Rediscovering the Gushing Creative Well

By Chris Dunmire

Recently, I was given the opportunity to participate in an interview for an upcoming article about creativity by Kelle Walsh for Imagine Magazine. The questions were aimed at people who actively pursued creativity in their lives.

Article Premise: "The article is about the idea that while some people seemingly ooze creativity — we recognize them as our celebrated artists, dancers, musicians, designers, etc. — some suggest that we ALL possess a wellspring of creativity. Even if you feel like you are completely right brained, linear thinking, seeing the world in black and white, somewhere, somehow you experience and express creativity, the thinking goes, and if you can access that portal you can cultivate that creativity."

Kelle's questions and my answers follow.

Did you always think you were creative or is it something that you discovered later on in life?

I first became aware of my creativity around the age of five. From Kindergarten to fourth grade my favorite activities always included manila drawing paper, a big box of crayons, pasty glue, and colorful construction paper. I think I spent the whole second grade learning how to write in cursive and cutting up construction paper. I absolutely loved it, and miss that the most from my childhood.

But like so many others, my free flow of creativity waned as I grew older. By the time I entered high school, my insecure self-consciousness and yearning to fit in halted the growth of my authentic self. Even though I picked up sporadic journal writing as an outlet for my teenage angst, I "lost" my sense of creativity and forgot about the fun and adventure I previously enjoyed in creative pursuits.

If the latter, how did you discover it? Did you actively seek it out or did it come to you unexpectedly?

I'll answer this one too, since I "rediscovered" my creativity again later in life.

Life into my 20s centered on establishing an adult life for myself: working, marriage, and education. But deep inside I knew there was more to life —- more to me —- than domestic and career fulfillment. I knew this because a distinct part of me excitedly emerged during relaxed moments and jumped at opportunities to express itself through all sorts of creative endeavors.

Because of this, around 1999 I decided to revisit my creativity and venture into a new career field which relied heavily on creative thinking and artistic expression. Having gone back to school for a couple of years to study graphic design exposed me to a whole lot of other creative people, classes, and ideas.

It wasn't long before I realized a gushing well of creativity within me once again. But this time, my creativity excited me and motivated me to explore, experiment, and express to no end. It became a solid part of who I was; so I embraced it fully and continue to let it nourish me.

How do you express creativity in your life? What is your art?

I express my creativity in two primary ways: Through my work and in my never-ending personal projects. As for work, as a trained graphic designer I'm challenged in every project I do to conceptualize fresh ideas and apply my creativity in design solutions. I can't imagine any other work I would rather be doing.

My personal projects and hobbies allow me to push my creative interests and abilities. The Creativity Portal (www.creativity-portal) is the primary vehicle I use for experiments in design and writing, two of my strongest interests. Along with Web publishing, the Creativity Portal has opened doors to dabble in artistic projects and help encourage others to try new things, which in turn, inspire me even more.

What has this expression brought to your life?

Exploring and expressing my creativity on a daily basis has made a huge impact on my life and how I view the world. The act of creating for myself and for others brings me joy, and has opened many doors to exciting projects and opportunities. It's led the way to new thinking patterns and understanding others, and it's helped me to connect with tons of other people who nourish my muse.

Are you a full-time artist or do you do art (in some form) just for personal pleasure?

I'm a full-time designer and budding artist. I do both for work and for pleasure. I'm one of those people who never feels the need to "get away" from my work, because it doesn't feel like work to me. It's simply a part of who I am.

There are numerous books, guides, exercises etc., telling people how to access and cultivate their creativity. Did you ever try any of these? What worked for you and what didn't?

I'm a voracious reader of books, magazines, Web sites, and discussion boards. Different things work for different people, so I always take what's useful and leave the rest. I truly believe that the power of tapping into our creativity rests in our own hands, although mentoring from others to gain the confidence to take risks and just be creative! are helpful.

I don't live creatively by any particular school of thought or philosophy. I do what works for me, and if that includes tips and techniques from others, that's great. I try not to become too caught up in any one person or idea about "how to be creative" because we have different needs and interests. Some of us are more spontaneous in our approach, while others are contemplative. Ultimately, I don't believe any of us needs instruction from a book or other person to access our creativity. We have everything we need within us to be our best creative selves. We just need to listen and follow our instincts.

I credit my current enthusiasm and understanding of creativity to not only myself, but to many events, people, and places I've happened upon through the years. I actively look for inspiration everywhere and enjoy comparing notes with others. When I see someone else engaged in a creative life that they love, I look at how they got there. I study their work. I incorporate some of their techniques into my life. Everyone is a teacher and a student.

Some people who have inspired my creativity in recent years include Joy Sikorski, SARK, Alexander Calder, Robin Williams (the designer), and Georges Seurat. My inspiration list of people and things could go on for miles...

How would you recommend that someone could discover their creative talent and cultivate it?

Oh boy. This is like telling someone how to eat a big coconut cream pie with their hands. I say, "Just dig in!"

Really, I believe "when the student is ready, the teacher appears." That means when people have the desire and motivation to be creative, they will be. More practical words: don't be afraid. Create for yourself. Don't worry about what others think or feel about your own creative voice. Be enthusiastic about what you do. You are an original. Appreciate what you can do, and if you want to be better, put forth the effort. There is no failing when you try.

Most of all: Begin. Anywhere.

— Chris Dunmire

Interview Update: Pieces of this interview now appear in the Fall, 2004, issue of Imagine — a Meaningful Life magazine in Kelle Walsh's article Everyone is Creative: How to nourish and flourish your own creative style.

© 2004, 2008 Chris Dunmire. All rights reserved.