words and art by w a l t e r w s m i t h

What If Your Creativity Was Gone

In the struggle to know ourselves we sometimes turn inward to find our creativity … Gone

The inspiration for creativity resides within and beyond….

I recently re-blogged the post by Maggie Madly Writing wherein she proposed the question, “if nobody read your blog, would you still write”? There were some interesting responses on both our blogs. As a result, I started to think about the process of creativity. And the question, what if your creativity was gone? And has there ever been a time when you did not create? How long did that creative drought exist? What was the reason for the dry spell, if any?

Over the years I have known many artists. Each having their own unique work ethic. Some artists work continuously, on a daily basis. Others like myself, work when inspired, or influenced by events in their lives. I often look for a balance of art, life and sport. The majority of my artistic influence comes from my life experience. Most notably in the past when I was going through some rather dark periods. It seemed the darker the period, the more expressive the art. But I’ve learned that is not always true. Gone are the most darkest moments of my life (so I hope). Replaced by a more connected experience with peace and beauty. Creating a different kind of art. A different source of creativity. In the past, I have felt a sense of lost when not creating. Although I’ve always believed it would return. Knowing that it is a part of me.

What to do if your creative spark is gone? Well hang in there and have faith in your ability. This is a good starting point. Then work. Work. Spend time with the process. Explore and experiment with ideas. Take the time to check out the work of other artists. Artists from various disciplines. I love to see dance, theater and plays. Music exploration also is a motivating factor. As well as spending time with nature.

Never give up.

We all have our own path to discover that which ignites the creative spirit….

19 responses

  1. This is not just a great post but an excellent advice ….read others,get inspired,the more you see others work, more you learn and more you get inspired..
    marvelous write up Walter 🙂

    April 14, 2012 at 6:56 am

    • Thanks you Soma. Over the years, I have been truly inspired by the art, and writings of others. There is so much to be said about what we gain through the eyes of the creative community around us.
      Peace my friend…

      April 14, 2012 at 8:09 am

  2. I write because I have to, readers or not.

    April 14, 2012 at 7:17 am

    • So true Bill. It would appear that we are driven to do so.

      April 14, 2012 at 8:02 am

  3. Inspiring!

    April 14, 2012 at 7:27 am

    • Thanks Sonali, I am glad you found the post inspiring.
      Peace and Light

      April 14, 2012 at 8:01 am

      • This happens to me sometimes,so you words inspired me.

        April 14, 2012 at 8:20 am

  4. Creativity is always there. We may loose our “eyesight” temporalily, but it’s there allright! Great advise, Walter and if I may add one more… don’t think about it! Creativity should emerge from a natural process. It’s like trying to meditate by saying: “Now I’ll meditate, Now I’ll meditate” and of course guess what: it will NEVER happen!

    April 14, 2012 at 10:40 am

    • Thanks Marina. It does come when one isn’t “thinking” about it. To that point, it amazes me how intuitive it all becomes when one is in a groove, artistically speaking. The work just flows from day to day.

      April 15, 2012 at 12:14 am

  5. I think it’s okay to be in a blank space. When my kids used to tell me they were “bored” I’d say, “that’s okay.” Sometimes the cup needs to filled too, we can take those moments and just enjoy the work of others, or nature. Waiting…

    April 14, 2012 at 12:44 pm

  6. well said Walter!

    April 14, 2012 at 7:23 pm

  7. helene752

    Love this post! My creativity comes at different times, under different circumstances but, one thing for sure, I can’t be distracted by problems or deadlines. Once they get in the way, I’m done. Again, great post!!!

    April 15, 2012 at 12:00 am

    • Thanks for the comment Helene. I am like you. Creativity comes at different times. Right now I am in a good place in relationship to my artistic work flow. It feels effortless. And your posts are part of that inspiration empowering creativity.
      Peace and Light

      April 15, 2012 at 12:30 am

  8. elmediat

    I am coming to the conclusion that creativity is tied to communication and sharing. We are hard wired to create/problem solve/explore and then communicate and share what we have created, solved or discovered. Perhaps it is an evolutionary strategy for survival of the species. If you look at from a spiritual /mythic reality consider the concept of humanity being created in the image of God(the Creator). In that context we were created by the Creator to go forth an Create (not just pro-create).
    I have been fortunate to have an occupation, teaching, that has given me an outlet for creativity and the related elements I have mentioned. As I prepare for retirement, the blogging activity has become an extension of this creativity. It has also open doorways to post retirement activities/work.
    To sum up, I think that we all express creativity through different aspects of our lives. The trick is finding a sense of fulfillment in that expression.

    April 15, 2012 at 1:15 am

    • Beautiful commentary E. I agree with everything that you said. It seems that in this modern world-creating/problem solving/sharing is a strong aspect of our technological age. With so many avenues to explore. And so many ways to find fullfillment.

      April 19, 2012 at 12:15 am

  9. yes, this is a great post…
    I try not to take anything for granted…people, things, states come and go…i just remind myself to keep breathing through…

    April 15, 2012 at 3:21 am

    • Thanks Barbara. After listening to the various comments, I’ve come to realize that there are a multitude of ways in which, we as individuals approach the question. In the end we all must search within to know what is best for us.

      April 19, 2012 at 12:05 am

  10. My creativity was very much hidden away during the years when I was in college and grad school. I doodled a bit and experimented with other expressions like modern dance, but when asked if I missed drawing, I claimed I didn’t. And I really didn’t think I did, until I got to grad school and hated it and asked myself what I really wanted to do with my life (answer: create). Then, when I started drawing again, there was a tremendous flow of energy and urgency that I really haven’t felt since then (in spite of being much more connected with my creativity now). Here’s something I did at the time, illustrating how I felt: http://www.flickr.com/photos/satsumabug/338253531/in/set-72157627070499963

    April 19, 2012 at 6:29 pm

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