What’s on Stacy’s mind?
What’s on Stacy’s mind?
Inspiring Creativity with Paint
I have spent most of my career creating art for others as a commissioned artist. I meet new people every day. Each time I meet someone new and what I do comes into the conversation, the first response hear is usually, “I can’t draw a stickman” or “I don’t have a creative bone in my body”. People say to me, “I always wanted to learn to paint”. One lady told me, “You know Stacy... Painting is a bucket list item!”.
So, my question is,
Why do so many people feel that they are not creative?
Creativity is talked about, coveted, admired, and mocked. People sometimes look at me like I received the Golden Ticket. I always say, “We all have two sides to our brains! You can do it too.” Creative thinking is an innate ability in each of us. If you have a brain that functions relatively well, you can dream up new ideas. It’s that simple. Right?! At some point in those peoples lives, someone told them that their art was not good and they weren’t talented. However, there are quite a few people in the world today who believe that they’re not creative, that they simply cannot think creatively, and that no matter what they do they’ll forever be a straight-shooting analytical thinker. You might even be one of those people.
Anyone can be Creative. Some people believe that they just don’t have the capacity for creativity. I have two thoughts on this:
First, as humans we express the image of God, and God is most definitely a creator. Consider how, on the first page of the Bible, the statement, “Let us make humankind in our image” begs the question, “So, where’s the resemblance?” “God created.”
Secondly, while creativity is surely a matter of gifting, creativity can still be fostered and taught. And there is no time limit on when you can begin to cultivate your own creativity. And the more time you spend in that state, the more creative you become.
So, how does one become creative? I’m glad you asked...To become creative , you must go through the motions of being creative. Going through the motions of a creative activity helps the brain produce ideas. By exercising the brain you are replenishing neurotransmitters linked to genes that are being turned on and off in response to what your brain is doing, which in turn is responding to challenges. By participating in a creative activity, you are energizing your brain by increasing the number of contacts between neurons. The more times you engage creatively, the more active your brain becomes and the more creative you become.
Psychologists studying creativity have discovered that it is based on cognitive processes we all share. Creativity is not the result of some magic brain region that some people have and others don't." Those who primarily use one half of their brain are by no means more capable of creativity than individuals who use the other. In other words, creativity isn't limited to left-leaning designers, artists, and architects alone. Ideas and inspiration can come from everyone, regardless of their background. This new information blows MY Right Brain college textbooks out of the water!
So, I’ll say it one last time, “Anyone can be creative”. It takes work to be creative and for many people it will take a lot of time too, but that doesn’t mean the possibility isn’t there. Breaking past psychological blocks is the first step to helping others see themselves as the creative beings that they are.
Believe you Can be CREATIVE..and you Will!
If you are in the Fairhope Area, come create a painting by following along with me at the Painting studio in Fairhope on the grounds of Homestead Village. LaFleur ART Studio
I Love You,
Stacy
#Inspire #Creativity #Painting #RightBrain #LaFleur #Joy #CultivateCreativity #JustDoIt
Monday, April 4, 2016