I believe everyone is born creative, however, the way creativity manifests itself in each individual’s life is…entirely unique, unpredictable, and sometimes not necessarily immediately recognized as “art” – even though that’s exactly what it is.
The world around us doesn’t always recognize the many ways our creative spirits manifest themselves, and talents and passions are discouraged or ignored. So many people don’t pursue their creative dreams, even in their spare time, because someone told them it was just “bad”, or frivolous. Sometimes I leave my creative heart at the curb, telling myself I need to focus on something “more of substance.” But then later I find myself anxious, irritable, and spiritually starving. I have learned it’s important to keep going and keep creating, no matter what.
But, easier said than done. Like many creative people, I struggle with periods of stagnation, procrastination, and insecurity in the face of a new project. I’m experiencing a little of that now, and so I wanted to reach out some of the most creative people I know to learn more about their own artistic journeys and creative strategies.
I am really happy to kick off this series with my great friend, Vanessa Penagos. She and I have navigated through many of Julia Cameron’s books together, and I am so thankful to have her as one my creative cheerleaders – and to be one of her’s too! She has a great eye for color & composition, and texture & balance. She is particularly inspiring to me because I have watched her try new mediums that I know are at first a little intimidating to her, but she powers through and ends up creating amazing work! Vanessa also has a fantastic photography portfolio. Check out her Flickr photostream here. Enjoy…
Your artistic medium(s) of choice:
It varies and I certainly don’t think I can just pick one, but most recently it’s been pen and watercolor, to which I largely attribute Danny Gregory because he makes it seem so magical. I’m also loving free-form embroidery and am curious to learn bookbinding techniques to create my own journals.
Describe where you’re at creatively right now:
Lately I’ve been feeling as if I’m at a fork in the road. This is largely because I’m also career-oriented, so truth be told a lot of my energy goes toward that. [Edit: Vanessa is a SEO Marketing Specialist for an online pet pharmacy company.] As for my journey – it’s been a long winding road. I was my most creative during college because I was into art journalling, jewelry making, and lo-fi photography all at the same time. But most recently, I hit one of the biggest creative blocks that I can remember and it was making me cranky. I turned to Danny Gregory’s The Creative License and it really struck a chord with me. My whole life I’ve had an immense admiration for artists who draw and I think it’s because I’m supposed to draw. I can’t quite explain it. It’s just a deep-rooted feeling I’ve experienced as of late, so I’ve decided to draw at least one thing in my sketchbook every day. Currently I don’t have a goal in mind as to what all these drawings will mean later on down the road, but that’s what also makes it fun.
What does creativity mean to you and your life?
It’s everything! A lot of my beliefs on the subject are influenced by Julia Cameron and I think it’s important to allow yourself to be creative. Even during the times where I may not be drawing, painting, etc, I consider cooking to be creative. In the past few years I went from being clueless in the kitchen to actually being pretty comfortable. For instance, each Sunday night I try and make a special “gourmet” meal for my fiance and myself. It’s small and simple, but it does make me feel good.
What are some challenges or difficulties you have faced related to creating work that is meaningful to you?
The idea that whatever I create has to be perfect. Ever since I was a child, I have been my worst critic. This is good sometimes, but on the flip side it’s also held me back in some ways. I can recall growing up and admiring my mother’s drawing skills (which are incredible) and thinking I could never draw like her. Nobody ever told me this, but I simply never thought I could. Fast forward 2 decades, and I still have those thoughts but they aren’t as crippling as they used to be. Truthfully, I couldn’t even fathom the idea of drawing anything other than stick figures at one point. I was terrified at never being able to properly mimic the look of a tree or whatever subject I may be drawing. But after reading the works of several different artists and authors, I started to understand what I draw doesn’t have to look exactly like the subject. Just like one’s handwriting, drawing styles are unique, and so are our perceptions and how we record the things we draw. These truths are what help make drawing a little less intimidating, which was a huge hurdle for me.
What strategies or inspiration have you found to help you create even when you feel limited by time/energy/doubt/etc.?
Music is certainly a huge source of inspiration for me. I’m a fan of various types, but for feel-good music I usually turn to Beirut, Ella Fitzgerald, Rilo Kiley and the like. I also love power pop type songs. Those are always fun to blast and dance to. In addition, art books and viewing the works of other artists is very inspiring. Also, simply talking about blocks or struggles with friends and family is one strategy I take. My mom is certainly someone I admire because she is constantly working on a new project. I often joke that if you sit in one place long enough she may quilt you into her latest project.
Any advice or words of wisdom you would like to share?
Surround yourself with people who inspire and support your creativity.
All photographs and art in this post by Vanessa Penagos. Vanessa keeps a blog at www.Vanessa-Michelle.com
