On Being Creative

In high school I was always in an art class.   I loved Ms. Google and I loved creating art.  But, when it came time to think about college and apply for scholarships, I found out - from deep inside myself - that I did not want to go to art school.  I know Goog went through a lot of trouble helping me make a portfolio and take slide etc... And, I am grateful to the people in Iowa City who were interested in interviewing me and learning more about my art. 

When the day arrived to go to Iowa City, I didn't go.  I called Goog on that snowy morning and said that the weather was too bad to go.  Really it was me.  I didn't want to go.  I didn't want others to "judge" my art.  I didn't want to "explain" my style or thinking.  I had no real talent, I just enjoyed creating.  I felt that if I had to be creative for someone else that it would ruin my enjoyment of the process.

I did a little painting in college and then I discovered scrap booking (thanks to my sister, Linda).  This was perfect for me.  I loved photography, so I had boxes of pictures just waiting!  I found out how much I missed creating.  To take something and build on it and change it and manipulate it to make it something of my own.  And, I still love to scrap book.  Sometimes with paper and scissors and sometimes on the computer. 

One of my favorite high school art pieces was a couple of sheets of homemade paper - made with pulp and glue and sea shells...  I put the two small pieces of paper one on top of the other with some crushed shells trailing out the side of one of the pages...  I now don't make my own paper, but I do make paper in an entirely different way.  As I have gotten more into card making and paper crafting, I have learned to create my own background paper.  What a neat skill. 

I love card making in particular.  I can sit at my craft desk in my bedroom (thanks to my hubby for suggesting this) and make a card in a few minutes.  With my own space I can make cards almost every day.  I can get my crafting "high" and then return to cleaning the bathrooms. 

Creating is important to me... it makes me feel alive - whole - special - vibrant...  I am hooked on being creative...

If you are interested in the picture above, see the link below... We loved Frogner Park!
http://members.cox.net/c.kau/Vigeland/walk1.html