Creativity: What does being creative mean to you? How do you express your creativity?
I have always regarded myself as a creative person, pretty much centered around the various fine arts, although I learned long ago that I am more of a dabbler than a perfectionist.
And yet when I was working, I often found new ways to look at old problems or different paths to complete a project or changing up a long-established process to make it easier and more effective. I was often self-directed, especially in the non-profit positions, which usually makes such creativity easier to implement, and I also learned how to be creative with a very small budget. When I worked for the larger corporations I was part of marketing communications, the 'creatives' part of the business, and change wasn't always as easy to do or as accepted by management.
I learned to work with a group or a committee, but that is not an easy road, especially if personalities are strong. And sometimes I didn't work very well with a group, preferring to be solo or with only one other person. Management doesn't like that much, though.
I think creativity is the ability to see/hear/perceive something in at least a slightly different way and then to express that through whatever means is appropriate to the medium. Being a creative has been a big part of who I am throughout all my life, and I find my greatest satisfaction and joy comes from that ability to see differently -- as well as the same.
My creative nature shows in what I wear, my jewelry, my shoes, what my house looks like, what I read, what I listen to, what I like to watch and do, even (when possible) in what I like to drive. I like being a little different, a little quirky, although it took years to embrace that.
I'm not singing or taking photos or painting or sewing right now (all the dabbley stuff): the constant creative outlet in my life has always and continues to be writing, even if it isn't polished and perfected. I write only for me these days: while I love that people enjoy my blog or find wisdom in my writing, what I say is truly from my heart and mind, and not to please an editor or an audience. It is who I am, if you care to read it.
Showing posts with label art. Show all posts
Showing posts with label art. Show all posts
Saturday, January 03, 2015
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Supporting the arts in Tehama County
For the first time in six years, the third (or, in the beginning, the second) Tuesday of the month is here and I am not attending an arts council meeting. I don't have to feel guilty about NOT going either. I'm no longer on the board, having termed out (two elected three-year terms is the limit).
It feels a little weird, to be honest.
I'm still working with a three-person committee to finalize the group's new website which should be up and live maybe sometime this week, and I'll probably still be involved in updating copy or doing some blog posting. I wrote the copy for the new one, with input from the other committee members.
But I'm merely a member of the group now, not on the board. I'm a passionate arts supporter, but then I was that long before I joined this board, and that won't stop. I'll still attend Artwalk and other sponsored events, I'll still talk to anyone who will listen about the importance of the arts in schools and for our children, I'll happily attend and support most other artsy events in our county and beyond. I create art.
For six years, though, I've had a hand in helping the local arts community to grow, to be recognized and publicized, to offer financial and in-kind support for events and artists. I've had the good fortune to meet so many of the simply outstanding local artists here and to get to know some of them better. I've gotten to write some of their stories for others to read and to help them get the publicity that they need to have but that so many of them are so shy about doing for themselves. It's been a joy, mostly.
The last six years have been difficult ones personally, too. I lost my mother in 2005, just a year after I came on the board and only a month into my first term as chairman of the group. It was a hard, hard year. The group faced some growing pains too, with people rotating off the board or not being able (for a variety of reasons) to participate the way they'd hoped to when they were elected. It left the board -- capped through bylaws at just 15 -- short of people to help vision and then follow through with the work. We had some personality conflicts that caused some hurt feelings and misunderstandings, and it was part of my job to try to help resolution. We lost people to relocation and jobs that ended.
But we also set some guidelines for our ongoing projects that have made those much easier to do. We managed to financially support a number of wonderful programs for the children in our county who are so underserved by arts opportunities, and to help out some artists who needed a boost.
And the new 2010-2011 board is simply stellar. A full 15 members, for the first time since 2004. And members who have business acumen, who are passionate about the arts, who are knowledgeable about the community, and a good mix of artist and supporter.
Thanks largely to one very devoted board member, the group has grant money to help them plan and strategize long range, to create a sustainable, growing organization. And this last year the group was able to offer some $6000 to more than 20 groups and artists to fund projects and events.
And there's a new website about to go live, one that not only looks professional and inviting, but will offer ALL organizations and artists free calendar listings that will spread the word about events and exhibits and classes not only in our own county, but beyond. And FREE artist registry listings that will offer a new way for our marvelous local artists to advertise their talents and services not only locally, but throughout all of northern California.
We think it'll grow into a wonderful artistic resource for Tehama County, one that will help put art and artists right up their with other local products like prunes, walnuts, olives, cattle, and horses.
It'll be live soon. Please keep checking back if you don't see a gallery of art on a background of green.
And no matter where you are, I hope you support the arts in your community.
It feels a little weird, to be honest.
I'm still working with a three-person committee to finalize the group's new website which should be up and live maybe sometime this week, and I'll probably still be involved in updating copy or doing some blog posting. I wrote the copy for the new one, with input from the other committee members.
But I'm merely a member of the group now, not on the board. I'm a passionate arts supporter, but then I was that long before I joined this board, and that won't stop. I'll still attend Artwalk and other sponsored events, I'll still talk to anyone who will listen about the importance of the arts in schools and for our children, I'll happily attend and support most other artsy events in our county and beyond. I create art.
For six years, though, I've had a hand in helping the local arts community to grow, to be recognized and publicized, to offer financial and in-kind support for events and artists. I've had the good fortune to meet so many of the simply outstanding local artists here and to get to know some of them better. I've gotten to write some of their stories for others to read and to help them get the publicity that they need to have but that so many of them are so shy about doing for themselves. It's been a joy, mostly.
The last six years have been difficult ones personally, too. I lost my mother in 2005, just a year after I came on the board and only a month into my first term as chairman of the group. It was a hard, hard year. The group faced some growing pains too, with people rotating off the board or not being able (for a variety of reasons) to participate the way they'd hoped to when they were elected. It left the board -- capped through bylaws at just 15 -- short of people to help vision and then follow through with the work. We had some personality conflicts that caused some hurt feelings and misunderstandings, and it was part of my job to try to help resolution. We lost people to relocation and jobs that ended.
But we also set some guidelines for our ongoing projects that have made those much easier to do. We managed to financially support a number of wonderful programs for the children in our county who are so underserved by arts opportunities, and to help out some artists who needed a boost.
And the new 2010-2011 board is simply stellar. A full 15 members, for the first time since 2004. And members who have business acumen, who are passionate about the arts, who are knowledgeable about the community, and a good mix of artist and supporter.
Thanks largely to one very devoted board member, the group has grant money to help them plan and strategize long range, to create a sustainable, growing organization. And this last year the group was able to offer some $6000 to more than 20 groups and artists to fund projects and events.
And there's a new website about to go live, one that not only looks professional and inviting, but will offer ALL organizations and artists free calendar listings that will spread the word about events and exhibits and classes not only in our own county, but beyond. And FREE artist registry listings that will offer a new way for our marvelous local artists to advertise their talents and services not only locally, but throughout all of northern California.
We think it'll grow into a wonderful artistic resource for Tehama County, one that will help put art and artists right up their with other local products like prunes, walnuts, olives, cattle, and horses.
It'll be live soon. Please keep checking back if you don't see a gallery of art on a background of green.
And no matter where you are, I hope you support the arts in your community.
"Life beats down and crushes the soul, and art reminds you that you have one."- Stella Adler
Friday, November 07, 2008
Art! in our town, tonight!
Tonight is the sixth annual ArtWalk in our little town, sponsored by the Tehama County Arts Council of which I am a member and past president.
It is just a wonderful event in downtown Red Bluff, with 21 stores opening their doors to local artists and the public, and featuring wine tasting, food, music, and wonderful, wonderful artworks of all mediums.
I'll have four photos at Heartfelt Designs as will my honey, and there are three floors of art in that venue -- not only are there lots of wonderful photographs from the Tehama County Photo Club, but there are vibrant paintings, imaginative sculptures by Jay Murphy (who I interviewed earlier this year), and fiber art -- soft alpaca socks, hats and vests, gorgeous yarns, rugs, clothing and more.
But what is really great is how so many people come to downtown and walk up and down, dipping into each venue to see the art, sample food, and talk with the artists. It brings people together to celebrate the creativity in this county.
Redding has a similar event once a month -- the ArtHop -- which is tomorrow night. I wrote another story about one exhibit in this month's event which celebrates Shasta County veterans and their service. I'm hoping to get there for that reception.
Life is richer when you have art in your life. If you don't create it, then go see it. Buy it. Surround yourself with things you like to look at or music you love to hear. It makes a huge difference in your mood and your overall wellbeing.
See you tonight?
It is just a wonderful event in downtown Red Bluff, with 21 stores opening their doors to local artists and the public, and featuring wine tasting, food, music, and wonderful, wonderful artworks of all mediums.
I'll have four photos at Heartfelt Designs as will my honey, and there are three floors of art in that venue -- not only are there lots of wonderful photographs from the Tehama County Photo Club, but there are vibrant paintings, imaginative sculptures by Jay Murphy (who I interviewed earlier this year), and fiber art -- soft alpaca socks, hats and vests, gorgeous yarns, rugs, clothing and more.
But what is really great is how so many people come to downtown and walk up and down, dipping into each venue to see the art, sample food, and talk with the artists. It brings people together to celebrate the creativity in this county.
Redding has a similar event once a month -- the ArtHop -- which is tomorrow night. I wrote another story about one exhibit in this month's event which celebrates Shasta County veterans and their service. I'm hoping to get there for that reception.
Life is richer when you have art in your life. If you don't create it, then go see it. Buy it. Surround yourself with things you like to look at or music you love to hear. It makes a huge difference in your mood and your overall wellbeing.
See you tonight?
Thursday, May 01, 2008
Weird, wacky spring in northern California
It's been 90 degrees at times in the past couple of weeks, and yet much of Tehama County had a frost on April 20 (we didn't out here -- five miles from town). The other night, it was downright cold. Today goes back to the 80s, and we won't see anything below 80 for at least 10 days, according to Yahoo weather.
Not good on the health -- lots of snuffling and wondering what to wear, as closets hold both short and long-sleeved shirts, shorts next to sweats, and sandals alongside woolly slippers.
The plants are confused. My tomatoes -- the ones that survived whatever seems to be snacking in the garden -- are either blooming like mad or droopy. A neighbor's, however, are beautiful, tall, and blooming, and I expect to see tiny tomatoes any day.
Speaking of eating....an entire artichoke plant -- the first time I've planted one -- disappeared. Completely. I'm wondering if we have a gourmet gopher, although most of the rest of it seems fine (yeah, missing a couple of pepper plants and at least one tomato). The cats don't nibble the plantlife, but I sure wish they'd get the stupid gopher, if that's what it is. Nothing gets in there except cats, lizards and gophers -- no bunnies. There's an 8-foot fence with critter fencing, and the deer don't get in there either.
Thank you, Tim Heardon, for the shout-out on your blog! That was a delightful surprise.
And speaking of art, try to catch the North Valley Art League 17th juried photo show that opened yesterday at Redding's Carter House Gallery in Caldwell Park. Tony and I were lucky enough to help shuttle photos back and forth as the juror did his picks, and always learn from the experience. Most important this year was to shoot where you are -- photograph things you know in our beautiful north state, but try to see it with a creative eye.
Isn't that always the challenge, in any art form?
Not good on the health -- lots of snuffling and wondering what to wear, as closets hold both short and long-sleeved shirts, shorts next to sweats, and sandals alongside woolly slippers.
The plants are confused. My tomatoes -- the ones that survived whatever seems to be snacking in the garden -- are either blooming like mad or droopy. A neighbor's, however, are beautiful, tall, and blooming, and I expect to see tiny tomatoes any day.
Speaking of eating....an entire artichoke plant -- the first time I've planted one -- disappeared. Completely. I'm wondering if we have a gourmet gopher, although most of the rest of it seems fine (yeah, missing a couple of pepper plants and at least one tomato). The cats don't nibble the plantlife, but I sure wish they'd get the stupid gopher, if that's what it is. Nothing gets in there except cats, lizards and gophers -- no bunnies. There's an 8-foot fence with critter fencing, and the deer don't get in there either.
Thank you, Tim Heardon, for the shout-out on your blog! That was a delightful surprise.
And speaking of art, try to catch the North Valley Art League 17th juried photo show that opened yesterday at Redding's Carter House Gallery in Caldwell Park. Tony and I were lucky enough to help shuttle photos back and forth as the juror did his picks, and always learn from the experience. Most important this year was to shoot where you are -- photograph things you know in our beautiful north state, but try to see it with a creative eye.
Isn't that always the challenge, in any art form?
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Living creatively
Rain threatens today, and I'm hoping it will come. The grass is thin and browning, already crispy in places. A neighbor's pond already looks like it was mid-summer, not spring, and it will be nothing more than a big mud puddle if we don't get rain (or he doesn't get his windmill going).
But my garden is planted, tomatoes and all, and even though nights are still cool, things seem to be growing well. Our weekend was cooler and easier to work outside -- I spruced up flower pots and cleaned off porches, and it looks much better, although there's still (always) work to be done.
This is Missoula Children's Theatre week here, and those of us on the Tehama County Arts Council are busy helping with the production. It's exciting to watch kids from age 5 to 17 audition on Monday, rehearse all week, and then perform on Saturday. Kids today just don't have the arts opportunities that I did as a child -- at least in rural communities, and I'll bet even in urban areas that such programs are not often found in ordinary public schools.
I got art lessons through our wonderful art museum, drama opportunities both in school and through the parks department, all the books I could read through the county library's bookmobile system which brought them to a nearby park every two weeks, and a terrific school music program that started in fourth grade. Back then, there were not sports leagues for girls -- and I was a bookworm anyway, and decidedly unathletic -- so when my brother would play on Little League teams, I'd bring a book along.
Funny. Even with all the technological advances and vast information we have today, I believe my public education was superior to what is offered in many public schools today -- more than 50 years ago. There's something just wrong about that.
Children are hungry for expression -- for creativity -- for knowledge. They soak up information and ask questions (if they're allowed). Even the most awkward child will draw with crayons or chalks or paints (until they're told they have no talent). They'll sing and dance, even TV jingles if they have no other music sources (until they're criticized for making too much noise or breaking something). They'll play make-believe under tables, in boxes or hidey-holes under trees and shrubs, and pretend to be princesses or soldiers or kings or athletes or cowboys (until they're told it's silly and they shouldn't do it).
And then we spend the rest of our lives trying to regain that stifled creativity, don't we.
If you have a child in your life, encourage them to play creatively, to create, to perform. Take them to see the MCT performance at the State Theatre this weekend. Talk about books and music and art. Sometimes it's the only thing that still make sense in this world.
But my garden is planted, tomatoes and all, and even though nights are still cool, things seem to be growing well. Our weekend was cooler and easier to work outside -- I spruced up flower pots and cleaned off porches, and it looks much better, although there's still (always) work to be done.
This is Missoula Children's Theatre week here, and those of us on the Tehama County Arts Council are busy helping with the production. It's exciting to watch kids from age 5 to 17 audition on Monday, rehearse all week, and then perform on Saturday. Kids today just don't have the arts opportunities that I did as a child -- at least in rural communities, and I'll bet even in urban areas that such programs are not often found in ordinary public schools.
I got art lessons through our wonderful art museum, drama opportunities both in school and through the parks department, all the books I could read through the county library's bookmobile system which brought them to a nearby park every two weeks, and a terrific school music program that started in fourth grade. Back then, there were not sports leagues for girls -- and I was a bookworm anyway, and decidedly unathletic -- so when my brother would play on Little League teams, I'd bring a book along.
Funny. Even with all the technological advances and vast information we have today, I believe my public education was superior to what is offered in many public schools today -- more than 50 years ago. There's something just wrong about that.
Children are hungry for expression -- for creativity -- for knowledge. They soak up information and ask questions (if they're allowed). Even the most awkward child will draw with crayons or chalks or paints (until they're told they have no talent). They'll sing and dance, even TV jingles if they have no other music sources (until they're criticized for making too much noise or breaking something). They'll play make-believe under tables, in boxes or hidey-holes under trees and shrubs, and pretend to be princesses or soldiers or kings or athletes or cowboys (until they're told it's silly and they shouldn't do it).
And then we spend the rest of our lives trying to regain that stifled creativity, don't we.
If you have a child in your life, encourage them to play creatively, to create, to perform. Take them to see the MCT performance at the State Theatre this weekend. Talk about books and music and art. Sometimes it's the only thing that still make sense in this world.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Passion for the arts
You know I'm an enthusiastic arts advocate, right?
The Tehama County Arts Council has a new blog: Connections. And yes, I'm writing on it too, although I'm hoping some of my fellow TCAC directors will write for it as well.
The goal is to become a connection between art, art events, and artists in our county, and to help each other network and learn about events, classes, deals, and more. If you've got news, you can e-mail TCAC at tehamaarts@yahoo.com. Or drop me a note.
This weekend is the Corning Wine, Food and Art Festival at Rolling Hills Casino in Corning. It oughta be good, and it's affordable. Leave the kids at home, though -- 21 and over only. You can read more about it at the TCAC site, or watch the papers for more info.
The Tehama County Arts Council has a new blog: Connections. And yes, I'm writing on it too, although I'm hoping some of my fellow TCAC directors will write for it as well.
The goal is to become a connection between art, art events, and artists in our county, and to help each other network and learn about events, classes, deals, and more. If you've got news, you can e-mail TCAC at tehamaarts@yahoo.com. Or drop me a note.
This weekend is the Corning Wine, Food and Art Festival at Rolling Hills Casino in Corning. It oughta be good, and it's affordable. Leave the kids at home, though -- 21 and over only. You can read more about it at the TCAC site, or watch the papers for more info.
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