Article by Wendy McCance
I have to admit, I love watching shows or reading books that go into detail about a creative person’s life. I love seeing what their work space is like, what their process entails and how they feel while creating. There is a certain amount of comfort and a feeling of being able to relate to a group of creative people. These people just fascinate me.
I was watching the documentary, In Your Dreams over the weekend and it brought up so many thoughts about the personality types of creative souls. The documentary chronicles a year in the life of Stevie Nicks and Dave Stewart as they put an album together.
I am a big Stevie Nicks fan. I love her devotion to her craft. The way it all encompasses her life fascinates me. She has that dreamy spirit, sensitive soul and a unique way of seeing the world that is memorizing.
When the show was over, I began thinking about the path that leads creative people to their final destination. How some people might dabble in art then move on to music and then writing (for instance) before it occurs to them what they were meant to do. My path began with a love of reading and creating stories of my own, but I really pursued art instead. I took drawing classes and studied artists, my favorite being the French Impressionists. Some how I came back around and fell in love all over again with writing — My true path.
I watched my daughter spend several years designing jewelry, switch over to fashion design and then land on dance. All were creative pursuits, each interest explored thoroughly and with great passion. When my daughter landed on dance, something changed. There was a sparkle in her eyes and a lightness to her steps. She looked excited and at peace at the same time. A different type of confidence emerged and she began getting the type of recognition a person gets when they have hit on their true calling. Dance is what she was meant to do.
I wonder about creative people. Am I reaching or do people meant to create bounce around in the artistic arena before landing on “it?” Is there always a hint of a creative streak in their life? Do they have a unique view and need to find a way to express what’s inside of them?
So this is what I am curious about. If you do something creative, can you relate to the idea that you were always on some type of creative path? Do you have a deeper appreciation for the arts and the artist who does the creating? I’d love to know your thoughts on this topic.
Wendy McCance
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Your title had me instantly. I am a creative person….so much so I think I have adult ADD. You are spot on. I will play my ukelele, for 5 months, then knit for 3 months, then take the stage and act for a few months, then focus on my writing for several months. It goes on and on. I don’t know if I’m good at any one thing, I can do a lot, poorly, I guess, but I’m having such a good time doing it. 🙂 I enjoy creating, really anything. I think I would become very depressed and sad if I had to do a job with no creativity. In answer to your question, I do have a deep appreciation for those in the arts. I love to paint, but I’m not good at it. When I see someone with that gift, I think, “Wow! Amazing!” I love to sing and pretend I am an opera singer, but I’m not good at it. When I see someone who has that gift I get the goosebumps. I guess the two creative things that I’m gifted in and I’m fairly good at is acting and working with kids/adults, coming up with things on the fly and motivating them. What a fantastic question. Thank you for challenging me to think about this!
Thanks so much for the comment. I loved reading your thoughts on the subject.
Hi Wendy, I think creative people just need to create. The artistic outlet may vary throughout their lives as they explore a range of interests but they will always go back to their “drug” of choice. And I personally, have a deep appreciation for the dedication, work, talent and perseverance of all artists.
Wishing the best, Darlene
Hi Darlene, I think you explained it perfectly. Thanks for your comment. Hope your holiday season has been wonderful.
My road to writing has taken a quite a few years and many side paths. Even though it is something that has been with me for most of my life, I spent much of my time pursuing not only creative work but menial work as well. There was never a straight path that took me to where I am now.
I honestly think we need to explore our world to find our true paths.
I think the more experiences, the richer the life and the better the writer. Thanks so much for your comment.