Fostering The Creative Life

By Jessica Johnson

My first column for The Creative Life was published in January. Here we are, six months later, and I hope you enjoy reading the column as much as I enjoy meeting and interviewing local makers and creatives for it.

One of the things I have learned over the past six months is how many amazing artists and creatives we have here in Santa Cruz. I thought I had a pretty good idea, having lived here my whole life, but I was wrong. There is so much talent, drive, innovation and experimentation that goes on in Santa Cruz it is amazing. Because of our reputation as a haven for artists, the supportive community, and the natural beauty, Santa Cruz attracts people who are interested in creating something new, something different, something that stands out.

My intention for this column is for each of us to “explore all of the inspiration available to us as residents of Santa Cruz County…and to learn how to stoke our personal creativity on a daily basis.” So my question to you is: Are you feeling creative? Are you called to pick up the paintbrush or the pen yet?

If you still need a nudge, here are a couple of books to help you get those creative juices flowing. They are available at the library or a Bookshop Santa Cruz, so there are no excuses!

My top recommendation is for Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert. She is the author of the wildly popular memoir Eat, Pray, Love. I was fortunate to see her live last year when she stopped in Santa Cruz on her book tour. Big Magic is her latest book and it is an inspiring read. Gilbert wants each of us to “embrace our curiosity” and live our most creative lives. This book is helpful if you feel you are not creative at all, or think you might be, but just don’t know where to start.

If you fancy yourself a writer, but lack the motivation to, well, write, in my opinion the best book you can read (or re-read, as the case may be), is The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron. Originally published over a decade ago, this book leads you on a 12-week program designed to help you discover, appreciate, and habituate your creativity. Any time I feel dry or in a rut I pick this book up and begin again — it never fails me.

Finally, if you want to immerse yourself in creativity of all sorts, be sure to head to the Tannery Arts Center on June 18th for Tanniversay 2016. From 2:00 – 10:00 pm the Tannery Arts Center will host open studios, offer exhibitions and live performances as well as dance workshops, and art demonstrations. I’m looking forward to it — maybe I will see you there!

In the meantime, if there is a local artist who inspires you, let me know. If you have questions about creativity or want to know how to tap into yours, please, drop me a line and I maybe I will address your questions in a future column.

Now go do something creative!

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Raised in Aptos, Jessica Johnson is a poet, freelancer and blogger dedicated to helping others live creative lives. You can read more of her work at: www.vinegarandvanilla.com. Follow her on Facebook or Instagram: @vinegar.and.vanilla. Email your comments and creative suggestions to jessica@vinegarandvanilla.com.