A Return to Art and Creativity

 

 

                                                                             (photo found on Google)
        
           "Every child is an artist.  The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up."
                                                                                                     Pablo Picasso


I am intrigued by the power of a smell, to instantly take us back.  Cinnamon will forever be the smell of Christmas to me.  I can't use a certain brand of hand soap without a wave of nausea, because I used it while miserable with morning sickness, (true story).  And perhaps my favorite smell association, a box of crayons.  One sniff, and I'm back in my third grade class, coloring a printout of a Thanksgiving Turkey.  

Crayons, construction paper, watercolor paints and modeling clay, each a staple in most of our childhoods.  Art seems to come so, pardon the pun, artlessly, to kids.  Creativity seems to bubble up from some intuitive, childhood source.  I love to lay out an assortment of artsy supplies on the kitchen table, and watch my kids have at it.  In no time at all, and with no instruction from mom, art happens!  A green dragon with three eyes and a spikey tail, a castle with trap doors and a mote full of lava, a construction paper pirate hat.  

So, why is it that most of us seem to outgrow art?  If I had a nickel for every time I heard an adult say, "Oh, I don't draw."  Is it maybe that we learn to be insecure, or overly critical of our artwork?  Could it be that we are just out of practice?  Do we forget how much we used to love to lose ourselves in the creative process of making art?

What could we gain from a return to art and creativity.  Taking the time to nurture our creative side is a perfect way to slow down and live purposefully.  To again borrow from the wisdom of the great Pablo Picasso,

"Art washes from the soul the dust of everyday life." 

Or, if I may, art helps us to elevate our everyday life.   
            
As much as I like crayons, they are obviously not the only way to be artistic or creative.  We can take time for creativity in small, simple ways, everyday:

- Presenting a meal with a little flair.  Something as simple as a Basil leaf or two on top of Spaghetti.
-  Rearrange the furniture. 
-  Write a letter to a friend.  Definitely a lost art form!  There's just something about physically writing the letter, and your own unique handwriting, that gives you the rewards of creating, far more effectively than shooting off a text or an email. Writing from the heart is as creative as it gets!     
-  Take Photos!  Use your cell phones, or make it a habit to bring along your camera on more outings.  Taking photographs trains the eye to look for beauty, to notice memorable moments. 
-  Art with the kiddos.  This one may involve crayons, but will absolutely also involve happy kids and happy memories.  Sit down with your kids, follow their lead, and color, cut, glue, paint, and enjoy a creative high with the added benefit of time well spent with your kids. 

If you're still unsure if the latent artist in you can be awakened, go ahead, smell a box of crayons, and I defy you to resist the urge to color a printout of a Thanksgiving turkey.

Today's a new day; let's make it purposeful!

Kara