Lost and Found Creativity
We frequently hear people complain of not being creative because they “can’t even draw a straight line.” Creativity and rendering skills frequently coexist, but you don’t have to draw straight lines in order to enjoy being creative. Creativity is generating and recognizing alternative solutions and communicating effectively. And perhaps key to many people, creativity is entertainment for others as well as themselves
There’s good news for the creatively challenged. There are ways to learn how to draw straight lines and be creative. And it doesn’t stop at drawing. The benefits of creativity are within reach of anybody who wants it and is willing to learn.
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Dawn Gettler is an expert in the field of book arts and printmaking at Prairie Center of the Arts where she and other instructors love what they do and want to share that love with the community.
Picasso said, “All children are born artists.” Unfortunately our K-12 educational system that was designed for the industrial age is still being used in the digital age. Children might be born artists, but few get out of today’s public school system with their creative thinking intact. Creativity in the classroom can create chaos if not handled properly. Schools don’t function well if they are following only standardized tests. Ultimately children are discouraged from being creative in favor of rules and regulations required to keep the system orderly. If your experience in school did not foster a love of the arts and creativity, then you are not alone.
Fortunately the public educational system is not the only place for learning new skills and ideas. Options for learning and practicing creativity and art skills are everywhere in our community, and they are not limited just to children. Adults need creativity as well. If for no other reason creativity is a necessary tool for problem solving. Problems have to be turned on their head in order to be looked at differently. Creative people are natural problem solvers because they search for alternatives. They make connections that lead to answers. Creative people aren’t afraid of making mistakes so their search for answers is not confined to the tried and true. The tools of creativity work for anybody who chooses to use them.
The easiest way to learn and understand the benefits of creativity is to seek out novel experiences. So if you are interested in rekindling the joys of creativity you were born with, Peoria has several places that will do just that.
Contemporary Art Center, Prairie Center of the Arts, The Hive, Art Garage, Wheel Art, Peoria Riverfront Museum, Peoria Park District and Michaels have great opportunities ranging from drawing to pottery to print making to photography.
Just being around others who are passionate about what they love is enough to spark your own interest to learn. They will share the things they have learned and give you a jump-start in becoming more creative. Interested in how to draw straight lines? Move using your elbow instead of your wrist and practice, practice, practice.