A word on Creativity

I believe there is some element of creativity in everyone. Though many can stumble when trying to channel and hone their creativity. At one of the first seminars we had at college, our lectures said to us 'You can't be wrong. You are already designers /artists, and we [the lecturers] can only advise and guide'.

My parents bought me this canvas the Christmas after I started in college...

Its sums it up brilliantly.

Creativity quite literally means using the imagination or original ideas to create something. There are no rules. There are of course particular methods and constraints to the medium you are using to aid that creativity. Through culture, common practice and design however, formulas and structures have been set, then repeatedly broken as creatives - aka artists, designers etc - become inspired, learning and evolving through each others work. It is a never ending cycle, and therefore largely limitless.

Creativity to many is a lot of things. To me it is drawing, creating art work, designing textile patterns, sewing, interior design/styling, DIY, and ultimately, Making stuff! Others may include gardening, writing, music, performing, cooking and baking, fashion design - I've also dabbled in a few of those come to think of it!

There have been many theories that being creative is good for the mind, 'thinking outside of the box', challenging the brain, but also a good way to practice mindfulness. For me drawing is my way to mindfulness - getting into a sort of 'zone', with music through headphones blocking out any background sound, and purely focused on the object and the image I am creating. A sort of escapism. During lockdown, I've found it really interesting to see how across social media and in the news in some cases, people have turned to creative projects when having to stay at home. This can be looked at as a very important form of escapism, helping to put the anguish of the outside world to one side, and doing something that is fun, challenges you and ultimately fills you with a sense of achievement and happiness.

One of my lockdown projects has been making this shelf for my dressing room, from a piece of wood that came as packaging around our new boiler!

This is not a new concept, for centuries people have had creative hobbies to escape to when the working day is done. This is evident in my maternal Grandmother's side of the family, where my Gran'ma has a collection of needle work and embroidery pieces belonging to her mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Most of the pieces were done by candlelight at night when there was no other form of entertainment. Both my Gran'ma and my Mum are also brilliant at needle work and sewing, having made countless items for themselves and others. With my keen interest and skills in this medium too, its my turn to add to the collection. Grandma has asked me to produce a piece work specifically in this year 2020, to complete her collection of needlework spanning 200 years, the first made in 1820!

Most of my creativity has been fuelled by watching, assisting and learning off some very creative and practical people in my life. Mum and both my grandmothers are brilliant home sewers, farmhouse cooks, gardeners, general all round practical farmers wives. I think being in farming, everyone is just practically minded in some way, my Dad is very good at turning his hand to D.I.Y, both out on the farm and in the house. When things break or need some TLC, we often think creatively with what we have lying around, or how we can make something ourselves first before buying new. This way you can often achieve exactly what you want and save money by using raw materials and the skills you have to do the job. The satisfaction and pride in creating something by your own hand is far greater than handing over money and receiving something off the shelf. Don't get me wrong, often buying new can sometimes be better, but I think being resourceful is actually creativity.

In my view, during my time at school, I felt creativity could be some what over looked in education, and what’s considered essential skills and development. For years I felt as though I was going against the grain and do something that wasn't important enough, with friends looking towards medicine, politics and academia. Yet really I was equal to them if not ahead, having found and doing something I absolutely loved with determination that it was going to work for me later on. I'm looking to make a business and career from my creativity and passion, but that said, its not for everyone of course. I still feel however, that you use creativity, as I previously talked about, as escapism.

Some might ask 'Where to start? I want to do something creative, but don't know what?'. First you should look for something that catches your eye and interests you, something you like the idea of doing. Then fill your head with inspiration and you’ll be able to forge your own ideas creatively from what you absorb.

The best advice I was given - or rather heard- was from my art teacher at school. In asking our 6th form class what we wanted to do as a career, one of my friends said, photography. To this sir gave her the 3rd degree '... so what types of subject do you like photographing? What camera are you using? Do you have a favourite photographer? A favourite style?...' My friend went blank. My teacher said, if there is something that interests you or something you want to do or be, you have to surround yourself in that subject. Read books, search the internet, magazines, visit places related to it, and make a start in doing that thing. That's the only way you are going to discover what you really like, and get to do what you really want and believe in.

This is the sort of mantra I have taken, constantly looking and saving what I like and love. Taking notes of what I dislike I find is equally important. If you are honest with yourself, it can be surprising to find what your true interests, styles, genres, techniques really are.

Its a way to express your personality. Creating something that reflects, interests, pleases you, and generally lifts your spirits and makes you happy.

To quote Stephanie Lahart 'Do a little bit of what makes you happy', and for me it's being creative. Go on, try it!