Sources of One’s Creativity
An online art quilt group asked, Who was your favorite art teacher in high school? It just so happened that when I read this post, I was in the midst of planning an important high school reunion. The question resonated with me; however, not as expected. I had never taken art in high school.In college,my art courses totaled three quarters.
What are the sources of My Creativity?
I have won several awards for my work. I have participated numerous times in our courty’s juried Open Studios Art Walk. My art has been published several times in Art Quilting Studio. Several pieces were purchased by Kaiser Permanente. The art hangs in their Scotts Valley and Watsonville, California facilities.
So what is the Source of my Creativity?
I am fair at drawing stick figures and certain animals due to my time as an elementary English as a Second Language Teacher. My painting skills are nill. I did have some art training when my school became an arts infused school. When real artists taught my students, I practiced and learned along with them.
My True Passion
But sewing is my true passion. It was my first choice for an elective class for two years in high school. The rest of my life I practiced and honed my sewing skills that contribute to the success of my current art. Today my interest is in adding Color! Texture! Movement to each of my works of art.
Designing Outfits
Back in the day, I remember designing my school outfits with a variety texture in mind without realizing the lasting effects of those efforts. People have commented that I have a good sense of color. I also attribute this to my earlier efforts to dress fashionably. I wrongly assumed that this practice came easily to most.
The source of my so-called talent or skill is definitely traceable to my high school years with Mrs. La Meter, the sewing teacher. She encouraged smooth zippers and flat bound buttons.
I am as surprised as anyone about my success as I never started out to become an artist. Practice is key.
What is the source of your creativity?
Updated Ponderings of 2022
I continue to search and wonder at the sources of my passion for creating fabric art. I have minimal art training. On the other hand, I do have a life long passion for fabric and sewing clothing . Later moving on to traditional quilts and then art quilts.
I met another artist recently and spent the day with her. She shared her passion for drawing and painting. Whenever she has a free moment,she sketches what is around her. Whether she is waiting in line at the bank or a gas station, her sketch book is never far.
Sketching
Inspired by this new friend,while waiting on the phone for a bank representative, I tried to emulate her. I began to sketch the fresh pineapple on the kitchen table. I looked and sketched and looked and sketched. It didn’t turn out half bad. The problem was I wasn’t interested in continuing. Sketching didn’t hold my attention for a long period of time. I am sure if I kept at it I could become competent. There is the important part.
The Answer
It brought home the fact that the activity must engage the person enough that they will stick to it. It doesn’t matter if they are good or not. However, they must want to continue with it over a long period of time in order to master a variety of skills and become extremely proficient. It doesn’t matter what the skill or art form is. No one starts out a master. But they must be interested enough to continue doing it over and over. That is the source of creativity.
https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2020/02/how-to-name-an-art-work/
https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2019/09/becoming-more-creative/
https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2021/12/on-calling-yourself-an-artist/
https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2021/03/beginning-steps-to-creating/
