I'm not Creative!

I love to paint with people. There is something about gathering together with friends and doing a fun thing. For me, painting is so much fun. And lots of other people feel the same way because they paint with me. Or they ask me to come to their church or other place and paint with their group. But, almost at every painting event, one or more persons will say to me,

" I'm not creative, my painting won't be much," or some other remark about themselves that indicates they are inferior with "creative people." Well, guess what. When someone says "I'm not creative" they are implying that creativity either exists or it doesn't. They are implying that creativity is reserved for a few "special" people, and they are not one of the fortunate few. Wrong!

The Element by Ken Robinson talks about creativity, what it is, how it affects people, and so much more. I highly recommend it, it's an excellent read! According to Mr. Robinson, creativity is using your imagination to create something new. It's as simple as that! I'm sure you will agree with me that everyone has imagination, but some use theirs more than others, right? Years ago my husband turned in a couple different suggestions at his place of work. Each suggestion was an idea he came up with of how to do something at work differently, that made the job easier and saved the company money. That's being creative! He used his imagination to create something new. Anyone can do this. A cook, an engineer, a builder, a sewer, anyone! We all have the ability to be creative. Creative people are good at what they do, whatever it is, because they do it all the time. That's the key: creativity can be learned and practiced. The more you practice being creative, the more creative you will be. So if you feel you are not creative, don't leave it at that! Recognize that you have an imagination, and teach yourself to use it. And it doesn't have to be painting. What do you enjoy doing? Set aside time to do your favorite thing on a regular basis. Maybe you have never painted, but being creative at something else can help you when you try painting because you have been practicing using your imagination. Am I making sense to you? If not, I recommend reading The Element. Mr. Robinson does a better job, I'm sure!

So, I love to paint with people who have never painted, and also those who have experience painting. Both have something to offer, and both can have fun testing out new processes together. Don't let a fixed mind convince you that you can't be creative! You might come and paint only once, and experience an oasis from the daily responsibilities, and that is fine. Or you might decide to come again and again, because you had fun doing something "just for myself" as one lady said. I just hope you don't miss out on friendship, fun, and creating because you are afraid you don't "measure up" with creativity. We may all be in a different place, but we are all learning and laughing together.

PS Did you know that Paul McCartney's middle school music teacher told him to never pursue a career in music because he had no talent? This is one of the many little tidbits in Mr. Robinson's book that made me laugh! Luckily, Mr. McCartney didn't listen to this buffoon! (If you don't know who Paul McCartney is, I just can't explain).