What Becomes of Our Creative Influence?

By Chris Dunmire

Today while transferring over my essay, Seeds of Creativity, I couldn't help but smile at the thought of an eager 8-year-old girl, Susie* who came to one of my Crafty Christmas Artshops last month.

After brief introductions, but before we pulled up our sleeves for some creative crafting, I gave a small, but meaningful mini-lecture about creativity to the kids in the group. I wanted them to become more aware of how important creativity is to progress and development, and how they are being creative in their daily lives, not only through artistic means, but through their play and how they think.

Susie raised her hand and asked, "Is cooking creative?"

"Absolutely," I assured her.

She sat back satisfied and with a serious day-dreamy look filling her eyes — I could see the wheels turning. Even when you don't think kids are paying attention, they are.

A few days later I received a note from the center's director about my class with kudos from Susie's mom. Not only did Susie enjoy the class, but she went home and talked about 'what she learned about creativity while naming some things she does that she thinks are creative.' Her mom thought it was really cute and I was pleased that Susie left the class thinking. I knew some seeds were planted, and to me, sprouting seeds are the rewards of teaching.

Here's my "Seeds of Creativity" essay, which I originally wrote in 2004. Today I add to it the question, what becomes of our creative influence? I hope to know Susie when she's grown up.

Seeds of Creativity

© 2004 Chris Dunmire

When I hear people remark that we are all connected on some deeper level than what appears to the superficial eye, I quietly think about instances in my life where I find it difficult to disagree.

Think about how easy it is to get caught up in the flurry of energy generated by a group of people aligned with the same goals or beliefs. Are you religious? Do you keep up with the games of your favorite sports team? Have you ever partnered with a favorite cause?

Attending a football game or a Sunday morning church service illustrates the power of being on the same wavelength with others. It's as if people all tune into the same frequency and are guided by the collective power of their own energy.

But then again, I've found that it doesn't necessarily take a large body of people to inspire and motivate us. In our relationships with our friends, spouses, and children we often exercise great influence over their lives, not by telling them what to do, but just by being who we are. In the same vein, we are also influenced by the residual energy (expression) of others delivered through books, films, music, art, and our own memories.

In recent years I've paid more attention to things that influence me. I've realized that I'm inspired by art and creativity of all kinds: children's sidewalk doodles, blooming lilac flowers, clever marketing ads, beautiful watercolor paintings, and even the swirl milk makes in my morning coffee.

The influence others has over our lives was reinforced to me two nights ago when I attended a garden party art gallery featuring the work of several local artists. One of the artists I personally knew, Anna*, remarked to me that "artists are a dime a dozen." I found it disheartening that she didn't realize the impact her artistic talent had on others, specifically me.

I had known Anna since I was 14 years old. Anna was a friend of the family and gifted with the ability to paint. I remember visiting Anna's house many times as a teenager, one year watching the progression of a mural she was painting on her basement wall with acrylics. Each time I'd visit, the mural would be further along with more detail added. I remember thinking to myself at the time how awesome it was that Anna could paint things to look as realistic as they did. Because I couldn't draw my way out of a paper bag, I deeply respected Anna's ability and would be inspired by the memories of her efforts later on in life. Seeing Anna Friday night brought back a flood of memories and rekindled a certain enthusiasm within me.

I hope Anna will someday realize that others are touched by her creativity and appreciate that her work is worth more than 'a dime a dozen.' Maybe she's not realizing the empowering potential of the creative process ... or doesn't know how inspiring she is to others.

I left the exhibition with an abundance of energy, inspiration, and gratitude. And on a deeper level within I knew that I was changed somehow, just by taking in the works of the local artists.

By the way, I asked Anna about that mural on her wall... she never finished it. •

* Not their real names

© 2004, 2009 Chris Dunmire. All rights reserved.