I really don't know what my expectation was when I joined the Creativity Boot Camp, but I really don't think I planned to enjoy it as much as I do. The first three days have been about the philosophy we have with regards to our art. It has been a great exercise to put my thoughts into words and really look at my attitude toward what I do ... and don't do ... and need to do!
JOURNAL PROMPT
Now it’s your turn. Name some of your biggest creative buzz kills, including a person or two, and disarm them!
Years ago I had a woman, at a family function, comment that scrapbooking was a hobby of the poor, her words: "a pedestrian cottage craft" not worthy of her time or energy. Not in the least bit interested in keeping information for her own kids and disdainful of those who did. I was and am, one of those who do. I took her disdain personally, as it was intended. Her venom and cruel words and moreso her angry attitude have stuck with me. She accused me of having low ambition and I should use my time in pursuit of other, more lofty, more worthy, goals. None of which she could name. That episode is always at the back of my mind when I scrapbook, when I share my work in person and online, when I discuss my hobby with friends and strangers. I'm fearful of another negative episode: that angry dump of virtual cold water.
As for photography, I am a pretty good amateur. I have a good eye and create solid, balanced, well composed photos. I am fascinated with light and how to manipulate it and enjoy using my 50mm lens to experiment. And I experiment a lot. I am undaunted in my pursuit of the perfect hockey photo using the equipment I have: my cheap Sigma 70-300mm lens is wonderful. I've taken OODLES of photos of the spring team and I've uploaded about 250-300 photos per tournament and we've been in four. Those represent about 1/3 of the number of photos actually taken so there is plenty of choice - and a good chance there is at least one good photo of each player, which for this purpose, is the whole idea. Last week we had a meeting with our hockey team. While being teased (in what I hope was a good-natured manner) about the quantity of photos, I waved it off and said "it's all in an effort to get a few good shots". Which is true. Driving home after the meeting my husband was furious with me. His words "I don't know why you undervalue your talent as a photographer. You take great photos. Don't you know that?" Huh? What? I don't know what was more surprising: the truth in his words or that he's actually taken notice that I take pictures. In 15 years of marriage he hasn't ever said much about it and always seems tolerant and a bit bemused.
I continue to create scrapbook pages and albums and find that I am finally on a route, creating a process, a workflow, that works best for my A-type personality. For the longest time I was busy creating in the most inefficient way possible. After more than a few years of this, I can no longer deal with the physical and mental chaos and am getting my act together!
In a nutshell, my creative buzzkills are: people who don't "get" it; the temptation of self-sabotage and chaos. There is nothing I can do about the first, either you get it or you don't and I'm no longer in the business of trying to convince you why your own personal history is important; I am in full control of my self-sabotage and chaos. Slowly but surely both are being addressed and I am becoming far more confident and now with a process in place I should be less chaotic in my approach. In Martha's words: this is a good thing!
CREATIVITY PROMPT
The prompt today was "multi-layered" which immediately brought to mind my growing pile of scrapbook layouts. These pieces of cardstock + photos + stories represent everything in my multi-layered life. I scrapbook about my kids, my life, my ideas, my values, my home, everyday events, celebrations, vacations, everything about my imperfect life. These pages hold all in my life that is important to me:
I'm sticking with the vertical :)
MESSAGE BOARD CONVERSATIONS
On Day 3 there were two provocative questions. The first: Are you your own worst enemy? The second: Can ART be taught? These are two concepts I have mulled on occasion. I've never really put voice to them until now. My responses on the message board:
Are you your own worst enemy?
I used to be. Self-sabotage was my specialty. FEAR of learning new things and failing: digital photography ... what? give up film *gasp* - but I've managed, and thrive now that I've learned what I'm doing and what I like; PSE is still something that stumps me and I think it's because it was "sold" to me as 1. quick and 2. easy. and it is neither. Now that I know that, I'm moving forward with far less fear and intimidation.
I used to wait until everything was tickety-boo. Perfect supplies, table, temperature, lighting, chair, workspace. Now I realize my time is limited and I just do. I went a bit overboard lately with the lack of structure, but better than waiting for the stars to align!
I also grew up. Now I am confident enough to hold my "work" up for criticism and receive mostly constructive comments and the rest just has to roll off, though sometimes it sticks. I've learned to be my biggest fan. It took a long time, but it's a great place to be!
Can ART be taught?
Untapped ability with a nudge and a bit of confidence, like anything, can be brought to full bloom. Mastering technique can really take what was already there in it's raw form and transform it into something spectacular. I believe an artist must have the initial vision, and with the right training and plenty of practice it can be nurtured to it's fullest potential. That doesn't mean there isn't a place for raw, or untrained talent just that training contributes to sustainability. Something to fall back on when you hit a wall, a dry spell.
What do you think?
Now I'm off to mull and then do the Day 4 assignments.
