Monday, January 19, 2009

Secret #2: Honouring Your Inspirations Part II


There is a lot of richness to explore in 12 Secrets of Highly Creative Women. I've already written a post for secret #2 but when I saw that Leah had shared this particular exercise, I felt motivated to explore it too.

1. When did your creative awakening or reawakening occur?
Creativity was always a part of my life but there is one moment I remember electrically. I was about 10 and taking an acting class. We had a movement teacher come in and choreograph a performance with us, chairs and a spotlight. We were to be entirely still and then when the light shone on us, we were to create our own dance with the chair. I will never forget the moment that light shone on me. I felt alive in a way I had never experienced before. That experience not only woke me up as a performer, it had a profound impact on my aesthetic from that day forward.

2. What talents do you have naturally?
Performance. Synthesis. Movement. Connection. Intuition. Love.

3. What elements (fire, water, wood, air) draw you toward them?
Fire. Earth. (That's not on the list but what the heck)

4. Where and when do you create? Where and when do you wish to create?
I create in my home, on my living room floor, at the computer, in my mind, in my studio space. I would like to create in a rehearsal hall, a studio space (white walls, wood floors, big windows, supplies, music, space), on a stage.

5. What activates your creative energy, and what drains it?
Engaging in the world activates my creative energy. Judgment, competition, criticism and not enough downtime drain it.

6. Do you use creative rituals?
Not for most of the creative work I do right now. Perhaps, making a cup of tea qualifies. If I'm doing something performance related, time to centre is crucial.

7. Does nature influence your creativity?
No, other than the fact that the rhythm of nature impacts my inclinations and interests.

8. What has been your greatest creative hurdle so far?
Feeling frustrated and intimidated. My experience trying out art classes was brutally painful. But I am thankful to one teacher for the one day she taught shading. Actually received some clues about the technique involved had a profound impact on my abilities and also on my joy.

9. What time of day are you most receptive to inspiration?
It doesn't matter the time of day. It matters my energy level.

Mentioning: Vision Board Giveaway

And by the way, I wanted to mention that Kathryn Antyr is hosting a giveaway for the book The Vision Board. You can enter the giveaway here. And as if that wasn't cool enough, inside the book you'll see that my friend, the wonderful Jennifer Lee is showcased for her art visioning. What wonderful connections!

5 comments:

Suzie Ridler said...

I didn't know that about the chair experience! Fascinating. Oh and that's interesting nature doesn't inspire your creativity. Really? You're receptive any time of day, that's amazing! I love learning EVEN MORE about you Jamie.

Her Speak said...

I found it interesting that Earth wasn't listed as an element--it's on my list too. :)

Much Joy, Merry Making~*
Molly

Lisa said...

Under your natural talents must be added leadership, ability to inspire others, and a natural sense of joyful enthusiasm. Maybe that is some of what you mean by your words, but I just wanted to clarify it for myself ;)

Kathryn Costa said...

It is so wonderful to get to know you through your reflections. I love the interview with your sister. There was such fun energy and spirit in it!

Thank you for mentioning the book giveaway. I was so tickled to see Jennifer Lee's work in the book. I love connecting the dots.

Ananda said...

it was lovely to learn more about you. tyou for sharing.