the Artist's Way - Week Twelve - Day Three

When we think about creativity, it's all too easy to think of art with a capital 'A'. For our purposes, capital 'A' art is a scarlet letter. In order to nurture our creativity, we require a sense of fun, even humor. We are an ambitious society and it is difficult for us to create when it does not serve us and our career goals.

We must reevaluate our definitions of creativity and push them beyond what we called hobbies.

The definition of hobby is an activity or interest pursued for pleasure or relaxation and not as a main occupation.

The definition of creativity is the ability to transcend traditional ideas, rules, patterns, relationships, or the like, and to create meaningful new ideas, forms, methods, interpretations, etc.; originality, progressiveness, or imagination.

While most of us do not create as a main occupation, for most of us the goal is to do so. Quit thinking of your writing, drawing, painting, etc. as an hobby, if you plan to make a go at a career in the field. If you feel that the chances are slim in doing so, well, you have two choices.

Continue with your creativity, with the purpose of self-enjoyment or, continue with your creativity, with the purpose of entertaining others.

Another thing, if you write, you are a writer. If you paint, you are a painter. The degree of you talent can be measured, but you are what you create.

As we work with our morning pages, and artist's date, many forgotten creations often come to mind. The memory of that story you wrote in the third grade may come to your attention. Could you pull it out and reinvent it into the next picture book to hit the markets. We've been creating all of our lives. We ARE intended to create.

Add a page to your morning pages. At the top of the page, write ' My Intentions as a ______.' Fill in the blank with what you create. Write a letter to yourself discussing what your intentions are with your creative process. Do you plan to be published? Do you hope to one day see your paintings in a gallery? Are you doing your creativity to relax with no intentions of going public? Right now is a good time to determine what you hope to accomplish during your creative journey.