When It Doesn't Work

Sometimes Life seems to stack the deck against success.
Improvising on an art plan that did not work out. Much to the disappointment of the 7 year olds and myself.
Trying to stimulate some creative writing in 12 year olds who only see writing as a chore and the concept of organizing thoughts as stupid. 
Some days I find it quite difficult when faced with set backs. Especially when I am doing my best to help stimulate the creative process in others.

I have been thinking about what I will do first when it finally gets warm enough for me to be out in my unheated studio space.

Photography will probably be it. I recently asked a professional photographer about how I should take pictures of my art skulls. And his advice was to just try different things. different lighting, different set ups, different cameras, different exposures... And take notes. figure out what works best so that it becomes second nature to get the right set up every time I want to take a shot of a piece I have done.

I admit I am one of those people that always resented the process of learning. Practicing clarinet, practicing hand writing, practicing throwing, kicking... I just hold some tiny hope that one day I will try something and I will be perfect at it. I won't need to figure out why or how or go through the process of getting better. 

It is difficult to excite others to the process of practice and improvement when I resent it too.

So i find myself opting for those processes where control and perfection are not part of the final product. Haphazard or maybe serendipitous would be a better word.

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.