Tag Archives for creative practice

Deliberate Imperfections

Even if it’s never our intention, cropping the things we create to look at small areas has a way of magnifying their flaws.

Whether it’s the unsteadiness of drawn lines or how hard it is to capture the metallic sheen of gold ink in a uniform way in a photograph, our instinct is to search out the imperfections.

In many cultures, creating imperfections in things is a deliberate act. In Japanese culture, the act of creating deliberate imperfections is called “wabi sabi” and in Navajo culture, when applied to rug weaving, the resulting imperfection is called a “spirit line” or “spirit pathway.”

Knowing that these philosophies, and others, about making deliberate imperfections exist is sometimes comforting to someone like me who is a recovering perfectionist.

Nonetheless, whether we are aware that these philosophies exist or not, it’s up to us to take a step back when looking at the bigger picture, to accept and appreciate what we’ve created, flaws and all.

 

_____ Deliberate Imperfections – January 2020 – 1 _____

 

_____ Deliberate Imperfections – January 2020 – 2 _____

 

Gratitude and Creativity: My Weekend View

This was my weekend view.

There was nothing I needed to do all weekend except watch the snow fall and rest.

Being able to do that in a place that’s almost in the middle of nowhere and always quiet is something for which I am truly grateful.

 

 

Gratitude and Creativity: Even When…

I’m grateful that even when I’m not feeling great I try to do something creative.

Since becoming ill six and a half years ago, I’ve learned and understand how important it is to do things—especially creative things—to shift my focus, even temporarily, from constantly thinking about my pain.

Doing creative things reduces my stress and worry and adds to my sense of well-being. It makes me feel as if I’m accomplishing something with each page I fill up with lines and colours. Most importantly, doing something creative makes me happy.

Reconnecting with my creative abilities might be one of the best things that has happened to me because of my illness.

If you live with a chronic illness or chronic pain, what do you do that helps you cope with it?