The new year is always a great time to start anew. To create new goals and set new targets. And often, I like to make these types of lists, addressing various aspects of my life – for personal growth and relationships to creativity and career.
When it comes to creativity, here are the top goals on my list for this year -
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For some reason, typing the search phrase “Altered Arts” on Google doesn’t bring terrific results. Sure, I get the links to two interesting resources on this topic within the first two pages: Altered Arts Magazine and the Altered Book Club. I even got a couple of links to my own work on the first page. But, a person looking for an idea on what exactly is altered arts or a person looking for tips and tricks on creating altered arts just might get a bit lost in the beginning. You see, right now, I think there’s not enough easily available resources on the web regarding this young topic. I’m hoping that I can help change this.
So, consider this piece a first on a series of writings and demos on altered arts — a relatively new field in the world of art. At least, in the modern context. I believe art alterations have been going on for ages. It’s just not recognised and documented enough. Altered art pieces are the sort that you either love ‘em or hate ‘em. Obviously, I’m with the former group. There may not be a lot of us, but I know that I’m not the only member of this group either.
What are Altered Arts anyway?
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Stop waiting for inspiration. Sometimes, inspiration only comes to those who dare to do something even without a ‘muse’.
So, dare to create! Create boldy. Create NOW.
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Title: Finding What You Didn’t Lose: Expressing Your Truth and Creativity Through Poem-Making
Author: John Fox
Purchase @ Amazon
When it comes to writing, poetry is my first love. I think it was love-at-first-read when I came across my mother’s old notebook filled with poetry she copied from books and magazines. I never thought of my mother as someone who would love poetry and take the trouble of copying poems in notebooks. But then, there are things we don’t always know about our mothers. And, other people we love for that matter.
Yet when we read someone’s writing, someone’s words, a connection sparks. No wonder many women’s hearts had been won over by a short note, an email, a card, or a poem attempted by an ardent suitor. One of my favourite couples who had exchanged written words and ended up in blissful marriage is Robert Browning and Elizabeth Barrett Browning.
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What do you think of when you look at waters, boats and sunsets? Does this photo make you remember of a place you’ve once visited or a feeling you’ve once experienced?
Here are some creative prompts for you:
1) Complete the sentence: “When the sun sets…”
2) Think of the colours of sunsets. What are they? Take your crayons or paints out and choose those colours. Start making a picture using just the colours of sunsets. You don’t need to make another sunset, of course.
3) Look for a poem that has the word ’sunset’ in it. Read it out loud. Savour it and think of what it really means. Create your own piece with the word ’sunset’. It can be anything – an essay, a short story, a poem, or even a word collage.
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A journal is something that a writer must never live without. It doesn’t matter if it’s just a cheapo’ notebook from the local office supply shop. When used, it becomes a priceless treasure.
In more than two decades, I managed to fill piles of notebooks with stories, ideas, clippings, doodles, quotes, drawings, anecdotes, and poems. And, I have been lugging these notebooks from country to country, every time I find myself moving (I’m in my fourth country now). I can throw clothes and shoes, leave stuff toys and gifts, donate expensive ornaments and appliances, but I can never bear to throw or leave any of my writing journals away.
In fact, I still find myself looking through them every now and then to get new ideas for a story or article, to finish a piece I began months or years ago but never had the energy to complete back then, and/or to rehash favourite themes.
What about you? Do you have a journal yet? If not, what’s stopping you from starting one? [click to continue…]
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When you’re feeling stuck and uninspired with your art-making or writing, the best thing to do is to do something else. Here are some activities and ideas that you might like to try.
1) Walk, jog or run. OK, let me first place a disclaimer: I’m not a big fan of exercise. I do, however, acknowledge that it’s good for one’s body, mind and soul. So, even though I’m not an exercise freak, I always feel refreshed and inspired after a good walk, stretch, dance or pilates session. That’s why I highly recommend it too.
2) Read or look at books, magazines, newspapers, photo albums, scrapbooks, etc. I’m a visual person. I can’t help but feel inspired when I read well-written books or look at great images.
3) Attend classes, seminars or workshops. Writing, painting, photography, and many other creative pursuits can be very isolating. That’s why it’s always great to mingle with other like-minded individuals. And, of course, improving your knowledge and skills should definitely help too.
4) Go window shopping! No, really. There are just so many ideas at the mall. It’s probably because shops are often buzzing with colour, shapes, sounds, smells and people. So, go ahead and spend a few hours just taking it all in.
5) Start creative eavesdropping. It’s an embarrassing habit, I know. But, that’s the wonderful part about being a creative individual — you have the license to do embarrassing stuff every now and then. And yes, listening is a great tool for creativity! [click to continue…]
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Sometimes, all you need is silence – a break from the hustle and bustle of life – in order to create.
Go out there and have fun. Or, stay in your jammies and relax.
Whatever you do, just remember: YOU ARE SPECIAL. YOU ARE CREATIVE. No one else in the world can do the things you do quite like the way you do them.
Revel in your uniqueness. Be happy.
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Cut paste poetry is a simple, fun poem-making activity that you can try anytime. You don’t need any fancy materials to get started. You just need the following:
- Stack of old magazines, brochures, and/or newspapers
- Scissors*
- Paste or Glue*
- Lots of Paper or a Notebook
- Dry Container like an envelope, a plastic tumbler,
etc. (optional)
Once you have these materials, you’re all set to start making cut paste poetry. Just follow these steps: [click to continue…]
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Title: Succulent Wild Woman: Dancing with Your Wonder.full Self
Author: SARK
Purchase: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/068483376X/indigoinn/
I bought this book at Angus and Robertson Book Store in Brisbane (Aus) on the 10th of June 2001 around 12.30pm. A few hours later, I finished reading the book. That’s how fun this is!
I first came across Sark’s work while I was living in California (USA). I wanted to buy her book so badly. But, at that time, I held back. And, every time I came across her books, I kept holding back. After reading [click to continue…]
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