need to see what other people do. Yes, it is nice to enjoy the art and creativity of others, but also, at least 50% of that interaction should be our own creativity. What we give out to the world. Not just because it will make this world more colorful, nicer place, but also because it will make us feel more colorful and loving ourselves. Creating in any kind of shape or form helps us get in touch with our inner selves. With what we truly are. Everything else is a lie.

Now, I know, most of you will say: “Nah, I just don’t have it in me. I am not creative.”

Oh, yes you are! All human beings are. Who’s to say what you do does not look good, or does not sound good, or does not read good etc … who’s to say? First and foremost, know, when you sit to create something, sooner or later, you will start to enjoy it. And I strongly believe this is the reason for us to be here. To enjoy life.

Second, if you enjoy what you do, the chances are, others will like it. Because that joy you feel inside yourself while creating something this joy you will feel while creating will transmit that positive energy to your creation and it will just emanate the same onto those who will observe it.

You don’t have to call it art, it does not have to be art, what is art anyway? Make a shirt. Paint your walls in different colors. Make a greeting card for someones birthday. Don’t have an idea? Sit in silence and listen to your voice, it will tell you what to do.

Please know: you are creative. That is one of the few positive sides, one of the gifts we human beings have – embrace it. Don’t push it away. Don’t let the TV or media turn you into pure consumers. Life is not a one-way communication. Take a pen, take a needle and the thread, open Photoshop or some other application which will allow you to get creative. It’s all cool. As long as you allow yourself to be what you are. As long as you express yourself.

Finally, if you are not used to creating stuff it might be bit frustrating at start. You will have in mind what you want to do but you will miss the technique, knowledge and skills to get it done just as you would want it. This is normal. Because, if you are persistent enough to push through the dispiritedness, your reward will come. Take baby steps. Start small. Skills come with practice and your only task is to start.

For instance, when I started making a graphic for this post, after an hour working on it and still couldn’t seem to get it right. It was hard but also exciting at the same time. I was running in circles with this until, at some point I thought “Why don’t I include some of my photos? It should really be more simple too.” So I dropped 80% of what I was doing for an hour or so, imported one of my old photos, put it in the background and –  voila! Loved it! Felt good! Is it art? Probably not. Whatever art is. But it wasn’t it purpose. It’s purpose was to enjoy while working on it and, hopefully, become something you will like too.

Thank you for reading. I hope I managed to deliver a message. If not, I will try again. In my next post.

Love you all!

Silvia