Thursday, August 5, 2010

My Creative Space



Yesterday I was thinking about the different ways in which creativity is part of the way we live. Sometimes I hear people say they are not creative but I think we all are. We have to be creative in so many ways as parents, in our workplaces, in our relationships. And we all have the ability to create something unique, and this may take many different forms. Sometimes it's just a matter of finding an outlet, a vehicle, or seeing what is already there. My own journey with creativity began at an early age. As the child of two artists I lived in a family that immersed itself in art and craft, where creative pursuits were a priority, a part of daily life.


I'm sure this had a big impression on me, although I can remember my brother and I rolling our eyes at yet another gallery opening. Our house was always full of paintings, tapestries, ceramics, colour. Great value was placed on art and books and ideas. My dad spent many hours away at his studio, my Mum spent her days surrounded by wool & art & looms at the Workshop.


We had a funny old family life, a bit disjointed & at times solitary but we had many chances to experience the world from different angles and were encouraged to look, to see.



For a long time I battled with a desire to capture what I saw in paint and I felt like I had failed because what I saw and felt I somehow couldn't translate onto canvas. My father is a painter, I am not.


It was frustrating but I gradually relaxed and realised that I did not have to record everything I saw, the different light, the changing shapes and shadows. The colours, the seasons, the dreams in my head. It was possible to just enjoy it all, keep on looking, keep on seeing. I could be an audience even if I could not create the music myself.


And then I found the camera. In a way I now can use the camera as my eyes, it helps me record & make sense of what I see. Sometimes it's the bridge between my eyes and my heart, it gives me the ability to make & show my own version of the world.


I am not a true photographer of course. But I love it and it gives me freedom and space to be me. There are so many ways to live a creative life and this is just one small part of one small life. I wonder what you love to do, what you value & celebrate about your creativity?
I'm off to visit Kirsty and hope to see many of you too,
much love xo

ps: have a little peek at my shop, it's not quite complete but it's getting there! Big thanks to beautiful Charlotte for all her help xo

25 comments:

Cardygirl said...

Absolutely gorgeous pics & a beautiful post...we all found our creativity in different ways.

Screamstress said...

simply magic

Sarah - Red Gingham said...

I adore your photos! You could easily sell those lovely shots. It looks like we are having the same fog issues over here this week too. Isn't it so mysterious -fog?

Well done on your shop opening! I love seeing all those bunnies lined up.

CurlyPops said...

Such beautiful photos Beck (and you say you're not a photographer - I beg to differ)!
Congrats on the shop opening too!

Jennie said...

How beautiful are these photos!!!?
Just gorgeous.x

Copper Patch said...

Your pictures are absolutely stunning Beck. You tell a wonderful story with them - keep creating.
Ab x

teddybearswednesday said...

what a wonderful post Beck. And I dont agree with you at all I think you are a natural photographer. Beautiful pic xo

Maria Rose said...

You ARE an artist! I love your photography!

Unknown said...

I feel ya, I am no pro with photography either but it transforms me and calms me..

I love your pics especially the lone duck...They really speak to you!

Sarah@Dolls And Daydreams said...

Sunning!!!! Wow i adore them .... ♥

Bek said...

I think your photographs are very beautiful! I used to get really frustrated that I couldn't express myself artistically too, I'm hardly ever happy with my drawings or paintings (so there aren't very many!), but I agree with you there are so many more ways of expressing oneself creatively. Well put.

Kim W. said...

ohh wow these photos are so amazing!! very mysterious.... and whimsical! lovely!

Cathie said...

love LOVE, your pics Beck. you definitely managed to capture some wonderful beauty there.
congrats on the shop opening, goodluck with it!
hugs to you & hope you are keeping warm ♥
p.s pirate bunny is keeping very warm

Michelle said...

Your photos are stunning! The shop looks lovely too, the bunnies are very sweet.

Karen said...

If only I could capture things half as well as you do Beck. Such a lovely wistful and thought provoking post.
Hope you are enjoying your Thursday.

Kitty said...

Lovely to learn some more about you.
Such beautiful misty shots, I love weather like that. As long as I have six layers on, that is.

Ooty said...

Beautiful captures - and I am just like you on this =)

Bel said...

The shop is looking lovely! I am going to have to email you about a making us a little boy bunny for Christmas (scary to be thinking about Christmas already isnt it?)

Love reading your blog and looking at your beautiful pictures (especially on those crazy out of control days at my place, all looks calm and beautiful at yours so I can escape for 5 mins :)

Steph said...

You photos are exquisate! Each one more beautiful than the one before. And such lovely words too! Your shop is looking fab. Best of luck with it :)

Carmel's Closet said...

Who says you are not a photographer?! I could fall into your photos and spend an entire day just daydreaming. Your post is so true, I'm glad you found your happy creative place and share these photos with us.
Carmel

Emily said...

What a lovely childhood it sounds like you had. Great photos! They look peaceful and mysterious at the same time. Congrats on your shop!

Anonymous said...

You certainly have an eye for photography ~ love those photos of a misty winter's day. Good luck with your shop. from Jenny McH

Mary said...

Wow! Gorgeous greys! The atmosphere is tangible.

dash robin said...

Gorgeous wonderful photos!! If you are not a real photographer, I dunno who is. I loved reading your thoughts about creative living. Hope you had a brilliant time and that you gave yourself permission to enjoy every moment!!

home girl said...

i think these photos are a cut above - you should give yourself more credit and get serious about photography... can sense lots of emotion in these shots. such a talented girl xx