Monday, March 3, 2014

By Invitation Only March Edition, How Do We Find Our Creativity?

Welcome to the March 2014 issue
 of our monthly international blogging group called


Our topic for this monthly column is to talk about
what inspires our creativity.

What things inspire us to be creative, etc.

Most of us were taught that creativity comes from the thoughts and emotions of the mind. 
The greatest singers, dancers, painters, writers, and filmmakers recognize that the most original, and even transformative, ideas actually come from the core of our being, 
which is accessed through an "open-mind consciousness."

the psychologists all say this, right?

 We all have this capacity to open to the vital forces around us and allow ourselves to take them in, mingling them with our own passions.
We just have to find the key to unlock them.

For me, it could be nature or a design for a table decoration, like the one below.
You know this probably was not conceived as being this extravagant, it just developed
naturally when this creative person just let the juices flow.




Right now, in my home, I'm working on room re-decorating.
If it were me alone making the decisions how much easier it would be.



But, when I have to convince someone else what I'm thinking can be beautiful it's much harder.
For example, if you take this room (not mine, thankfully)...



the first thing I would see is the light and the ceiling height.
already I can see possibilities.





I have a vision.  
the colors would be the colors of the horses & the elephants,
my inspiration.

because I love them so much.






& maybe the fabric from St. Laurent's newest collection...



suddenly, inside my own head I visualize the entire room, laid out and beautifully designed
in thise colors and fabrics.



with some of these elements




you see, this room needs the elements of antiquities and fineness 
to make it personal & warm,
doesn't it?




so for me, it's the visualization of what something can be, long before it is.

know what I mean?

& even if I don't often have a project as extensive as this example, 
it's fun to explore how your mind works, isn't it?

go look at artwork, photographs...look on the internet...look at food photography
and see how the colors of fresh fruits have so much depth and how they all look
beautiful grouped together.

look into the sea, see all the colors in the waves, in the foam, on the shore.

hold a natural geode in your hand and marvel at it's facets.

my creative talents lie totally in the art and design categories,
I am hideous at photography, do not understand technical things & don't want to,
except for quantum physics,
love playing the devil's advocate in conversations about politics,
but couldn't care less about new cars and their engines.

new designer collections still send me to the moon and beyond.

please try to visit some of the other participants today.
we all work so very hard to make these post interesting, it would be a shame to miss them.
 
Photobucket

34 comments:

  1. You understand quantum physics? Then I am even more in awe of you Marsha!!

    Absolutely concur that nature is the greatest teacher of them all…the colours, the combinations, the textures, let alone the insane cleverness of how everything actually works in both the botanical and the biological world…so many things to see to open up one's imagination to allow that inner creativity to flourish. xx

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    Replies
    1. I think only experience allows us to understand this.

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  2. Thanks for setting us all on the right track today, beautiful Marsha. When I was acting, I would do so much research and preparation and then...let it go. I loved that dive into the unknown. And although my blog is a much, much more timid version of that, it is the same experience. I never know what I am going to write when I sit down beyond the first line. And luckily, I have great beauty around me to keep me going!
    Bisous,
    H

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  3. I am inspired by horses and I love the photo, too!!!

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  4. Nature is the greatest creation... and where better to take our inspiration... xv

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  5. Your creativity knows no bounds, Marsha...and yes, it is fun to explore how your mind works :)
    Have a wonderful, creative, inspired week! xx

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  6. OH Marsha, I am not in design anymore and at my age I'd just say GUT it. That's why I quit.
    Do like the pale pastels and no clutter..I just told a Lady at my church she has to get rid of
    some of the clutter, She does't own it, IT owns her. There's a chuckle for the day.. yvonne

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  7. OK NOW I know why we are kindred spirits...when you put in that part about wanting to "shake things up" in conversation about politics:) You are awesome and your creative spirit is felt all the way over here in cold frigid NY! Wonderful...finished my own in the nick of time!

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  8. You could have some fun with this Shabby Chic room, a style of its own … I also love doing table settings, it is such a simple fun way to explore one's creativity…

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  9. Hi Marsha, lovely post! That cluttered room makes me itch, though. Will you come decorate our house? ;-) I've linked up, looking forward to reading everyone's take on this topic.

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  10. Marshal, I've linked up, and I thank you for this question, and for your wonderful support over the years. It was very illuminating to examine my creativity, such as it is. Needless to say, my post is very analytical, very much a description of my creative process. In five steps:). I learned a lot about myself reviewing my work from these last five years. Thank you! Hugs and kisses!

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    Replies
    1. Even though you have resigned from By Invitation Only you will not be leaving my life at all!!!

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  11. Lovely photos and interesting topic.
    I find many of my ideas come from conversations. Some of my best inspirations have come from staying with friends. And the true bolts of lightning come in my sleep.
    I too enjoy stirring up a little trouble with topics of the day. Gets a little passion going!
    Now off to read what all the other blogs say...

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    Replies
    1. So happy to see you here today.
      And, you totally get it, I see.

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  12. I just have to slow down and really LOOK.That is when the creativity arrives!XXX

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    1. Absolutely. I do my best work totally alone. Once I've decided upon what I want I might ask others just for re-validation, but at this point in my life I pretty much trust myself. And, I know you do, as well.

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  13. That table setting...SWOON! I absolutely adore horses and elephants so I feel your vision here as well! CAnt wait to see what inspires others as well!

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    1. As a real designer I know you know.
      Thank you for visiting all of us.

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  14. What a wonderful post. I love how you imagine the colors in terms of the animals you hold so dear. Inspiration (for creativity) comes from so many sources, always close to the heart.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you, Wolfie.
      You understood so very well.

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  16. Heather, neither do I!
    I am the true vision of a "clutch player."
    !!!!

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  17. I just love how ' being creative ' is so different and personal to each and every one of us don't you Marsha ?
    Another wonderful BIO subject and beautifully presented by everyone. XXXX

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    Replies
    1. thank you, Jacqueline.
      I'm late visiting because of a dental appointment which ran really long.

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  18. It is alway a pleasure to read the links from so many talented ladies. Thank you for hosting.

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    1. Elizabeth, it's a pleasure for me, as well. And, I think it's a lot of fun for the ladies who are involved.
      Thank you for visiting some of us.
      xx's

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  19. My dear …. I am always inspired not only by your eye … but your heart as well!

    xoxo
    Tamera

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    Replies
    1. The heart. The most important part.
      I so appreciate your saying this, Tamera.

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  20. Beautiful pictures!! I agree, creativity can never be forced and sometimes, even when we surround ourselves with all of the right elements it still doesn't come. Then, miraculously. all the pieces line up and it begins to flow. In the artistic world they call it "the ringing of the blue note" It is the most delicious feeling when it happens. I look forward to following your blog. Suzanne wwwchapter2twotoo.blogspot.com

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    Replies
    1. Delicious is exactly right. It's like a re-awakening.

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  21. Hello Marsha

    Your ability to see the potential in the student's room is what makes you the great designer you are. I love all of your suggestions and each morning I study the waves in the ocean as I run along and each day differs.
    Have a brilliant week

    Helen xx

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  22. The table setting is stunning! I, too, find inspiration in nature... and I love horses and elephants as well. So many beautiful things in the bottom photo. xoxo, B

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  23. Marsha,dearest!

    HOW much I do enjoy you brilliant post!:)*
    And YES,yes,yes....all members of this unique group,BRAVO!!!

    You words,Marsha: ''We just have to find the key to unlock them''.................makes me SO happy,I mean it.
    Because is it real true,it speaks to me so much.

    XXX,
    V.

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