When I tell you I get forwarded a lot of ideas for craft projects to do at Studio Sol, I mean I get A LOT. On social media alone, I get about 10 personal profile or business profile tags, private messages, or shares to my page daily—sometimes more—all with ideas for projects to do at Studio Sol or in my community engagement work. For one person with no social media manager, it could become overwhelming. I don’t mind it one bit.
I love it when someone sees a cute craft, especially for kids, and thinks of me. It shows me my work is appreciated by others and reminds me people are thinking of me. That’s always nice. It often gets my creative wheels turning for an upcoming project. That’s also nice. However, most of the time I don’t end up doing the suggested projects just as they are sent.
It’s not because the suggestions aren’t absolutely adorable or aren’t great ideas. They are. But, when I’m planning projects for the people who come to my studio or engage with me out in the wild, I tend to like less structure, and more play and discovery.
The projects I choose have enough guidance for the person to accomplish finished products that look, factoring in differences in motor skills and other aspects of development, similar to my example. Again, my projects are designed to promote joy and play for anyone, of any age or cognitive ability. Heck, a fastidious mimic could probably make an exact copy, if that is their goal—which is fine and dandy.
But, for me, the importance of creativity lies much more in the value of the process. The good stuff, as a facilitator, lies in nurturing and respecting the differences between creators (that is, after all, how we develop our distinct creative voices), and encouraging the willingness to play, experiment, and take risks.
It’s all good stuff, creativity. When a person creates something, they access a deeper part of who they are. I get the most excitement when I feel, or see in others, the wildness and curiosity, the ability to just be present and frenetic and imperfect in that creative moment. That only comes from being immersed in their creative flow. It’s magic. It’s therapy. It’s unbridled joy.
A soul’s purest expression can only be found when they are allowed to drop the baggage of expectation and judgment and just be who they truly are. Creativity can help with that. Creativity can, and does, change lives. And, even better, it’s available to all of us.
All we have to do is ditch the directions, lean into the moment, and just let go.
Sara Middleton is a freelance columnist and resident artist/owner of Studio Sol Gallery & Creative Space in Eagle Grove, Iowa. Email her at sara.studiosol@gmail.com or find Studio Sol on Facebook or Instagram.
