#19 Introspection on Creativity

1. What is the first creative moment you remember?
Cooking with my mother, playing dress up, coloring, making up my own stories
2. Was anyone there to witness or appreciate it?
My parents
3. What is the best idea you've ever had?
To never let “hard things” hold me back
4. What made it great in your mind?
It gave me courage and confidence that I can accomplish almost anything if I’m willing to work for it
5. What is the dumbest idea?
Worrying more about what others think than what you think for yourself
6. What made it stupid?
You live in a constant worry of not being accepted
7. Can you connect the dots that led you to this idea?
I got tired of wondering what others thought of me, wanted me to do; I got more courageous and confident
8. What is your creative ambition?
To live more freely, less restrained, more boldly
9. What are the obstacles to this ambition?
Myself, perceived rules and social conventions
10. What are the vital steps to achieving this ambition?
Letting go of things; daring to live with less restraint
11. How do you begin your day?
With a prayer of thanks and an early-morning run
12. What are your habits? What patterns do you repeat?
I am a creature of habit – I often eat the same things for meals, I pray every day, walk to work along pretty much the same route daily, read scriptures daily, workout daily, write a short note in my journal each night, church weekly, listen to music whenever possible, travel frequently
13. Describe your first successful creative act?
Not sure this is the first or second, but these are two early ones: sewed a pillow and blanket for my dolls
14. Describe your second successful creative act?
Made cookies
15. Compare them.
Home based, simple pleasures, combination of materials
16. What are your attitudes toward: money, power, praise, rivals, work, play?
I think of money as a tool. I like internal power, but not power than harms others. I love praise and think it is underutilized. I wish people would compete against themselves rather than others. I love work (all sorts) and am comfortable doing it. I have a hard time playing.
17. Which artists do you admire most?
Painters, dancers, writers
18. Why are they your role models?
I love artists’ discipline and ability to tell stories and express emotions with their bodies, words, and/or paintings. I also love the way they can affect others who witness their art.
19. What do you and your role models have in common?
The intense desire to express ourselves through art and delight others
20. Does anyone in your life regularly inspire you?
Yes, many – good people all around who serve others; dedicated parents; prophets
21. Who is your muse?
I don’t believe I have just one – lots of people
22. Define muse.
A motivator; someone who compels me to do more, or be creative, or be more than I currently am
23. When confronted with superior intelligence or talent, how do you respond?
I am impressed.
24. When faced with stupidity, hostility, intransigence, laziness, or indifference in others, how do you respond?
I often feel badly for the person; sometimes I am frustrated with him or her.
25. When faced with impending success or the threat of failure, how do you respond?
Work hard to succeed
26. When you work, do you love the process or result?
Both – I love the process because that’s where the learning takes place. I love the result because you can see the output of your and others’ efforts.
27. At what moments do you feel your reach exceeds your grasp?
Yes
28. What is your ideal creative activity?
No one answer - reading (because it spawns my thinking, writing, baking, sewing, teaching
29. What is your greatest fear?
Being with someone in person, but not connecting completely with them mentally, spiritually, or emotionally
30. What is the likelihood of your above answer happening?
Hopefully, not very likely
31. Which of your answers would you most like to change?
Being able to identify a specific creative ambition to pursure
32. What is your idea of mastery?
Attainment of perfection
33. What is your greatest dream?
Traveling everywhere in the world I want to go