The Way of Creativity Ep 1: Permission
August 3, 2020
“The need to be a great artist makes it hard to be an artist.
The need to produce a great work of art makes it hard to produce any art at all.
Finding it hard to begin a project does not mean you will not be able to to do it. It means you will need help – from your higher power, from supportive friends, and from yourself. First of all, you must give yourself permission to begin small and go in baby steps.”
– Julia Cameron (The Artist’s Way)
Last year was a year of incredible transition for so many of us. For me, the biggest change was moving back to Singapore from Berlin in the latter half of 2020. Settling into a new home… a new work environment.. adjusting to a new way of living. I had to resume full time work (non-ceramic related) and the changes to my energy levels, how I could show up for my creative work were so different from before that it was more often that not, quite a painful process adjusting to all the new changes in life.
Big Changes in life are never comfortable, but it’s been through these past few months that I’ve realized so deeply that Change can be a gift in many way. It provides us with the timely opportunity for reflection and kickstarts growth in a way that nothing quite does.
In coping with Change, I’ve come to realise that my journey in creativity has in fact been one of my biggest Teachers. Dealing with uncertainty, fears, and coming face to face with our vulnerable selves is part and parcel of any creative process in which we bring to the world that which has not been present before.
During this time of Change in your life, have you felt the desire for more Beauty in your life?
Have you wanted to try something new but have felt hesitant about starting?
Do you feel that you would like to bring something to the world…something that only you can create but you’re afraid to take things to the next step?
I think you would love to join me on this journey – an exploration of creative living that I’ve called The Way of Creativity.
The idea of a Path or Journey is one that has always inspired me. It is expressed in Japanese as the word “Do” （道）which literally translates to Road or Path. It can be seen in cultural arts such as Chado (茶道) – The Way of Tea, Kado (華道) – The Way of Flowers, Kendo (剣道) – The Way of the Sword, and Shodo (書道)- The Way of the Brush (Calligraphy). As a very impatient person and always eager to see results very quickly, the concept of Creative Living as being a Path is something that really grounds me and reminds me of the bigger picture in life.
As part of the series, I’ve decided to share some of my thoughts on my journey so far as well as the beautiful books that I’ve found to be invaluable in helping me along the way. I’m a huge proponent of the power of words to shift one’s perspective on things. My creative journey has been a series of continuous small mindset shifts along the way.
The theme of this Episode is Permission.
What could we be if we allowed ourselves to the permission to be a Beginner?
What would we create or bring to the world if we gave ourselves the permission?
What does the word Permission bring to mind for you?
I share my thoughts and favourite inspiring quotes about the idea Permission in our creative lives. I hope you enjoy this episode and I’ll be sharing more with you very soon for this series.
