Those involved in creative work require a certain space for the work to get done. This varies a great deal between the type of work done. The painter requires the canvas. The sculptor needs the marble or clay. The writer needs the blank page whether in the notebook or on the computer. et even those not engaged in artistic work, a space is needed for creativity. For some it is a garden, others a kitchen and another a wood shop. Whatever place one makes to pursue one’s passions is a creative space.
Now what does one need to pursue those passions given the space set aside for the creation of it?
Freedom – This is foundational for any creative act; the choice to begin and the courage to put paint to canvas or words to paper. Within this choice is also the responsibility for the work created. This is the standing up and saying, ‘I did this!’ For good or ill, you take ownership of what has been created.
Limitations – These are the limitations placed by the medium chosen. Yet even within these limits, an infinite variation is possible. The writer is limited by words yet how those words are arranged opens a horizon of possibility. The painter is limited by paint, line form and color; yet the application to canvas can bring forth both landscape and abstract paintings and myriad other expressions.
Imagination – This is how one uses the limits and freedom to express the personal passion in one’s art. This is the seeing things in new ways within the confines of the medium. This is the never thought of it that way before expressions in pictures or words. This is the contrasting, juxtaposing and transformative nature of the creative process.
Grace – Sometimes in the process, mistakes are made. Some require a complete redo. Others require working with the mistake made. Yet in this process, the wisdom is to learn from the mistake, make it work for you and continue on in the work. Self-criticism and self-editing are essential to the process of perfecting one’s craft. The problem arises when the editing and criticism weigh you down to the point of stopping the work entirely or even preventing it from starting. Balance is necessary to continue moving forward.
So, with these four elements for pursuing the passions of one’s life, embrace the freedom, limits, imagination and grace extended to you. If your life is pursued with the passion that has pursued you, a life of creativity, newness and transformation awaits….
