Giving, Consuming, Receiving Creativity

Hello, October! 

This is one of those blog posts where I don’t have all the answers, but I am going through the journey. 

This past month, burn out finally caught up to me. So today, I’m reflecting on some aspects of creativity and how I hope to replenish an empty well.

GIVING

As creatives, we are constantly giving parts of ourselves to our creations. It’s parts of our mind, our energy, and our physical body. We have a creative well that we take from so that we can continue to make more - whether that be for work, or just for fun. But what do we do when there’s nothing left to give? When there’s no more creative energy to expend? 

CONSUMING 

These days, we don’t have to make a trip all the way to a museum in order to consume art. We can turn on our phone and endlessly find all our favorite artists’ work. Are we looking for inspiration or are we just scrolling? Are we trying to learn something new or falling into comparison traps? Is our active admiration of all these artists disguised as another form of giving? 

For me, consuming art shouldn’t be confused with the energy I get when I am still, when I shut off the distractions (as difficult as that is) and just… be.

RECEIVING

Receiving is observing the world around me - Mother Nature is the greatest creation, after all. Receiving is putting the screen down, shutting off work mode, and watching clouds roll by instead. Or being with the people I love, really BEING with them. My mind is quite noisy with ideas, plans and worries, so taking in silence and living life is truly a gift. Receiving is surrendering to the joy of creation, instead of forcing something to happen when it’s not the right time. This receiving is what really fuels my creativity, and it’s something I don’t do enough. 

I’m taking a creative pivot for the rest of the year to receive and try new things. I want to make some fun plans for the new year. I have to remind myself change is always right around the corner, that so much can unfold in a short amount of time. And that always makes me hopeful.

Until next time!

Christine

CARD ART CORNER

It’s spooky season! This month I’m highlighting a specific Pokemon - Sandygast! It’s a beach-themed Pokemon, but it’s a ghost-type, too. I love the way these illustrators have depicted Sandygast. They’re all so fun, child-like and full of variety. 

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CURRENTLY READING

Pig Town Party by Lian Cho

Murder and Mamon by Mia P. Manansala

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