"Because I must. It’s that simple. Because creating is an innate urge that when not followed, slowly drags me into darkness, but when followed, nourishes me in ways that hardly anything in this world can"
This year I have come to recognize this truth on a deeper level. We are taught impatience and an insatiable need to consume. It makes slowing down near to impossible when we see our craft as a commodity instead of a person practice. I’ve been stepping away and slowing down more and more and while that has resulted in far less “doing” I find myself more creatively satisfied than ever.
Dear Manuela, I'm deeply moved by what you wrote (I love that line about the insecure child-self inside the adult body!). I think success is making work that makes me happy, both in the process of making it and later on, sometimes months or years later, when looking at it again. So success is when I'm in love with both the process and the product. That feeling is what motivates me and what keeps me going and challenging myself to learn and grow. And, like you said, that in and of itself, is enough.
Manuela, I love that young children are creative without fear, they just make things without wondering why or if it will be any "good". We should all aim to get back to that mindset, at least occasionally. Thank you for the inspiration.
I often think about this... the why of it. There's definitely an urge to it, a desire to express something. But for me it also includes an element of wanting to be seen or understood.
Are we the same person?! Yes to everything here. So well said! And what a nice byproduct that we find community in creativity too. Grateful for you and your voice. Reminds me to keep going.
Yes to all of them, Manuela! It takes so much courage to deviate from the system and all its pressures. I read Art and Fear a long time ago. Perhaps it’s time to pick it up again. Thank you for the reminder— let’s all hold hands and keep going, keep creating, keep staying true to ourselves and what matters. Thanks for a lovely post.
I'm so glad I slowed down to read your beautiful words/ I have been struggling with "time" .... to figure out how to enjoy the time I spend creating without the endless "to do" list hovering in the background...to be reminded of the joy it brings and the desperation that "not creating" brings was wonderful. I'm at an age where time is becoming more and more precious - but it can be a loaded issue when I start trying to squeeze in too "much". The personal satisfaction of loving something I made brings me such happiness -- and seeing the beautiful images that others like yourself create also brings the kind of happiness that can't be found (or purchased) in any other way.
Likewise! Decided to take a college level photoshop class this semester which is great but time consuming and taking a portfolio workshop with Susan Burnstine to try to finish my female portraits layered with seascapes which has also turned into time consuming somewhat frustrating work.....looking forward to completion on all fronts!
I so identify with everything you wrote, Manuela. I am constantly in a battle with modern ways and expectations. Yet when I just slow down and focus on the creative work and get lost in the process, I am at my best and most satisfied—especially when that work is challenging and engaging.
Beautifully stated, Manuela. It feels like those of us who are “creatives” have to constantly swim upstream in society, and many of the “fish” we pass along the way may not notice, or care what we’re doing. Yet we remain driven by impulses that will likely never be understood or appreciated by those solely focused on the goalposts society has set for them. The act of creating not only brings me peace and happiness, but also comfort in knowing there are others swimming in the same direction and navigating similar challenges along the way.
Beautifully said. The first verse in the Bible-and God created the heavens and the earth. He is our role model for being creative and what a joy it is to know that he made us to be creative!
It really is an imperative, isn’t it? A way to both find, and lose, ourselves. So much resonates Manuela.
If I haven’t already shared it, you might find this article interesting. It’s an excellent reminder that art and creativity need to be part of the system, and that we aren’t getting it right here in the UK—https://observer.co.uk/news/opinion-and-ideas/article/we-are-raising-a-culturally-illiterate-generation
Thank you for sharing this with me! I will definitely read it.
"Because I must. It’s that simple. Because creating is an innate urge that when not followed, slowly drags me into darkness, but when followed, nourishes me in ways that hardly anything in this world can"
Truer words were never spoken. 👌🖤
Thank you so much!
This year I have come to recognize this truth on a deeper level. We are taught impatience and an insatiable need to consume. It makes slowing down near to impossible when we see our craft as a commodity instead of a person practice. I’ve been stepping away and slowing down more and more and while that has resulted in far less “doing” I find myself more creatively satisfied than ever.
I love this. Thank you for sharing!
So grateful for this piece, Manuela 🤍
I am glad to hear it. Thank you, Marta!
Dear Manuela, I'm deeply moved by what you wrote (I love that line about the insecure child-self inside the adult body!). I think success is making work that makes me happy, both in the process of making it and later on, sometimes months or years later, when looking at it again. So success is when I'm in love with both the process and the product. That feeling is what motivates me and what keeps me going and challenging myself to learn and grow. And, like you said, that in and of itself, is enough.
Thank you, dear Anne! I agree with everything you said.
Manuela, I love that young children are creative without fear, they just make things without wondering why or if it will be any "good". We should all aim to get back to that mindset, at least occasionally. Thank you for the inspiration.
Yes, we have to return to childlike wonder. Thank you!
This is the kind of wisdom we all need in our lives. Amazing words Manuela!
Thank you so much! So kind.
I often think about this... the why of it. There's definitely an urge to it, a desire to express something. But for me it also includes an element of wanting to be seen or understood.
That is for sure a part of creativity as well. It is less so now than it used to be, but it’s a natural part of it, I believe.
Are we the same person?! Yes to everything here. So well said! And what a nice byproduct that we find community in creativity too. Grateful for you and your voice. Reminds me to keep going.
Thanks so much, Mia! So grateful for people like you.
Yes to all of them, Manuela! It takes so much courage to deviate from the system and all its pressures. I read Art and Fear a long time ago. Perhaps it’s time to pick it up again. Thank you for the reminder— let’s all hold hands and keep going, keep creating, keep staying true to ourselves and what matters. Thanks for a lovely post.
Yes!! Thank you!
I can relate very much. The hardest part of being a creative is to overcome these requirements society has laid on itself!
It really is. I feel like it’s been my lifelong fight. :)
I'm so glad I slowed down to read your beautiful words/ I have been struggling with "time" .... to figure out how to enjoy the time I spend creating without the endless "to do" list hovering in the background...to be reminded of the joy it brings and the desperation that "not creating" brings was wonderful. I'm at an age where time is becoming more and more precious - but it can be a loaded issue when I start trying to squeeze in too "much". The personal satisfaction of loving something I made brings me such happiness -- and seeing the beautiful images that others like yourself create also brings the kind of happiness that can't be found (or purchased) in any other way.
So true, Bonnie!
I miss seeing you.
Likewise! Decided to take a college level photoshop class this semester which is great but time consuming and taking a portfolio workshop with Susan Burnstine to try to finish my female portraits layered with seascapes which has also turned into time consuming somewhat frustrating work.....looking forward to completion on all fronts!
Beautifully expressed. Your words really resonate with me.
Thank you so much, Alicia!
I so identify with everything you wrote, Manuela. I am constantly in a battle with modern ways and expectations. Yet when I just slow down and focus on the creative work and get lost in the process, I am at my best and most satisfied—especially when that work is challenging and engaging.
Definitely. It’s so hard sometimes but worth committing to.
Beautifully stated, Manuela. It feels like those of us who are “creatives” have to constantly swim upstream in society, and many of the “fish” we pass along the way may not notice, or care what we’re doing. Yet we remain driven by impulses that will likely never be understood or appreciated by those solely focused on the goalposts society has set for them. The act of creating not only brings me peace and happiness, but also comfort in knowing there are others swimming in the same direction and navigating similar challenges along the way.
Thank you, Todd!
Beautifully said. The first verse in the Bible-and God created the heavens and the earth. He is our role model for being creative and what a joy it is to know that he made us to be creative!
Thanks!