Filtration and Creativity

We’re taught to filter our thoughts and decisions. At times we’re asked to filter our truth because it’s too painful for those around us to tolerate. Filtration is great when it takes out impurities that will harm us, but what does it do to our psyche? Any time that we filter our lives we lose a part of our story. I think about filtering things when I cook, what’s left in the filter is the pulp, the grounds, the pieces that can’t make it through the strainer creating a filtered product. Unfortunately we throw those captured parts away, but if we do that in life what are we throwing away?

Creativity is a magnificent thing and brings joy to our lives. It provides us with an outlet for stress. Creativity, for many, is the path to emotional and spiritual freedom. When we express ourselves, unfiltered, we are uncovering hidden parts of our psyche. It’s similar to dreaming and unlocking the message of the unconscious. Our creative expression can serve as a map guiding us to further questions expanding our quest for healing and self-knowing.

The creative process can be spontaneous or guided. It can be for relaxation, healing, or simply fun. When we dedicate time to create we give ourselves the space to take a deep breath and when we exhale what results is an infusion of our soul into our art. Unfiltered creativity is honest and in a world that asks us to be “polite”, “non-abrasive”, or even “untruthful” having a place to be true to yourself is imperative to health and healing.

Our creativity is sacred. It’s a glimpse of what’s possible. What we create is a mirror to our soul. It may challenge us to dig deeper, uncover what lies beneath what’s visible or audible, or simply play like you did as a child and experience joy.

Don’t filter your creative self. Allow it to be free! Allow it to be real! Allow it to heal you!!

Follow me on Twitter: @GregKatz2

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Express Yourself!

Last night I went to the monthly meeting of Front Range Contemporary Quilters (FRCQ), (www.artquilters.org) the textile art guild I call my creative home. Every month we have a speaker on some aspect of textile art and last night it revolved around wearable art. I tried to create a vest once in my textile career, but I need further instruction on clothing construction.

The meeting started with a fashion show presented by the wearable art special interest group. The main event was Lynda Faires (www.lyndafaires.com), noted textile artist and wearable art creator extraordinaire.  Another one of my favorite wearable art creators is Kate Cox (www.katecox.net). Her work is magical and evokes feelings of mystery and wonder!

Kate Cox, Water Coat, In Private Collection

What we wear can be another way we can express ourselves. Everyone who works with me knows that I have an extensive wardrobe of shirts. The shirts are striking patterns and colors. I don’t shy away from shocking colors and designs because I think they’re striking. They allow me to sing with clothing.

I find that I select what I wear based on my mood and wearing something colorful puts me in a good mood. It’s interesting because people may not say anything about a painting or sculpture, but because clothing is such an integral part of our consciousness we all make comments about it.

Think about shows like Project Runway, a reality show for up and coming fashion designers. The judges always make a point of asking the designers about their design aesthetic and point-of-view. Fashion is a means of expression and can reflect how we’re feeling and thinking. It creates a personal experience when we put on an item of clothing that makes us feel good or stand out in a crowd.

Our creativity doesn’t have to be exhibited in a gallery. It doesn’t have to show up on a canvas or emerge from a piece of stone. It can simply be something as personal as your favorite shirt, your favorite purse, or a piece of jewelry. However you choose to express yourself do it with gusto! Let your inner artist shine through your clothing!!

Follow me on Twitter: @GregKatz2

Who Do You Create For?

Ever listen to people talk about their dream jobs? Were you surprised to hear people say that they would do what they’re doing even if they weren’t being paid? I assume these individuals are talking about passion. It’s the need, desire, and connection to expressing oneself through one’s actions. The amazing thing is that many of the creative people I know do just that; create because it’s a release, an expression of their soul, and brings their body, mind, and spirit in alignment.

When you paint, sing, sculpt, write, or create in some other medium whom are you creating for? Are you creating with the intent of sharing it with the world?   Is it important that the world see your creation? Is it the process of creating that’s most important? As you can see I have plenty of questions and want to explore the importance of creating for healing.

Cyril Connolly stated, “Better to write for yourself and have no public, than to write for the public and have no self.” When I first read this quote it struck a chord. The journal process is popular because it gives each of us an outlet for our thoughts and creativity. It provides a safe space to tell a story, your story.

If you’ve ever done Julia Cameron’s The Artist’s Way she talks about writing “morning pages”. These pages are a way to clear your consciousness for the day leaving you open to what presents itself. Her recommendation is not to read what you’ve written. It is a clearing exercise, not a creativity exercise.

Our creativity provides our spirit with a voice. It allows us to sort out our conflicts, soothe our anxieties, and clear a path for opportunity to present itself. Our creativity expands our soul’s ability to expand. It’s like taking a huge breath filling your lungs with clean air; you feel invigorated.

Don’t sacrifice your “self”. Create even if no one ever sees it because the only person who needs to see it and experience it is you!!

Follow me on Twitter: @GregKatz2