The gift of creativity

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! 

---

Want to feel more free?

Whenever I get feedback from students who have taken my courses it thrills me. I love hearing about their personal experiences and how much the classes effect them. I've had students tell me that my Creative Voice courses have changed their lives and I believe it!

Getting free of negative thinking in your artistic pursuits can help you immensely in other areas of your life.  There is something very healing about creative expression and embracing the artistic, soulful part of ourselves can have incredible benefits to us in general. 

Here is an excerpt from an e-mail that a recent student of my Finding your Creative Voice E-Course sent to me: 

"Thanks for a fun and engaging class. I really enjoyed playing with the materials that I had and definitely feel inspired and more creative as a result. The ideas you presented to me are still percolating but I can see where they're going to be really wonderful in inspiring me to be creative in my life. There's nothing more relaxing than playing with our materials after a stressful meeting when I just need to release the pent-up nervous energy. Thank you for setting my creativity on its path to freedom." 

In the course, we use a sketchbook to capture ideas and inspiration. Tuning into your intuition is key to setting yourself free of all of those "should" thoughts that creep into our lives! This is one of her intuitive drawings.

This is her final project. In my Finding your Creative Voice E-Course, I will take you all the way through the creative process from finding your own inspiration, to playing and exploring with the materials and then I show you how to create a final piece of art from all that you've discovered. The result is uniquely you and just the beginning of Finding your Creative Voice! 

---

A self-paced course that helps you let go of fear and gives you the tools for authentic creative expression:

• Move past fear and into play through fun exercises that encourage your inner artist
• Use techniques such as collage, drawing, journaling and painting in a safe, fun environment
• Experiment with various mediums and styles such as watercolor pencils, pens and collage
• Learn how the creative process works - I will teach you how to create an entire project from inspiration to completion 
• Using your sketchbook as a guide, you will begin to see your own style emerge through observing what naturally draws you to creative flow
• Gain confidence to keep a creative practice that will enrich your life
• Get encouragement from others who are on their own journey and experience a warm and accepting community

No art experience necessary! Open to beginners or advanced students. 

---

Finding a balance between doing and being

Finding Balance

Over the past few weeks, I've been trying to regain some balance in my life. Sometimes I get so focussed and overwhelmed by my to do list that it feels like I am constantly in my logical mind. This gives my authentic, intuitive, creative side very little space to enjoy life and be present. It's a constant journey for me to find that magical balance between doing and being.

What does finding balance look like for me?

• Pulling back from social media a bit to reconsider what I am posting and why.
• Taking time to listen to what I need first, instead of going directly to the to-do list in a manic need to get everything done.
• Thinking about what is essential in my life and what I most need to do. What are the things that I feel like I need to do but I can really cut back on?
• Re-filling my creative well by finding other creative people who can speak to what I'm going through.

 

Are you dealing with similar issues? 

I thought it might be helpful to share with you some of the things that I'm reading and listening to that have helped me restore balance. Here are a few of my favorites: 

Brene Brown on the Being Boss podcast, sharing about vulnerability for creatives
Lisa Congdon talks freely on her blog about how she is recovering from burnout.
At Left Brain turn Right -  Anthony Meindl's book on how to live a more creative life
The Creative Life podcast - James Taylor's podcast in which he interviews creative entrepreneurs
Gather the People - A book by Sarah J. Bray where she shares a simple, honest approach to creating work
I am not hustling and I am not crushing it - Kerry-Anne Gilowey talks about how to deal with chronic physical issues or other things in life that challenge our idea of perfectionism

Stepping back a bit has given me some time to come up with new ideas for classes and projects. Stay tuned in the coming weeks, when I will have some exciting things to share with you!

---

Finding freedom in your art is a process. We are all growing and learning every day. I truly believe that I can help you to step outside of your negative thoughts and embrace your natural way of creating.

Are you ready to get started? 

In my Finding your Creative Voice E-Course you can:

• Let go of self-judgement and learn strategies for authentic creative expression

• Experiment with various mediums and styles such as watercolor pencils, pens and collage

• Create an entire project from inspiration to completion 

• Using your sketchbook as a guide, you will begin to see your own style emerge through observing what naturally draws you to creative flow

• Gain confidence to keep a creative practice that will enrich your life

• Get encouragement from others who are on their own journey and experience a warm and accepting community

No art experience necessary! Open to beginners or advanced students. 

---

---

Do you have creative tips, tricks or questions?

I would love to include any ideas that you have on how to jump start your creativity or take it to the next level. What have you found that's worked for you? Or do you have questions that I can answer in my next newsletter? Email me at esther@estherloopstra.com and let's create a creative community!