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Creativity as Drive

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I am just on my way back from the Buyers’ Market of American Craft (BMAC) in Philadelphia. I will tell you all about that, later.  But first, I wanted to share a sweet observation I made on my way to Philly, last week.

On the plane, in the seat one row ahead, sat a young lady, about 8 years old. I later asked her her name, but now I forgot (sorry!). Hopefully she’ll read this, and get back to me ;)

This young artist at work captured my attention during my Halifax-Philadelphia flight
This young artist at work captured my attention during my Halifax-Philadelphia flight

What attracted my attention during the flight shouldn’t be as unusual as it was: she was drawing. Non stop. Intricate drawings, just with pen, and as soon as one page was filled (literally from edge to edge), she’d turn the page and start anew. I had the funnest time, observing her. It took me a while to figure out why I was so attracted to this. I guess it’s partially that one just doesn’t see that any more. Generally, kids are ‘plugged in’: iPad, iPod, or one of those game-widgets whose name I don’t even know. Yet she was simply drawing. Not even in colour. And with such passion!

This drawing is a birds-eye-view .... houses with driveways, and lights lining the streets. Fantastic, isn't it?
This drawing is a birds-eye-view …. houses with driveways, and lights lining the streets. Fantastic, isn’t it?

And then I got it: I recognized myself in her. At that age, I had the same unstoppable creative drive: always drawing, always sticking things together, always building something. I remember people around me predicting a career in the arts for me.

It was only later that I lost the confidence in my abilities. Eventually, the insecurity of adolescence kicked in, and perhaps I succumbed to the trials and tribulations of finding my own space as an adult in a world that was much less amenable to such dreamers.

It was really only by accident that I found my way back to art, and into art school: after the birth of my daughters, I was looking for something to do other than change diapers. The continuing education classes at NSCAD University, held in the evenings, fit into the schedule of my limited time ‘off’. It was there that the encouragement returned; my instructors finally convinced me to apply for the degree program. I was astonished when I was accepted.

When I saw this young lady on the plane, and finally clued into the fact that I saw in her my younger self, it almost put me to tears, for I must remember to continously acknowledge and nurture that creative drive in me. As much as I may need to also be a business woman, I must never forget the basis of it all: creative passion.

And please please, my dear reader: we must nurture those who have this drive, encourage them to acknowledge their abilities and their passion, and foster in them a strong belief in themselves. Again and again.

One night I was layin’ down,
I heard Papa talkin’ to Mama.
I heard Papa say, to let that boy boogie-woogie.
‘Cause it’s in him and it’s got to come out.
John Lee Hooker, “Boogie Chillen”

On the plane last week, I got up to speak to the mother, asking her permission to write about her daughter, and to publish the photo. Then I spoke to my new little artist friend, who explained her drawings to me. I encouraged mother and child to consider a career in the arts for the girl. I hope she’ll never loose her drive; it was such a joy to behold. I am very grateful to have been able to witness her genuine, passionate, natural outpouring.

 

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