Writing, however, is also only one way of interpreting and understanding the world. Others take pictures, draw, paint, cook or create music. The common denominator is using our best, most authentic and creative self to share happiness with the world.
Speaking of happiness, last night I returned from the West Conn MFA writers' residency. My classmates are a group of unbelievably diverse and talented people. Our mentors include true literary voices.
Reflecting on everyone'e abilities, I thought about my upcoming enrichment project. My goal is to create a non-writing centered presentation on something that enhanced my graduate program experience. I am doing the Artist's Way, a 12-week program on unleashing your inner creativity. I did it for the first time last winter and found myself taking early morning (!) walks.
One of the program's tenets include regular artists' dates, solo trips of self-discovery that can be as simple as a walk on the beach or a visit to a museum. I thought of my friends. Several are photographers; another is a custom cake decorator. One friend, who did the Artist's Way last fall, started sewing for the first time since high school. She makes beautiful cloth coasters, beverage cosies and children's accessories.
Imagine how fun it would be to spend time in my friends' artistic realms? I now have plans to frost a cake and make a coaster by month's end!
Tonight, meanwhile, I kicked off Artist's Way eve with a home-cooked meal (as opposed to heating up processed chicken). I type now from a place of gastronomic bliss (vis-a-vis grilled pork chops and mashed sweet potatoes).
We might not all be published or on Top Chef, but we're all artists.
...What's your outlet?
4 comments:
You've inspired me! I, however, don't know what to do for an artist's date. I always wanted to paint, but alas, it's hard. Photo? What time? Does poetry count? Sure it's writing, but not my main genre? There's got to be something. I do try to take a walk every day, but that just makes me think of ten novels down the road if I let it. Ugh. Sometimes I need to bottle my creativity or I end up living in a fantasy world! www.williamfriskey.com
I think we're all inspired, considering the recent deluge of MFA twitter accounts! ;) How about photos of your kids? Learning more about the composition/technical factors and using it for Christmas cards.
Good subject. I left the residency with similar inspired feelings about our classmates and mentors. I have been considering revisiting my original creative roots - writing, painting, photography and printmaking - for sometime now. Time is my biggest hinderance, though writing has made it's official return!
I love your outlook on this and I couldn't agree more. Indeed we are all artists. In one form or another. I have too many interests due to it and have found myself doing everything from painting, stained glass, poetry, cake decorating etc. I'm fortunate to be able to do at least one of these on a regular basis. I look forward to sharing a couple things with you and you inspire me to do more of what I love and haven't in a while in the future. I think this is a great idea and I look forward to looking into it : )
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