Creative freedom is a gift
Sometimes I will post a quick note on my Instagram feed and it will give me an idea for writing to you all. A while back I snapped this picture and I wrote "This is one of my favorite items. My grandpa made this spool holder for my grandmother's sewing room. I remember staring at it when I went to sleep in that room when I visited them. It now is in my studio, reminding me of the creativity that flows from each generation to the next. It's like a gift that keeps expanding and growing, each generation builds on the challenges, freedoms and vulnerability that the past generations have opened up for us."
I was lucky enough to have a family that supported my creativity in many ways. My Grandfather was a woodworker and I have many of his pieces in my home. My father painted with oils and I remember thinking he was he could make anything because he was always coming up with ideas on how to fix things or make interesting creations. In the summer when I would declare "I'm bored!!" He would drive me to the craft store and we would stand in the isle saying "what do you want to make?".
Giving a person, especially at a young age PERMISSION to have creative expression is so important. It's a way for us to share a deep part of ourselves with the world and get what's inside of us out. It feeds our soul. And passing down that freedom is truly a gift.
What gifts have you given your kids or have you been given? Did someone teach you how to write, bake, crochet or dance? It may have been a teacher, mentor or friend. Maybe your parents weren't supportive of your creative aspirations. Maybe you've had to fight to free yourself from rules of what "art" should be. Maybe you're still working on letting yourself explore that side of your soul. The more vulnerability you can access in this lifetime, the more of yourself you will be able to share with the world and the more free the next generation will be.
Like the generations before us fought for civil liberties, some of our parents and grandparents had to work against pressures of social norms to reach the depths of their expression. Sometimes I have students in my class who's parents are designers or artists. It can be incredible to see the amount of knowledge and freedom they have in creating. I honestly get a little jealous of friends who's parents or grandparents were free spirited artists, writers or thinkers. They have an ease in the way they are able to get into an open mode and express themselves.
But, it's never too late to step into your legacy. Push yourself past your self-induced boundaries and explore what you are drawn to. It will be rewarding for you, but also for your children, students or friends. I don't have kids but finding this freedom in myself and then sharing what I know with my students is one of the most rewarding things in my life.
Who can you give the gift of creativity to? How can you give that gift to yourself and begin to share it?
FINDING YOUR CREATIVE VOICE SEATTLE WORKSHOP
Do you live in the Seattle area? My next in-person workshop is October 21st - just a few weeks away! These workshops are so much fun, it's like a play-date for your Inner Artist!
No art experience necessary! Open to beginners or advanced students. You will use techniques such as collage, drawing, journaling and painting in a safe, fun environment. Learn more about this workshop here!
