There are several cooking shows that demonstrate a method of stimulating creativity.
For example there is one where contestants are given an odd selection of ingredients and must use all of them in creating a dish.
As I put together baskets for the school silent auction I am reminded of this. taking odd bits and pieces and turn them into some kind of cohesive themed package that will persuade people to spend money and even compete for the privilege of doing so.
So
A hand made pillow in shades of blue, green, purples
a colorful basket in purple and yellows
an empty grape vine wreath
will become a house warming home decor package. I sure hope folks like this color scheme.
Tuesday, April 14, 2015
Sunday, April 12, 2015
Fostering creativity in others
How to foster creativity in others:
As our school district faces huge budget cuts, classes in art and music are being sacrificed. In some ways I think these kinds of classes teach you to reach beyond the scope of the teaching far more than any other classes.
They help you understand the tools of creativity: pastels, the nomenclature of music, wood carving, how to play instruments, use a potter's wheel, rhythm, the emotional connections to both sound and colors... These are all tools like protractors and dictionaries are tools for math and English. But they are not valued at the same level. There are no standardized tests for art of music.
So as these kinds of cuts go forward it is more critical that our art community step forward to help fill these gaps.
Offering classes and exhibitions and concerts and even setting up an easel or opening a guitar case in a place where you will be seen and heard can foster creativity in others. But to do these things take some bravery and willingness to share at a different level than when we join and orchestra or have pieces in a gallery.
Take part in street fairs and weekend markets and let people not only see your work, but interact with you. Be positive and encouraging to others. Think of them as part of the family and not as competitors. Soon you will be the person others look to for guidance and advice and you can help others find the creative voice they will no longer be able to find in their schools.
As our school district faces huge budget cuts, classes in art and music are being sacrificed. In some ways I think these kinds of classes teach you to reach beyond the scope of the teaching far more than any other classes.
They help you understand the tools of creativity: pastels, the nomenclature of music, wood carving, how to play instruments, use a potter's wheel, rhythm, the emotional connections to both sound and colors... These are all tools like protractors and dictionaries are tools for math and English. But they are not valued at the same level. There are no standardized tests for art of music.
So as these kinds of cuts go forward it is more critical that our art community step forward to help fill these gaps.
Offering classes and exhibitions and concerts and even setting up an easel or opening a guitar case in a place where you will be seen and heard can foster creativity in others. But to do these things take some bravery and willingness to share at a different level than when we join and orchestra or have pieces in a gallery.
Take part in street fairs and weekend markets and let people not only see your work, but interact with you. Be positive and encouraging to others. Think of them as part of the family and not as competitors. Soon you will be the person others look to for guidance and advice and you can help others find the creative voice they will no longer be able to find in their schools.
Day three sort of
Life has a way of getting in the way of a clear plan.
Yep I went the thrid day and picked up a bit more material in some added colors. I put these in the bag with others to be washed and salvaged and used for the next big project. And then...
My life got a little hectic and other things took priority.
I have to let that little project sit neglected for awhile and trust that one day when the mood and desire strike me it will be waiting. But I am ephemeral like that. I drift in and out of my passions and plans.
I have been busy with a couple of small wall quilts that will be donated to a bazaar at the school where I work.
And then...
I decided to marble some clay pots to turn into herb planters for the bazaar. I started with 6 figuring it was a sample to see if I like the technique. I did. The next day I did 24 more. Surely this would be enough. Nope. Bought another 20 pots and then in a fit of lunacy and because hey there was still a coupon I bought the last 5 pots they had in the store. Plus one more larger pot to give as a gift.
So I got those painted and the original 30 now have basil seedlings growing in them. I still have to seal the 26 pots and plant them out all before the bazaar at the end of the week.
Then perhaps this latest fit of creativity will pass and I can drift on to my next big thing. I did just get a few boxes of elk skulls...
Yep I went the thrid day and picked up a bit more material in some added colors. I put these in the bag with others to be washed and salvaged and used for the next big project. And then...
My life got a little hectic and other things took priority.
I have to let that little project sit neglected for awhile and trust that one day when the mood and desire strike me it will be waiting. But I am ephemeral like that. I drift in and out of my passions and plans.
I have been busy with a couple of small wall quilts that will be donated to a bazaar at the school where I work.
And then...
I decided to marble some clay pots to turn into herb planters for the bazaar. I started with 6 figuring it was a sample to see if I like the technique. I did. The next day I did 24 more. Surely this would be enough. Nope. Bought another 20 pots and then in a fit of lunacy and because hey there was still a coupon I bought the last 5 pots they had in the store. Plus one more larger pot to give as a gift.
So I got those painted and the original 30 now have basil seedlings growing in them. I still have to seal the 26 pots and plant them out all before the bazaar at the end of the week.
Then perhaps this latest fit of creativity will pass and I can drift on to my next big thing. I did just get a few boxes of elk skulls...
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