I was interviewed last summer by Erika Pitera for the Designer Spotlight on My Shopping Connection. When asked “What do you consider your greatest accomplishment?”, I knew the answer immediately...
“My greatest accomplishment is having inspired others… To reach further & push themselves in a new direction after taking one of my specialized courses in powdered glass; or simply inspiring students to find the joy in their own work. Some of my local students have gone on to set up their own glass studio after taking my beginning kilnforming course. Part of that accomplishment is proving – especially to women who say they have no talent, that they’re not creative or artistic – that we’re all creative beings & their work is indeed worthy and beautiful.”
So, what is creativity? According to my dictionary it’s a noun… ”the use of the imagination or original ideas, esp. in the production of an artistic work”.
The use of imagination. I think that’s the key. I’ve always been imaginative. Had the ability to play, or put myself into an imaginary circumstance and carried on imaginary conversations. If reading a book or watching a movie, I’m transported to that time and place. I’m able to put myself into the story while everything around me dissolves, disappears into an ‘other world’. It’s the same when I’m working on a project in my studio. I go to that place where time stands still, and my entire being is consumed with the project, nothing else matters and the energy is incredible.
I wonder how anyone can say they’re not creative…. Don’t you have to be imaginative to use up those leftovers for dinner tonight? Don’t you have to be creative to come up with holiday & birthday gifts when you haven’t the extra cash? How many different ways have you come up with to say ‘I love you’ to those you love? I’ve seen some amazing gardens, fabulous homes, and incredible fashionistas all designed by someone who believed they weren’t creative or artistic! That my friends is a travesty! These creative spirits do not believe they have the power of imagination. They do! Believe it. We ARE all creative and imaginative! I believe the difference is some of us take more time to practice. We play. We dance to loud music while performing a mindless chore.
That brings up another observation for those who say they can’t draw. They’ve never taken a drawing class because they believe they can’t draw & don’t want to be embarrassed in class. I understand, it can feel intimidating, but guess what? Nobody else taking a beginning drawing class can draw either! YET!! Can you speak French without having ever taken a class? Or any language? Drawing is a visual language. Can you tap dance without lessons? Someone taught us how to do almost everything we know. We take the class to learn how to (insert what you want to learn here). Then it’s simply a matter of practice. Did the Olympic skiers gain their medals without practice? Was the World Series won without practice? Does the concert pianist perform without practice? I think not, and the best of artists will tell you they practice to stay at the top of their form.
How do you get creative? Take a class! Learn something that you think is creative and let the energy and fun factor pour over your spirit. Walk into an art store and buy some interesting paper and some color to put on it. Watercolors, Pastels, Oils, Inks. Splatter, smear, and moosh it on then scrape lines out of the color. Go to a florist and instead of a bouquet, buy individual flowers. Take them home, pull out your prettiest vase and arrange them. Snip the stems into different lengths & arrange them again. Add ribbon, marbles, rocks, or weave sparkly thread around them. Explore your local fabric or craft store & take something home that makes you smile…what can you make with that pretty fabric, some glue and glitter? When it’s finished, make another one! Or tear it up and start over. Gather some rocks, moss, pine cones and sticks. Arrange them in an empty garden spot. Add something new to it, or change it every day. It's not the project, but the process that's important.
Why do I think we glassists need to be creative, know how to draw, or work with color? Because our work will become better exponentially. The broader our skill set, creative energy, and confidence derived from practice, the better equipped we are to produce that special project in our mind’s eye. Everyone can cut out a circle of glass and throw frit on top. Only YOU can show us your special spark of imagination. Only YOU can cultivate your vision in your own singular journey.
If you can’t take a class right now, there are plenty of learning opportunities through books, podcasts, and on-line forums. There are hundreds of glass blogs and glass groups talking about glass and what to do with it. Don’t be afraid to try something new. Jump in then spend time practicing. Have FUN practicing. Leave your ego out of it and just play. Make as many, play as often, practice as much as you can.
Take a chance! Believe in yourself! Any questions?
Remember, HAVE FUN!!!
