The Cycles of Creation-The Artist’s Journey Creativity Reflection Journal
We are approaching a special time of year, a time of happenings both celestial and cerebral.
As most everyone knows, this is the time of year in the Northern Hemisphere where the days are shortest and darkest. It is also a time of internal reflection and outward ceremony, and I believe this is related to the lack of light and color in the environment.
One half of the world leans away from the Sun and withdraws into itself under the cloak of darkness.
The world is brown and grey but our hearts sing of life and light.
We are in the balance of destruction and creation, where the season of old things fades away but the season of new has not yet begun.
We make up for this lack of light and color by creating it ourselves.
Many religions have celebrations at this time of year, celebrations where people draw close, bright colors are everywhere, light is nourished and protected, music and food overflow.
What does this have to do with creativity?
For something to be born, to be created, something else must pass away. As I have written earlier, creativity is about decision, from the Latin decidire, meaning to cut away.
This is the time of year for pruning, cutting away the old to make way for the new.
In this quiet and inward-turning time, one can hear oneself think. Skittish ideas stop flitting around and perch on branches and look you in the eye.
Recently, we explored the idea of the adjacent possible, the notion that at any moment there is a spider-web of paths leading away from where one stands, and the action of each step creates a new set of paths.
Awareness of this continuously renewing world of possibilities is the key to creativity.
We are continuously writing and rewriting our narratives. Reality is a bit slippery and diaphanous, despite impressions of solidity and permanence.
Given this continuously shifting reality, it’s a good idea to keep track of where one has been.
In Greek mythology, Theseus in the labyrinth of the Minotaur brought along a ball of thread to map his steps so he could live to tell his story of victory.
To be able to explore the labyrinth of the adjacent possible requires a cutting away, a removal of past encumbrances, a cleaning of the mud off of one’s existential boots so as to more easily walk on new paths.
This is the task that awaits creative people, should they choose to accept it.
I have found that this time of year is rich in reflection. Healing and strengthening happen in its quiet recesses.
What appears static is actually energetic, a coiling of energies. This time is pregnant with possibility.
On my own personal journey of creativity, I received advance copies of my new book, The Artist’s Journey: Creativity Reflection Journal.
There is nothing like a physical book in one’s own hands to make something feel real, slippery or not.
I wrote this book to guide and encourage people on their creative journey, to be the ball of thread that helps them find their way and to cultivate awareness of the adjacent possible in the creative process. It contains a set of participatory reflections to develop insight into creativity.
I chose to launch this book at this time of year because I believe this is a pivotal time in ones’ creative cycle, motivated by the internal and external dynamics I talked about above.
The sunlight may be wan and weak, but one can still read.
As you set out on new paths, let this book be your guide to keep track of your journey and to reflect upon it in future quiet times, times that will come just as surely as the Earth orbits around the Sun.
With gratitude from my studio to yours,
Nancy
I am looking forward to getting my copy of the book, in January and am delighted to learn that I will have the opportunity to participate in the creativity immersion program. Thank you for sharing your experiences and thoughts with us.
Thank you Sharon. I look forward to seeing you in the creativity program in February.
Warmly, Nancy
I am looking forward to receiving your latest book and starting off the New Year with another tool at my disposal.
Thank you.
Hi Keri! Thank you so much for your encouragement and support. I wish for you a wonderful New Year and new decade!
Warmly,
Nancy
Can’t wait. Love your big smile. I know I’ll be smiling too and so will the friends I give it to. Thanks – you generous soul. Big Hug.
Hi Julie! Ah…thank you! You’re so sweet. Yes, I was elated that day when the advance review copy of the book came in. Big hugs and love to you too.
Can’t wait.
Thank you Julie!
i love to feel this synchronicity with others on the creative path in whatever form it takes. After reading your blog today, skimming it really, as i have said i don’t read in a linear way….i reflected on my morning activity,….i was clearing a table i love in my side room to prepare for small starts in a new leather bound book i found at barnes and noble last month. i am called to use black and white and pulled down a jar of homemade walnut ink to add to my colors.
listening to me, and listening to others – teachers – you particularly today- i am able to notice and acknowledge the creative path i have taken in my life. it is settling around me, i feel the roots are sturdy and deep.
here’s to this turning within time
and the voices that we hear, resonating with our own whispers
Hi Barbara,
Thank you for your lovely note. You transported me with your description of your creative path.
Warmly,
Nancy
To Nancy. Thank you for sharing this and I will order your book by Amazon.
Thank you dear Oddvin!
Warmly,
Nancy
Hi Nancy, I have preordered your new book from Amazon and can hardly wait
to see each page in following my personal journey to new and exciting art. I am very happy I took your Journey class and have produced lots of Abstract art in
different styles. I am thankful for my wonderful studio that I call my sacred place.
I remain thankful for your continued support and guidance. ❤️ Diana
Hi Nancy, I agree with your leading points that go in the same direction of reinventing yourself in a daily basis.
Thank you
Thank you Salazar.
Hi Nancy,
Thank you for creating a second book and can’t wait to receive it. I’m really looking forward to accessing your Creative Immersion programme too. I’ve just purchased my copy from Amazon UK but don’t seem to be able to access details to your programme. I would appreciate you thoughts.
Thank you
Gay
Thank you Gay! Email us at support@nancyhillis.com and we’ll add you into the immersion program.
Warmly,
Nancy
Hi Gay,
Thank you so much for pre-ordering the new book! The page to register is now working better (we had a glitch on the registration part of the page earlier). You can go here: https://www.artistsjourney.com/bigcreativity and scroll down to the bottom of the page and enter your information in there and we’ll get it. If you have any problems with this, just email support@nancyhillis.com and my team will get you in there.
Warm thanks to you,
Nancy
Thank you very much for your encouragement Nancy, and congratulations for your new book.
As a matter of fact painting in abstract is very exciting to me. I use pen and ink mostly before I add paint, from your encouragement now I am developing a new style, using paint straight. Thanks.
You’re welcome dear Gifty…and thank YOU for your kind words about the new book. It’s wonderful to hear how much you’re enjoying abstract painting.
Warmly,
Nancy
Thanks for sharing some of your excitement and unveiling of your new book, Nancy! Enjoy, and I look forward to being guided through in February as part of your immersion programme. x
Thank you for your most wonderful, loyal and unsurpassed love, support and encouragement dear Ruth! I look forward to seeing you in there too!!! X
I’m not even sure what my adjacent possible is. I don’t have big dreams. I love to hibernate in my studio and toy with fiber, jewelry, wearable and useable arts. I’m not interested in making money with this venture, that would diminish the joy gained. Are familiar with ITP? The Life We Are Given, by George….oh I can’t recall ….that’s my focus and endeavor at this time.