Today I’m posting another Creating Equals Playing doodle. I was inspired to continue with this theme by a recent post called “Taking a Load Off”, by Janece of The Wild Pomegranate Blog. I’ve added her blog to my blog roll.
http://thewildpomegranate.com/
Janece had spoken about how surrounding yourself with positivity can lead to more positivity. Sometimes negativity and self-criticism can creep into one’s creative process. When I first started this blog I had a lot of self-doubt, and I was fortunate that I found my way onto a positive path in creating these posts.
The idea of creating without goals was inspired by something Dr. Stewart Brown said in an interview. Play is extremely important to the health of the human brain, and there are many types of play. He mentioned a whole list of activities that can be play, including writing and creating artwork. The most important factor that determines whether an activity is play rather than work is whether or not there is a goal in the activity. If the players are playing to win, then it becomes work. If you intend to achieve something, it’s not the kind of play he is talking about. If you are putting yourself under stress with the intention of the activity leading to an achievement of a goal, then it can no longer be considered play, and it is not tapping into the part of the brain that is stimulated by play. I think everyone needs to play more whether it’s social play or laughing and joking with people, playing games, or creating something.
This blog is my way of playing at creating, and I need to be remind myself to keep it as a playful activity for myself.
this is why I love this blog,visual attraction with positive input, nice job Time. I finally got the scanner working, (that was a challenge) and I drew a picture last night for my first scan attempt. I’ll post it on zendictive in a bit (check me out ) your an inspiration and a joy to read (~_~) bows humble
Art~
Hi Art, I will definitely check out your drawing. That’s really exciting about the scanner and drawing! And it’s great to hear the blog inspires you!
Tim
http://zendictive.wordpress.com/2011/10/17/tiger-and-redbird/
okay check this out (grin)
Hi Art, Thanks for the link, it’s exciting to you sharing your art!
Tim
I would absolutely agree that you do a beautiful job of portraying for us ‘playing while creating.’ And I love Ms. Janece and her Wild Pomegranates, too! xo
Hi Jackie, Thanks so much for the feedback – this blog is a constant reminder for me to be playful at creating. It’s like therapy.
Tim
PLAY away, Tim … you benefit and so do all of your subscribers.
Hi Bonnie, I’m so glad people are getting something out of this blog. It’s amazing how it’s possible to start something creative without having a clear idea where it will go, and if you keep at it with an open mind, it begins to take on a life of its own.
Tim
Wow I love the sketch almost sloppy style (forgive me I don’t know how to better phrase it) while still being instantly able to make out the image. Absolutely wonderful. If you’ve got some time on your hands, my coauthor and I are hosting a contest on our blog: http://wp.me/p1HrCI-ex Would love to see you enter.
-Eliabeth
Hi Eliabeth, I don’t mind the term sloppy style! I will definitely check out your contest. I’m intrigued.
Tim
Tim 🙂
I’ve been sitting here ‘struggling’ with what to write for 30 minutes and your post was the absolute BEST thing I could have read! PLAY indeed!! Thank you for the words of wisdom, and the much needed pep talk!
Also, thank you so much for mentioning this post! Apparently I really hit a chord because this is the second time this morning I’ve seen it mentioned! LOL
Hi Janece, I’m so glad you saw this and you found it helpful! You definitely struck a chord with me, because it’s something I’ve struggled with – the self-criticism, comparing my work with others. I think it’s great to try to create the best work possible, and striving to improve. But I think there’s a danger in making it a competition with other people’s work. Everyone has their own unique energy to tap into, and I’m trying to make my work an exploration and a celebration of that!
Tim
Well, hmmmm. I’ve read this post a couple of times. First, your sketch is cool. I like the lines. They make me feel “motion”. Second, as I read your post it occurred to me that I don’t “play” enough in the creative area of my life. I have fun at it but there is usually some underlying need to achieve something. I’m learning. I had never painted until October 2010 and have no technique training so I never feel what I do is good enough or that what I created is truly acceptable. It’s time to stop that and learn to play and just be me. Thank you for sharing. You are helping others in ways you can’t imagine. Have a wonderful day.
Hi Laurie, I can relate to that need to achieve.The desire to achieve can be a a great motivator, and I’m not knocking that. That need to achieve has gotten me far in my career, but I also have the need to play, and I was really losing sight of that before I started this blog. I think what it all boils down to is the deepest satisfaction with your work will probably come from being yourself. And I wonder if the greatest acceptance might begin with self-acceptance!
Tim
Hi Tim. Yes…A desire to achieve is a great motivator. I think, for me, it’s about balance. Finding time to play is just as important as taking time to focus. I know what you mean about losing site. I do the same thing and I do it pretty often. But each day is a new day to try again. 🙂 Your reply is very well stated and I completely agree and will think of these comments as I put them into practice.
Hi Laurie, Yes, each day is a new opportunity to try again!
Tim
Look forward to your daily “play.” Hoping to win your ceral box canvas painting.
Hi Judy, Thanks for the feedback. I need to create a new cereal box painting for the giveaway. I unintentionally created some confusion with that. Laurie – Blackbeary Forest has actually won that canvas and the choice of the art was hers, but I will create a new one for another giveaway. Thanks for following the blog.
Tim
I agree completely! Well said…and drawn. That’s one of the main reasons I created my “creativity” blog. It is very healing to just let the creativity flow, whatever it may be.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts – healing is a great word to use. Creating Equals Healing, too.
Tim
Wow, you really hit me with this one today! Its exactly whats been going through my head for sometime now. I have stressing about crafting! How silly is that?! lol…. no more…. just gonna have some fun!!
Thanks, have a wonderful day!!
Allana
Hi Allana, I think it’s an interesting thing that happens when you realize you want to make a shift in your perception of things. It’s possible sometimes to turn something stressful into something that’s relaxing and playful.
Tim
Another nice one. My son was into skateboarding. Liked watching him do his tricks, scared me though. TFS!!
Diana/b4ustamp
Hi Diana, I know I want to cringe sometimes when I see what they do!
Tim
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Found your blog through Creativity Aroused. Love this post and the drawing is both fun and very true!
Thanks for the compliments and letting me know how you found my blog!
Tim