Divine Wondering–The Art Therapy Journal No.3
Play, Explore…CREATE.
When we were children it felt like no one had to teach us how to play, be curious, and dream. Back then we would sit deeply in the seat of inspiration, exploring the textures before us, awash in sensations. We weren’t as much performers as we were tiny adventurers and life-livers, fully present to the moments before us. You didn’t have to be a painter to paint, and you certainly didn’t have to be a dancer to dance.
What changes? What changed?
In Australia when we do ‘art’ in school it begins as an area of play and exploration in early childhood and education(primary school). It starts out as this safe and explorative space. However, at some point in high school it becomes a technically-focused area of learning, and students’ creative experiences are integrated into the ‘pass/fail’ paradigm of our modern school system. This suddenly puts an outside value on our young people’s creativity and in turn, garners a deep insecurity in most people within that space of creating.
How many of us have heard or SAID the words: “I’m not creative” or “Oh yeah, I love art but I can’t do it” or “Oh no I’m not a REAL artist”?
This happens because we’ve been forced into a non-existent competition where no one wins. Except the act of creating and our creative identity(which impacts every aspect of our lives and selves) is inherently uncompetitive. It’s only through breaking out of that false narrative that creativity can fulfill its true purpose in and through our lives. So, what does that look like for us?
It is through connection, it is problem-solving, communication, and pondering.
It is whimsy and imagination and dreaming and hoping and living.
I propose that creativity isn’t actually a gifting, personality, or profession. Rather it is an ingrained part of our identity. It is also a God-given tool to allow us to explore the life around us and connect with Abba.
Erwin R. McManus says, “So, who is an artist? Anyone who has a soul.”
It’s in the new recipes you love to pioneer in your kitchen, the same kitchen you invite people into to bask in relationship. Or it’s the illegible doodles you draw while you’re on the phone that help you to concentrate on your conversation(I can’t be the only one). Maybe the way you put together your outfit for the day, the way you plant your garden, or how you tackle the latest issue in your workplace. It’s in finding new ways to show your loved ones you care and in engaging with the opportunities that arise to connect with strangers.
We all have the capacity to explore, play, seek and connect with God. You, my friend, are creative. You, my sister and brother, are an artist.
But it’s up to you to decide what to do with that part of your identity.
Now, this is relevant to those scared to touch a fresh sheet of watercolour paper because they never have before and don’t feel like they’re creative. However, all artists, in every form they come, probably need to explore for themselves what it looks like to step out of the hamster-wheel. What happens when you stop comparing the worth of your art against those you deem better or worse than you? And how would it feel to disengage from the pass/fail paradigm?
We need to be who we are, not do who we are. You’re God’s and have been made with your own creative blueprint. Be creative, don’t just do creative.
Here’s my challenge for you:
Be courageous
Play
Explore
Dream
Connect
Ask God to give you new eyes to all the ways he wants to engage your creativity
Try to create something artistic for maybe the first time. Or create with new materials you haven’t tried yet. Invite God into not just your ‘art’ space, but into your lounge rooms, kitchen, workplace, school, church, etc. Ask Abba about the lines we’ve drawn around creativity and watch him break them down.
This doesn’t quite feel like a finished thought, and I don’t actually think it can be. We can consider together. I’d love to hear your thoughts and revelations.
With love and in peace,
M.
*This month we’re pairing Michaela’s musings with an episode coming from The Liturgists Podcast. This particular episode so effortlessly trends on the same themes that this post lives in that we couldn’t not make it available to you–especially if you(like us) are itching to dwell more in this reality of allowing yourself the permission to play in your creativity and within that, finding restoration and healing. Happy listening!