Creativity and Artistry
Creativity is about much more than being artistic. I was in a group last summer with a bunch of talented folks who you would classify as artists – people who draw, photographers, musicians, poets, writers, videographers, and the generous pixies who created the luscious and hospitable space for us to play in. Those were the visible forms of artistry – the designated artists.
I had an Ah-Ha moment when one of the musicians shared his shame and awkwardness at being asked to draw. What I realized is that it’s not always about creativity – it’s about comfort level. Many of us are comfortable where we possess some talent. Not so much when it requires a stretch into the new or unfamiliar. We abdicate our creativity to those who already rock at something so we don’t feel uncomfortable.
I have no special talents, I am only passionately curious. – Albert Einstein
Curiosity is the call of the day. Creativity is about being curious. It’s an attitude, not a product or performance. In living a creative life you are open to learning and exploration whether you are good at something or not.
This is not to minimize people who have developed their artistry in a particular medium. There were people in that same room last summer who are artists in educating, connecting, organizing, listening, storytelling, relationship building…the list goes on and on.
Artistry is an expression of our creative spirit, whatever form it takes.
We all have an art. What’s yours?
Practice
Tracking exercise: What gives you joy? What do you do when no one else is around? What do you lose yourself in?
If you don’t know what your art is, you will find some clues in the answers to these questions.
2 Responses to “Creativity and Artistry”
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I am a speaker, teacher, writer, and artist working at the convergence of self-care, spirituality, and self-expression.
A Creative Conspirator - an inciter of whatever makes you come alive, an excavator of buried gifts and talents, a fresh breeze that fans the smoldering embers of abandoned creativity. Read More>
In regards to your post, I think its ego that stops us. We get good at something and think everything we do has to be at that level. Its wonderful if we can let go of the E-wall that keeps us denied so much joy in life. On a separate note, I Love the image you used of heart formed by the fingerprints: brilliant!
Mary, your thoughts about creativity and curiosity hit a chord. It made me realize that while I’m creative as a life coach and visual artist (although at a point of finding my next medium), that I’ve shut down some regarding being curious.
Since curiosity brings new people, art, situations, inspiration, surprises, etc. into my life when I’m open to it, your post reminded me to stretch myself and encourage myself to be more curious again. Thanks!