I’ve been thinking a lot\u00a0about\u00a0the creative\u00a0spark lately. It all started a few weeks ago with social media. Through Facebook I stumbled on The Art Students League. When I was in high school I commuted every Saturday\u00a0by train and on foot from CT to NYC to attend\u00a0Figure Drawing classes at the League. I hadn’t actively\u00a0thought\u00a0much about it in decades but\u00a0my recent connection\u00a0ignited a line of thought.<\/p>\n
Over the years I have been an artist, an educator, a graphic designer, a healer, a writer, a speaker\u00a0and a consultant or you could say I have used my creative\u00a0thinking and problem solving to express myself and to help pay the mortgage. As an artist my work gives people a glimmer of a different world. As a teacher\u00a0I fan the flames of my students expressive pursuits as well as teaching them techniques.<\/p>\n
When I was a healer\u00a0clients and students\u00a0came to metaphorically\u00a0sit by my fire. My work in personal\u00a0and spiritual\u00a0development\u00a0warmed and comforted them. It helped many go out and be stronger in their lives and encouraged them to pursue new passions.<\/p>\n
Now I’m loving being more of a spark. I write about creativity, dreams, meditation and wellness. I also\u00a0write about literature\u00a0and writing\u00a0and reading. Working at a library I\u00a0infuse the literary, artistic and cultural experiences of my community. When\u00a0I give presentations my\u00a0intention is to light the fuse, not give the answer.<\/p>\n
There is something profound and freeing about being the spark. I’m happy in my current role. What are you? Are\u00a0you the fire tender, do you support the\u00a0artistic work of others? Or are you the fire itself, blazing the trail? I’d love to hear what you have to say.<\/p>\n
This brings me back, full circle to The Art Students League<\/a>. At the League I learned how to be a keen observer and I was taught the importance of mastering\u00a0a technique. Those two skills have served me\u00a0throughout my life and the classes there kindled\u00a0my desire to be a real artist when I grew up.<\/p>\n Creativity\u00a0and wellness message for today: Consider\u00a0which\u00a0aspect of individual expression\u00a0you\u00a0support, for yourself or\u00a0to help\u00a0others? Is it the spark, the fire tender, are you the wood itself, the air, the match , or the\u00a0 . . . and let me know.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" I’ve been thinking a lot\u00a0about\u00a0the creative\u00a0spark lately. It all started a few weeks ago with social media. Through Facebook I stumbled on The Art Students League. When I was in high school I commuted every Saturday\u00a0by train and on foot … Continue reading