Since the first caveman etched a mammoth on the wall of his cave, humans have been creating art to express the experience of living. Every culture in the world tells stories, makes up plays, sings songs and creates dance. Art in its many varieties is as part of the human genetic code. It is deep within us, a creative desire that aches to be expressed. Some believe the creative urge is biologically linked to our need to reproduce, that our existence requires us having creative impulses. It is in the creative impulse that we yearn to teach our young, and bring something stunning into the world. Deeply tied into our biological drives, the need to create is as certain as the need to eat, breath, sleep and dream. Every human on this earth has the urge to create, in one form or another. For some, the a brutal understanding of life has turned this need into the urge to create chaos or harm to others. Still it is an impulse that demands the world notice they exist. Creativity is a powerful force and should be honored as such. Creativity belongsto everyone. Art Supplies, like brushes, colored pencils, clay, Foam Board, and crayons, are often a big part of a child’s life. It is easy to see the artist in a child. They may like building things, drawing, playing music, or telling and listening to stories. Why do we treat our creative urges like clothes that we grow beyond?
Many grownups consider artistic activity as a spectator sport or a hidden hobby. After a long day at work, doing the laundry and getting the kids to bed there isn’t time to indulge in any creative impulse. Instead, most people think they can only enjoy art and creativity as consumers. So how is it possible to indulge the creative instinct in a world with out time or reward for the artistic endeavor?
A gratifying creative experience requires several things which involve the senses in the process, a vision of the thing to be created and focused attention. Anyone who has experienced the process of creative immersion can easily talk about the benefits and the joy that comes from the event. A painter lost in the colors and the subject, seeing intensely, a singer taken to a different place by the song she sings, the dancer feeling an enlightened grace descend around him, are all experiences that come from surrender to the creative instinct.
If someone has a creative impulse they should pursue, be it writing, singing, painting or dance. The rewards are immense. For those unaware of their passion, it is important to find all the opportunities for expressing creativity in everyday life. For example, if a meal needs to be created, what happens when the chef is totally focused? Indulge the senses, taste, smell, and touch the food. Slice the potatoe with complete attention. Arrange the salad with consideration of the quality and color of the tomatoes, olives and carrots. Make it lovely and make it unique.
The reward for the effort come from the experience of creating something original. We all like to receive complements and appreciation, but the time spent fully focused on creation is often reward enough.
