Starting today, a brand new column about embracing your creative side is going to be appearing right here on Here Women Talk. As a creativity coach, writer and artist (and a good dancer), I find that people think coaches are sweet and demure souls who wear sensible shoes and don’t speak above a whisper. Not true in my corner of the world – which is New York so you know I just might be overdosing on a little attitude and some passionate opinions. Accent is extra.
But in between that, I am here to help you all discover your creative side that has been buried away. Some of you were born with your creativity in you and some of you worked hard to develop your skills. But then life got in the way, and you took your stick figures or your first ten chapters and shipped them off to a boarding school. Time to bring them home. And I do believe that some of the most clever and creative people I know are quite skilled in the art of stick figure drawing. I say this right away just in case you tell me that you can only draw stick figures. I did mention that I am not demure and sweet, right?
Creativity is all about expressing oneself and that is why I am here. I had to fight back and make the time to write and draw again. And I have got to tell you that it has changed my life. I look at my keyboard like a long lost lover (or Javier Bardem – I am not known for being picky) and my art pads as my passport to travel wherever my mind wants to go.
The Creative Edge is here to encourage you to pick up a charcoal stick or a hit that keyboard again and create something breathtaking, thought provoking, humorous that could change the world at large. Do you think Picasso or F. Scott Fitzgerald really thought they could change the world? Picasso was too busy changing muses and poor F. Scott had one too many, but their art rose above it all because it was honest and authentic. I am a big believer that the arts can change the world, but I want your art to change your world first.
Each week we will delve into something different. We will explore your intuitive side and take your right brain out for lunch. I will answer your questions and help you get past your stumbling blocks. I want you all to think of this is as your safe haven. We will make the world a more beautiful place.
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To schedule a complimentary coaching session with elizabeth, contact elizabeth through her site at www.coachingforthecreativesoul.com.
To read her blogs about life and the world at large, please go to: www.Myviewsfromtheedge.com.
how wonderful – a virtual classroom with you, elizabeth, at the helm! this is exciting and surely will be stimulating.
congrats from shana
Shana- thanks so much. I promise to give only open book tests.
I look forward to what challenges you bring forth. It is always good to have a nudge.
Beth
Greetings, Elizabeth – Good to see you here on HWT!
The mysteries of creativity are many — yesterday I was really stuck on the just right pieces to finish a collage. This morning I when I got to my work table, I sat down and it all came together like a snap! Knowing when to give it up, trusting the solution will come in good time are just part of the creative process.
Like your column title — I am a believer in what I call the “growing edge” — that part of us that sprouts anew, green, fresh and sometimes tender. If I don’t have a growing edge to my life, it’s time to apply fertilizer! And I’m not opposed to Miracle-Gro!
Cheers,
Keddy
Hello Kaddy Thanks for such great words. Can I use them?? 🙂
Hi Elizabeth. Great post and a great thing to do for people; I know opening up my own creative life has centered me. I think your readers would really enjoy an interview with Lynda Barry. I’d love to interview her on Skype video if you have any interest. She’s a hoot and a true creative soul. Here’s a link to the NY Times article on her classes in Florida. I knew her (slightly) when she lived in Seattle and I bought some of her art. http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/30/magazine/cartoonist-lynda-barry-will-make-you-believe-in-yourself.html?pagewanted=all
Hi Cynthia- thanks for emailing me about Lynda Barry. An interview with her might be a good thing to do in the near future. Please come back often and let me know how the column is doing and if you have any questions, please email me. Thanks. take care.
elizabeth
Kay- I do believe that they are great tippers!
YAY! I’m looking forward to taking my right brain out to lunch.