The following is a complete brain dump. I decided to write with very little editing of thought about what I think this series is/how I’m defining it. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED 🙂
I’m still feeling out this idea of a series Creative Sunday, it’s not really something that I thought through very well. I just decided to put it out there, make it public, no planning, don’t overthink it. I’m not even sure I like the name. What’s creative anyway? Does it mean crafty, does it mean artsy, does it mean 100% original or just completing a project from Pinterest?
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary Definition of Creative–
: having or showing an ability to make new things or think of new ideas
: using the ability to make or think of new things : involving the process by which new ideas, stories, etc., are created
: done in an unusual and often dishonest way
But then let’s look at the root….
The Latin word creāre, meaning “to produce” or “to cause,” gives us the root cre. Words from the Latin creāre have something to do with producing or causing. To create something is to produce it. Anyone creative is able to produce new and original things.
So, if you re-produce something, are you still actually creating? I mean you are producing something, the originality may be questionable, but you probably added your own flair to it. Creativity seems to be murky. I once read somewhere, that almost no artist is actually creating truly original works. That to live in the same world as other artists and see the same sights and sounds, roots itself into inspiration, and while you may interpret it originally, it’s not truly 100% original. I can’t remember where I read it, but it’s an interesting concept.
The point of this rambling is to say, my definition may be much looser than what you consider creative. Basically, yes I think completing a Pinterest project would totally count for a Creative Sunday. In all reality, we could argue that just by typing out this post with words I’m engaging in creativity. Or not, since a blog post in the most general sense is not original, the words are, but the idea of typing them and sharing is not. See this is overthinking it.
I originally thought I would just share one “creative” activity that I did that week, but I’m already bored with that. It’s not enough. I’m thinking of expanding or not. Or not always sharing a project, but resources or inspiration instead? Let me take a step back. Let’s share why I even thought I wanted to start this series:
- To make sure I’m trying a new or expanding on a “creative” skill each week, beyond blogging. Yes it’s funny because I’m sharing it on the blog…just move past it. That’s not the point 🙂
- To not be afraid to share something that’s a mess. I have a hard time with learning new things and sharing them with people. Honestly, I’m usually so embarrassed to even say I tried something new and for anyone to ask me questions. I’m not sure why. I always feel like a fraud, or not good enough. I’m embarrassed of things I don’t know. It’s hard to explain, but I thought my forcing myself to share publicly new things I’m trying will help me get over that weird feeling.
- To find my passion? I don’t really feel I have that spark with anything. I like to try new things, but is that a passion? I like things/activities but feel very reluctant to say I have a passion for any one thing. Maybe I just don’t have that kind of spark? I actually feel a little embarrassed writing out “find my passion”. Sometimes writing blog posts clarifies things for me, so maybe writing about new things I try, will help me to realize if I’m really into that activity or not. Or I just bore the shit out of you guys 🙂
- It seemed like a good idea when I wrote it as a goal.
If you are still with me, I guess what I’m saying is this series is more about me than a definition or a defined post series. Should I change the name? Random Sundays? Or Finding Creative…yes, going with that!!
SO, my new Creative Sunday series is now Finding Creative and has no rules or set definition:) It will be something in relation to being creative, as defined by me… finding creativity/inspiration, doing something creative or some other variation of that as in hobby, crafting, Pinteresting, body painting, underwater basket weaving, and so on and so forth (except body painting, what is that? Like face painting? Oh and I’m not good at holding my breath.)
Anyway, let’s get away from the labels…I think we are all creative. I’m going to try to find what creative means to me.
I also want to say thank you for all the encouraging comments I got last week, you guys are too kind!
How do you define creative?