The One Hundred Day Creative Challenge: Day 4
Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert is the latest book on creativity I’ve studied. There’s something about her down-to-earth, tell-it-like-it-is style that is refreshing. It’s not an artsy-fartsy, pie-in-the-sky book that leaves you feeling inadequate or squashed by the weight of the pressure to be creative. To be something you’re not.
We’re all creators because we have something of the Creator in us.
People will keep being painters, sculptors, musicians, actors, poets, directors, quilters, knitters, potters, glassblowers, metalworkers, ceramicists, calligraphers, collagists, nail artists, clog dancers and Celtic harpists, as well. Against all sound advice, people will stubbornly keep trying to make pleasing things for no particularly good reason, as we always have done.
Being creative, living a creative life does not mean we all have to have careers or vocations. Being creative means that we create in whatever arena we feel comfortable in. I write for a job, but I don’t draw.
I doodle, but I don’t draw. I sing, but I only sing in the shower or while I do housework. Does that take away the pleasure of creating?
I say, just create!
Even if your craft is not perfect,
even if people think you’re crazy,
even if the voices of the past say you can’t,
even if you don’t have particularly good reason,
CREATE anyway.
