To Get Creative, Get Curious

Dear Wonderful, Creative You:

What is sparking your creativity these days? For me, it’s been the tiny, itty bitty interior spaces of natural objects. I’m fascinated by the abstract shapes made by the gills of a fungus, or the holes and crevices in a piece of algae. I love the way they repeat across habitats and organisms too.

I just keep getting more and more fascinated by natural patterns. When I went for a hike with my family this weekend, I was astounded at the explosion of green around me in the mosses, lichens, and fungi, and the patterns of growth, clustering, and patterning on each individual organism. (My curiosity about natural patterns also helps me create the patterns we use in my free Slow Drawing Workshops.)

I let this curiosity feed my art practice. The more patterns I draw, the more I look for them in nature. The more I look for, the more I find, and so on. This positive feedback loop is powerful. And it all starts with indulging just the smallest little curiosity.

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Here’s the thing: curiosity and mindfulness feed each other. The more you indulge little curiosities, the more present you will be to the world around you, the more grounded and curious you’ll feel. The same is true in art. The more you explore those little curiosities, the more curious you become, the more fun you have, and the more art you make. And of course, the more you indulge curiosities generally, the more ideas you have for your art practice.

I’d love to hear about what’s driving your curiosity and creativity these days.

Creatively Yours,

Amy

6 Comments

SHARON HALLMAN on April 19, 2021 at 4:07 pm

I am 77 yrs. Old and just moved back to Oklahoma 6 months ago. My apt is small. I just sold my diningroom table and chairs and bought a new l shaped desk. I have had fun going through all my old art supplies. I had 6 hip replacements in Texas but feeling great now Ready to spend the rest if my life making fun art and playing with my 3 greatgrandchildren. Excited to see what new I can learn from you.
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- Amy Maricle on April 19, 2021 at 5:15 pm
  
  Hi Sharon! Oh wow – you are creating a beautiful space for art indeed! I’m so happy to hear it. If you haven’t already, you can join my mailing list with the form at the bottom of this post.
  
  XO
  Reply
Amy Semenchuk on May 11, 2021 at 5:01 pm

Love the Lichen!! I just went to a retreat last month and took several pictures of the lichen on the trees. it is such a mellow green!
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- Amy Maricle on May 12, 2021 at 9:56 am
  
  That’s so beautiful, Amy – cheers! So happy you got away too! xo
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Karen Hodgdon on August 1, 2021 at 4:40 pm

I collect the lichen and moss that fall of the roof of our garage and the old trees in front of our home. I leave it in the garage to dry out and then bring it in and set it in glass vessels, decorate around out Nativities at Christmas time, I’ll use pieces in decorative art; I absolutely love natural anything! Seashells and smooth stones are among my favorites.
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- Amy Maricle on August 2, 2021 at 7:28 am
  
  That’s such a beautiful practice, Karen! Thanks for sharing. xo
  Reply