Creating

Creating is an amazing thing really...the older I get the more I know that it has little to do with my talent, skills or imagination. It is this incredible spirit I call the "Creative Muse" who angelically stops time. At first, I feel still with hundreds of ideas floating around in my mind, I think that I will never accomplish a thing. Tadaaaaah...then out of the blue the idea. The idea is always unique but feels joyful. Then in a whirl of excitement I run to find the ingredients to build the vision. Once I begin I get lost in a flurry of activity. Many times I begin to create something and it takes on a life of it's own. These are the best creations, because I feel led, full of joy and although my hands are doing the creating, I know that this lovely Creative Muse is just visiting.

I actually first starting painting in 1983 because I couldn't afford art. I vowed that if I ever got good enough to sell my paintings, I would sell them at reasonable rates. I kept my promise, but the greed of galleries and art shows kept me from doing what I wanted to do. I then put my art in local shops, but again I was subject to the standard that exists about how much art should cost.

I suppose that is why I stopped wanting to live in the "serious" art world which I fear is full of ego. I wanted my creations to be something that I shared. I took so many art classes with those artists who really really think that their art is important. When I lived in one country they actually had signs in their gallery windows that say "Important...Art." Well, I believe that every great composer, artist, dancer, talent of any kind gave the credit to God. I had art shows at fancy places, and entered art in exhibits. I found so many snobby artists and gallery owners that I gave it all away. I did many commissions that gave me virtually no joy to create, so I stopped custom designing art. The best work I have ever done was always a painting I did for someone I love. Even though I can paint, I still have a difficult time to see ridiculous prices on art that I cannot understand. I believe most people who want to purchase art are so intimidated by many galleries.

I want to create friendly art, art that makes you feel good. I have always enjoyed painting in journals, writing lovely verses in them and giving them for gifts. I have discovered the world of crafting and I am totally enchanted. The rules of crafting are different, everyone knows that crafting is meant to share. I have met lovely crafters and they all seem to have a heart of gold. I believe the creative muse loves the world of crafting because whatever the skill, design or product the ingredient in common is joy.

Josh Groban sings a song, To Where You Are. I believe our "creative muse" is the friend, family member or the artist that lives in heaven and brushes joy into our lives as they watch over us and fill us full of inspiration every day. Here are the lyrics to that song:

Who can say for certain
Maybe you’re still here
I feel you all around me
Your memories so clear

Deep in the stillness
I can hear you speak
You’re still an inspiration
Can it be (? )
That you are mine
Forever love
And you are watching over me from up above

Fly me up to where you are
Beyond the distant star
I wish upon tonight
To see you smile
If only for awhile to know you’re there
A breath away’s not far
To where you are

Are you gently sleeping
Here inside my dream
And isn’t faith believing
All power can’t be seen

As my heart holds you
Just one beat away
I cherish all you gave me everyday
’cause you are mine
Forever love
Watching me from up above

And I believe
That angels breathe
And that love will live on and never leave

Fly me up
To where you are
Beyond the distant star
I wish upon tonight
To see you smile
If only for awhile
To know you’re there
A breath away’s not far
To where you are

I know you’re there
A breath away’s not far
To where you are


The song for this post is To Where You Are...my favorite Josh Groban song.