Creativity is like a Muscle

A few weekends ago I decided to join an art class. To be honest, I wanted my son to join an art class. He has a knack for drawing so I thought he would enjoy it. He is thirteen though and he has no interest in doing anything his mom recommends, even less doing anything with his mom. But I had already signed up, so I gave it a try. It could be good for me to do something I didn’t usually do. Unfortunately, art was one of those things.

The theme was architectural drawing. It sounded ambitious, but since we were only supposed to draw a cube and the workshop was open to ages 9 and up, how hard could it be? Well, it wasn’t easy. Perspective, shading, angles- it was a lot of drawing and erasing to get the shape right. Three hours later, my cube was ready. I don’t know if it was architect-approved, but I couldn’t be more proud. I also felt cheerful, and filled with positive energy. Whatever was on my mind before the class, stayed outside the studio. During the class, I focused solely on the cube. That drawing class made my weekend.  

Since then, I have been to a few other art classes. I tried my hand at Ebru, a traditional Turkish art of painting on water. I learned how to make Monoprint, where you paint on glass or silicone and then press it onto paper. I even carved a horse-like animal out of a piece of insulation foam in another workshop. I can’t say that I have created anything of an aesthetic value, but, to my own surprise, the poor results don’t bother me. It’s not about creating something, but more about creating in a group setting.

As a writer, who usually works alone, I found sharing a creative space with others a very refreshing experience. It was interesting to watch artists at work. Not only was it inspiring to see what they can create, but more importantly, it was fascinating to observe their process. They approach everything with so much curiosity and open minded let’s-see-what-happens attitude. It is infectious and empowering. In such a safe, non-judgmental space, it becomes easy to tap to your own resources and allow your creative juices to flow.

It is ironic though that despite the many benefits coming from engaging in creative activities, our education systems marginalize it in the curriculum. When budgets are cut, the art classes are the first to go. In most high schools, Art is reduced to an elective, picked only by those pursuing an Art major. But isn’t creativity so much more than creating art?

To be creative means being able to generate original ideas and solutions. It’s about taking risks, thinking outside the box, and being resourceful. All those are vital skills in every aspect of our lives, from business to parenting. Why not cultivate them through something as simple and joyous as a little art project? After all, creativity is like a muscle. It must be exercised to serve us.