Jun

28

2009

Creativity – The Art Of Life

Creativity is a mental and social process involving the generation of new ideas or concepts, or new associations of the creative mind between existing ideas or concepts. Creativity is fueled by the process of either conscious or unconscious insight. An alternative conception of creativeness is that it is simply the act of making something new.

A Page From My Journal

Recently I realized that I have not been nurturing my creative side. A few years ago ideas flew from my head all the time. I dreamed about photos, web sites and designs. Somehow I have lost part of that in the day to day ‘job’ creativity has taken over. I don’t dream photos, web sites or deigns…I work on them. I am increasingly becoming more convicted that part of my soul is missing and it needs to be born again.

Tonight I went to borders to read a few books and magazines on the creative process to hopefully spark something. Mostly I just read and took notes (yes that is how bad it is). One article had an idea that I am going to try. I wanted to share it here:

Always carry a journal. Have one in reach at all times.
Scribble often
Carry a camera when you are out
Snap pictures of anything that catches your eye
Print out your favorites and display them by your desk
Let the photos/ sketches inspire you

These simple steps seem easy enough. I usually have a camera and journal on me anyway. I just need to let myself snap and draw more and display those openly.

One magazine had a great website resource http://creativeeveryday.com/ Each month has a theme to explore and tips to help you explore that months theme. July’s theme is ‘Self’.

Creating an environment for creativity has got to be a purposeful journey. How do you make space for your creative self? What fuels you?

Technorati Tags: Creativity, Self, Art, Photography, Journal

20

2009

Music To Dig Into

Music | By Reba | One comment

So summer is upon up and who does not enjoy listening to some new tunes over the summer? Here are some artists that I am totally digging into this summer.

Here are mine….who are you listening to this summer?

William Fitzsimmons :

I just started listening to William Fitzsimmons. I heard a song on a Paste sampler and fell in love. His style is sort of dreamy folk. I quickly bought all his albums and have had them on a steady dose of repeat. ‘The Sparrow And The Crow’ is Fitzsimmons latest album is an amazing ear treat from beginning to end.

http://www.williamfitzsimmons.com/

Molly Jenson

I first read an article about Molly Jenson at Relevant Magazine. I was curious so I checked out some sound clips and was surprised to hear a duet with Jon Foreman. I bought the album and surprised at how great her album was. It is a fun driving with the windows down album.

As I started doing research I found that she used to be a worship leader in Southern California, but as she started writing she found her songs to be less worship and more relationship/story songs.

Be sure and check out this great album. Also check out her site for a link to her oh so fun blog and artwork.

http://www.mollyjenson.com/

Bon Iver

Much like William Fitzsimmons, I fell in Love with Bon Iver upon first listen. ‘For Emma, Forever Ago’ is the most amazing album that I can listen to over and over.

His lyrics are amazing stories of life and love. One of my favorites is from ‘Skinny Love’

And I told you to be patient
And I told you to be fine
And I told you to be balanced
And I told you to be kind

And now all your love is wasted
And who the hell was I?
I’m breaking at the bridges
And at the end of all your lines

Who will love you?
Who will fight?
Who will fall far behind?
Ooh, ooh

http://www.boniver.org/

St. Vincent

I first heard St. Vincent a little over a year ago and have listened to her on constant repeat ever since. Her first album was amazing and her second album ‘actor’ was even more amazing. She has fun music that is catchy and delicious.

http://www.ilovestvincent.com/