Writer’s Life: Cleansing the Creative Palate
This past weekend, I got a chance to step back from writing a bit and explore some other creative pursuits. I had a great time visiting with my artist mother, and we slapped down some clay together Sunday afternoon. We got in our minds that we wanted to do figurines, but I didn’t have anything particular planned.
I let the clay speak to me and made a hollow football shape for the head. I mashed and molded it until a face began to emerge, starting with a pronounced chin and drawn brow. I paid special attention to expression, trying to create movement for the eye, while also maintaining balance. Plus, as often shows up in my work, a touch of whimsy. What emerged was this little wizard guy, Hairy Potter, because he has a hairy chest that you can’t see in the photo, and because you know, he’s made out of clay…
It was great to work with a different medium besides words, and it was good to remind myself that the same principles apply as do for constructing a story. Ceramics, painting, and drawing are my first loves, with writing being a relative latecomer, though it’s managed to take over a huge part of my life. I don’t mind at all, but sometimes it’s easy to get in a creative rut, where writing becomes a chore instead of a form of expression. So it’s important to cleanse the creative palate every once in a while–making art for the sake of art, without thoughts of publication and accolades creeping up in the back of the mind.
So what are your other creative talents? Have they taken a back seat to your writing? And if so, what would it take to renew your interest in dabbling again?
That’s very good, Nicole.
One of these days i’m going to spend some time learning how to mold clay and experimenting with paint.
It’s not a particularly creative thang, but i’ve recently started playing squash. It’s terrific exercise, and quite addictive. Having walls come into play makes the game require thought as well as running.
He looks amazing, and I love the name!
Music was actually my original pursuit. I went to college thanks to a piano audition, and played instruments in several concert and jazz bands through HS. I still play, but I haven’t performed or taught in over 20 years now. I draw from time to time, and sometimes it turns out ok. 😉 There are honeslty very few creative things that I don’t enjoy when I try them, but only music and words ever really grabbed me and wouldn’t let go.
Maybe it’s a phase of the moon or something, because I’ve had a lull this week. I made a big home-cooked meal yesterday and even baked cookies, and stepped away for a while, watched some TV with the kiddo and thought of other things. Guess I needed to recharge, too. I suspect we’ll have more of that than maybe we’re used to since we’re W1S1-ing. And with all the challenges you plan on tackling this year, you might want to regularly schedule recharge time so you’re not to miss out on it.
Do it, Sam! Squash sounds fun. How could a sport called “squash” not be fun?
And thanks, Shelly. Music is so awesome. I only wish I had an ear for it. Glad you’re keeping it up!