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What’s all the hype about creativity? What does it take to ‘be an artist’ and can anyone call themselves that?
I’ve worked in the arts sector for almost 20 years and a common thread to all my work has been a desire to encourage more people to nurture their own creativity and by doing so, give themselves the value they deserve.
I was looking through a book on Textile Art recently with a community worker who was setting up a weekly craft group for adults who are socially isolated. The book was a wonderful example of an artist sharing their process and saying, ‘You can do it too’.
We stopped flicking through the pages to ask ourselves how has she done it – how has this woman become a successful artist who can share her love of textiles with the world, not only by creating wonderful art pieces which are exhibited internationally but sharing her skills with others.
In that moment, I had what felt like an almighty realisation. She gets on and does it. She doesn’t just think about it and wish she was living a different life. She embraces the moment she is in and creates – she experiments, fails, tries things out, enjoys the colours, textures, and playful nature of the work and gets on with it! And it is work – it doesn’t come easy and it takes time. To give yourself the time to create is a struggle for many and a personal goal of mine.
I truly believe that we are all born to live creatively – to think and question, to test and fail, to find joy in what we can learn about ourselves and an outlet for our feelings.
The role of artists in society is to shine a light on our varied experiences, to challenge and make us think. Working in community arts, I see on a daily basis the wonderful way art can bring people together and boost self-confidence. Just by creating and sharing our own work, we give confidence to others to do the same. There is a wonderful ripple effect when you start sharing your passion with others – it’s as though others are given permission to do the same.
For all the artists out there, can you remember what it was like when you first exhibited your work for others to comment on? Have you been blessed with an encouraging family or friends who have spurred you on? Where do you find the confidence to keep making and creating and sharing what you do with the world?
My working life is all about supporting people to take that bold step; sometimes just to pick up a pencil and make a mark, through to giving people opportunities for their first solo exhibition.
We all deserve the opportunity to express ourselves and find our voice – putting your work out there for others to see takes courage. Hats off to all the artists, from hobbyists to professionals, who give themselves the time to create and take the next step to show the world their work. You are awesome and inspiring – keep doing it!
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