‘Art’ – to give it a broad brushstroke (if you’ll excuse the pun) - isn’t limited to, umm, well, art. Art is really creativity and the reflection of it. It is the expression of life itself. I have heard many people say they are not creative, I hear it all the time. Sometimes I question my creativity, I think most people do. What we forget or don’t realise is that we, our very selves, are an expression of creativity. In fact, we could go so far as to say that we are all works of art.

Anything from our appearance or how we communicate, such as stringing a sentence together or use of body language, to the use of tools is all creative expression. Even how we approach the lows and the highs, cooking, playing music, playing footie, mathematics, mark making on a piece of paper, all of this makes up our own unique and creative footprint. Sometimes that creative energy moves and swirls so fast, with absolute joy, sometimes it slows down and becomes reflective.

Creativity, and the application (or non-application) of creativity present challenges we must rise to so we can grow and learn and develop in order to feel healthy and happy. It can be hard, it can be bleedin’ obvious, but what I do know is this, we all embody that same energy. What we feel and think is what others feel and think because behind all life is the same creative energy. That great big ocean of creativity we sometimes leave to genres and categories, such as art. Without it, we would be zombies.

So, if you just fancy drawing or dabbling in paint, but you are a bit unsure of how you approach it, then this is my advice to you. Find out what it is about the pencil or the paint that really excites you. How does it feel to put the lead of the pencil on to the paper and draw a mark with it? Make marks, stick holes in the paper with your pencil, doodle, anything, just as long as you explore and have fun. It doesn’t matter what it looks like. After a while, you will notice creative thoughts and ideas bubbling inside you. Ha! you have just met your Creative Guide and friend. Here’s one I made earlier (above).

Enjoy the journey!