Sometimes I feel like art is less about directing creative energy, and more about getting out of the way. Allowing it to come to life just as it wants to. It becomes a lot like giving birth. You can set up the safe space or structure for when creativity arrives, but the artist is simply the vessel to channel it.
From as long as I can remember, I’ve worked in creative realms, whether it be dance, music, or photography. I feel there is a reason why people talk about creative “juices”. It can be pushed to get it started, but often art needs space to flow. Ever hear someone say “the book wrote itself” or “suddenly it was just pouring out of me”. Creativity is that energy. Often in a creative space I feel a part of myself self step away, and become almost in a trance with the process.
When I write music I find it’s more about listening. What’s on my mind and heart that I need to hear? And then as I play an instrument, what notes do I hear next floating on the ether?
With photography, I’m always in awe of highly technical artists who can build sets and direct light in incredible and precise ways. I’ve always found that although I can work in that technical mindset to a degree, my focus is more about the intangible dance of my subject and myself. I love to leave a lot of space for people to be themselves, and allow whatever creativity and magic that wants to show up be seen. If music is about listening, photography is about seeing, but also about being seen. It is the mirror.
Lately I feel almost invisible or disembodied. As the world changes I wonder if a new version of myself is being born. I am always trying to build and direct my business in certain ways, but often it feels less like building something and more like being on a runaway train. The more I fight what it wants to be, the more exhausted and frustrated I become. But when I have the courage to allow myself and my art to show up just as it is AND lovingly embrace it, my energy is endless, and boundless.
Lately I’ve realized how in order to create the best art I can, I need to support this creative self by creating structure, balance, and stability. I can do this by getting enough sleep, eating well, cleaning my studio, exercising, etc. Essentially, self care. But equally important is self acceptance. Deciding how I want to show up in the world, but lovingly embracing and sharing my highest and most authentic self. It is creating that safe space to be me, and to be seen. If I had one goal when photographing someone, it would be to create that safe space for them to be seen too.
