In The In between

One of the reasons I love art festivals is I get to talk art with lots of people. Some are other artists, some just appreciate art, and some are hopeful, beginning, learning, trying. And those are some of my favorite people to talk to! Each time I come away with new perspective.

This past Saturday I heard many of the same types of comments from folks. But one in particular struck me. A young man who stood staring at a painting , when asked if he painted said no but he appreciates art. He then said " I need to find time to be more creative" And my lightbulb went off. I replied "find time in the in between spaces"

Creativity, art, doesn't have to be a full time job. There are moments in most days that are "in Between" I'm not sure what that looks like for any individual, but for me... it's waiting for the pasta water to boil, while I am drinking my morning coffee, or waiting for a load of laundry to finish. {quick note: do be careful when cooking. Getting sidetracked can have some smoky results! }

And the act of creating can also take many forms.... sometimes it thinking through a project, or jotting down those thoughts that come at random , or sketching out an idea in a notebook. and Yes, sometimes its putting paint to canvas a bit at a time.

One young lady I spoke with was sorry she had not brought any of her supplies with her to college. Dorms are small after all. My encouragement to her was, "break will be here soon, bring some back. All you really need is 5 tubes...3 primaries, a black, and a white, and instead of canvas, pick up a pad of canvas paper. None of that will take up much space .....then in the in between! paint."

So carve out an entire weekend to create if you are able, take a class, join a group. But even when those types of commitments seem too much, there are lots of small moments in between to foster a creative life.

Till next time