January is International Creativity Month. Artists might yawn and say, “We don’t need a special month for creativity. We’re creative every day.” That’s what I thought at first, until I realized that it’s not aimed at artists. International Creativity Month was founded by Randall Munson as “a month to remind individuals and organizations around the globe to capitalize on the power of creativity.” Munson combines his creative talents as a master magician, ventriloquist and professional clown with his years of experience as a business executive for major companies likes IBM to teach others about the power of imaginative thinking.
So where do artists fit in? Artists can be excellent mentors, providing guidance and insights to those who are learning to step into their own creativity, not to become artists but to bring more right-brained thoughts and actions into their businesses as well as their personal lives.
Take a look at blog posts on creativity and almost every one will suggest that those who wish to increase their level of creative thinking should go to art exhibitions, visit museums, read books on art and talk to artists whenever they can.
So for artists, International Creativity Month should be a celebration of who we are and the value of what we offer to the world. For everyone else, it is a reminder that each is us is creative to some degree and by tapping into our naturally artful nature, we can enhance our work and our personal lives.
What does the world look like through the lens of an Artist Mind? Here’s a fun and fascinating glimpse, including highlights from previous Artful Vagabond posts:
1. The Artist Mind has the curiosity of a small child (or a cat, if you prefer).
2. Rules are meant to be broken. Or at least challenged.
3. Artists embrace their mistakes. They are the roots of true innovation.
4. Ideas are like potato chips – you can never have just one.
5. For artists, creating isn’t a choice – it’s a necessity.
6. Creative ideas often begin as a vague whisper. They evolve rather then arriving fully-formed.
7. To the Artist Mind, the whole world is an art show.
8. A creation is never “done”. An artist simply knows when to stop.
9. Creativity always looks like play. But it’s really serious work. Really.
10. For the Artist Mind, there are a million ways to experience a sunset.
11. An artist never takes anything at face value. Ideas are meant to be turned upside down and examined from every side.
12. The Artist Mind is never afraid to explore uncharted territory. Oh, the places you’ll go!
Spend a day with an artist. It’ll change how you think.
- SerenaK
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Hi Serena,
Creativity time in January seems to come in bigger chunks — I love being in my studio in January! Outside is grey in my region and has a cold-muffled silence– no distractions. Creativity in January goes full-throttle ! Bravo International Creativity Month form inside the studio too!
Great perspective from inside the studio, Bets!
- SerenaK
I agree artists think differently than people that do not create. In my high school class (1960) the Last Will & Testament said, “Fred Zigler thought up dumb things to argue about because almost everything I thought up was dumb.” In 1960, and growing up in the conforming 1950s, my ideas about a lot of things were different than my classmates. They are still different than a lot of them, but more classmates have come over to the left side of the political spectrum where I reside. My political art also resides on the left.
It took me a long time to realize that the reason I thought differently from most people was because I’m an artist. I just assumed that I was somehow “wrong” and spent years trying to be like everyone else. When I finally left the corporate world for an artist’s loft, I felt like I had finally come “home”.
Glad to see you continue to “think differently” and inspire, Fred. Critical thinking is a big part of what we, as artists, have to offer others.
SerenaK
Awww. That’s great. I don’t pay a lot of attention to monthly celebrations/recognitions/ etc… my bad. Love it! The reasons behind the creation of …Creativity Month and the “lens of an Artist Mind” list is right on. LOL! Thank you for continuing to inform and inspire. =)
As artists, we have to grab every creative celebration we can!
- SerenaK
Great post
for the longest time I thought I was different
because i was gay. Now I know I’m
diffrrent because I am an Artist. . .
How powerful! Thank you for sharing that inspiring insight, Nicke!
- SerenaK
hola , i just have seen that you folow me in twitter . Iliked very much , only to say you hullow
It is always a pleasure to connect with fellow artists!
- SerenaK