Hope for the non-creative?

[shepav]

Hi Ladies!

I have a question for all you creative types out there. Do you feel that everyone is creative?

The reason I ask is that I wouldn't say that I am very creative. I would love to paint and to learn pottery, but even my stick figured drawings aren't anything to be proud of! Can these skills be learned, do you think? Or is it "either you have it or you don't" kind of thing?

Just wondering if there's hope for someone who is not naturally creative?

Thanks!

[g&a]

You just have to find your "thing".
Maybe you aren't good at drawing something that looks like something you see, but you can mix fantastic paint colors and do something abstract.

My SIL is really amazing at card-making, but I can't do it to save my life. So I stick to photography and painting.

Our brains are all wired differently - don't be discouraged, there's something out there for you. You'll know it when you find it.

g.

[melissa17s]

Creativity is a lifestyle choice. It is being willing to work with different ideas and find solutions to problems even if you it takes time or effort. It is also expanding on or explore new things that might be out of your comfort zone. Being willing to adapt and work with accidents.

Betty Edwards is a wonderful drawing teacher and she has books that are very effective for teaching the foundation for drawing. Working through her exercises and being willing to practice your skills, much like an athlete needs to "work out" and practice, will have amazing results.

[Petersmamma]

I'm with the OP. I WANT to be more creative, and I know I have it in me (as a kid I did drama and band). I'm not great at drawing, and I'm not that interested. Does anyone have any good book suggestions for simply accessing the creativity inside?

[bellabear]

I'm right there with ya, mama....maybe our stick figures are art

[melissa17s]

Originally Posted by Petersmamma

I'm with the OP. I WANT to be more creative, and I know I have it in me (as a kid I did drama and band). I'm not great at drawing, and I'm not that interested. Does anyone have any good book suggestions for simply accessing the creativity inside?

"Artist's Way" by Julia Cameron

[kmeyrick]

There's a big difference between how creative you are and what you've learned. My sister can't draw, I can, but she does AMAZING felted stuff. Just find your niche. Pottery sounds like a skill that can be learned. Go for it. You just haven't learned yet, that's all.

[Petersmamma]

Originally Posted by melissa17s

"Artist's Way" by Julia Cameron

Thanks!

[ilikethedesert]

I think everyone can be creative. You can't compare your creativity to anyone elses, though. I had a book in college, that I found help spark the creative juices.
The Artists Way- A Spiritual Guide to Higher Creativity.

I also had another book that had you write in a journal the moment you woke up. You were to write all your first thoughts upon waking. The idea was that you'd clear your mind of all the "stuff" so there was more space for creativity. It worked for me.
Of course I was single, had no children and was in art school. The idea was good, though.

[ensoularts]

Absolutely everyone is inherently creative. I have a private healing arts practice and teach experiential watercolor to many people who believe they are not creative. I love watching the process of discovery. Thier paintings are absolutely beautiful works of art. I have yet to meet anyone who cannot make a beautiful painting with a little bit of guidance. While painting may not be your greatest artistic gift, anyone can create and all of us are creative beings. I believe that artistic activity is part of our potential as humans and I've never been proved otherwise!

A link to my blog:

www.ensoularts.blogspot.com

[ewolthuis]

I think Betty Edwards may be the author of "Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain" This is an awesome book that takes you through a process of learning how to tap in to the right brain/left hand/creative part of your body. It is right there in your head, and you don't have to be discouraged. I have been contemplating running a group drawing class based on this book for years, and have never gotten around to it...maybe someone in your area is doing the same thing!
Love that book.

[ilikethedesert]

Originally Posted by ewolthuis

I think Betty Edwards may be the author of "Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain" This is an awesome book that takes you through a process of learning how to tap in to the right brain/left hand/creative part of your body. It is right there in your head, and you don't have to be discouraged. I have been contemplating running a group drawing class based on this book for years, and have never gotten around to it...maybe someone in your area is doing the same thing!
Love that book.

That is a great book. One of my college art classes required it and I have fond memories of it...