My mother Alice Pfeif was an artist. In middle age when all her daughters were grown and gone, she blossomed as a painter. A deep lover of horses and most animals, Mom painted hundreds of pictures of animals using photos and her imagination. Gradually she evolved into sculpting, working with paper, clay and bronze. Although she sometimes created art true to life, nearly half the time she made playful, funny art with animals doing unexpected things. One of her best was a huge circus elephant sitting on a couch with a trainer holding court. Unfortunately, her art teacher at the time had the gall to tell her that her elephant sculpture wasn’t art at all. He claimed, “Art is supposed to be serious!” Fortunately, she ignored him, entered the piece in a local art show, and won first place. Although I was oblivious at the time, I now know my mom created her art with tremendous courage and stubborn delight. I desperately hope to follow her example.
Still, while I applauded my mother’s artistic urges, I didn’t always understand them. One piece, a small paper horse sitting on a toilet with his hind legs crossed reading a book insulted my young adult sensibilities. But after I read the recent book Big Magic by author Elizabeth Gilbert, I discovered a deeper appreciation for both my mother and myself. Not that our creations are necessarily masterpieces, but because we both found the courage to offer our art to the world in the first place and in spite of what others said. While Mom did eventually sell some of her art, she never, ever, EVER did it for the money. Mom made art because as a creative person she enjoyed the process and wanted to contribute something unique to the world. According to Gilbert, every single one of us ought to do the same.
As a fan of Elizabeth Gilbert, it’s no surprise that I loved her new book. What was surprising was how deeply it resonated with so many of my beliefs about creativity and life in general. Here are ten of the most powerful messages I found in her book.
#1 Living creatively is what separates “a mundane existence from a more
Our favorite sculpture made by my mother in 1989 we call “The Dancers.”
enchanted one.” Regardless of what we do to express our creativity—and yes every single human on the planet is a “creator” of some sort—having the courage to manifest those gifts is the only thing that keeps our lives from being small and routine.
#2 Fear is normal when you create anything new—but it should never stop us from living creatively in all things.
What we are striving for is not fearlessness, but instead the courage to embrace the creative edge of something new and uncertain wanting to be born through us. Is it scary to live with such uncertainty? Yes! But as Gilbert says, “…if you can’t learn to travel comfortably alongside your fear, then you’ll never be able to go anywhere interesting or do anything interesting….we simply do not have time anymore to think so small.”
#3 Ideas are energy and information seeking to be made manifest with anyone open and receptive to their call. Most people treat creative ideas like a scarce commodity similar to precious jewels that are exceedingly rare and finite. Instead, Gilbert teaches that ideas are fluid and abundant, with more than enough for all of us if we stay accessible and willing to share them with our world.
#4 We don’t need anyone’s permission to create. As most of us know, the world is constantly attempting to make us conform. It asks, “Who are you to think you can write, paint, cook, build, etc., etc.? The world is perfectly happy making us believe we need its permission to do whatever we feel inspired to do. But we don’t need its permission. Let me repeat that. We don’t. According to Gilbert, “The earliest evidence of recognizable human art is forty thousand years old.” Was it any good? Who cares? People have always wanted to create things that never existed before and “for most of history people just made things, and they didn’t make such a big freaking deal out of it.” Just by being alive, each of us owns the right and privilege to express ourselves creatively any way we choose.
Who remembers these two? One of Mom’s funny sculptures.
#5 Your art doesn’t have to be important. Simply put, we don’t have to justify our desire to create. Mom tried to show me this, but it took Elizabeth Gilbert to drive the message home. Mom made the kind of art she liked and proudly hung it all over her house and populated her yard with an assortment of characters. Another couple of falsehoods we all too commonly believe is that art has to be unique and earth-shattering. Who says? And while it’s okay to want that for our art, if we let those beliefs hold us back (or anyone else we know) from creating, then we stifle ourselves. Instead, create what we want for the shear joy of creating something that pleases us—and then yes, sometimes others will be pleased too.
#6 Art is a paradox that matters intensely and at the same time, not at all. Although I have not found where this originated from, I’ve always been drawn to the idea of, “Act as though the future of the world depends upon every one of your actions, all the while laughing at yourself for thinking you could make a difference.” Gilbert confirms that with, “The fact that I get to spend my life making objectively useless things means that I don’t live in a post apocalyptic dystopia. It means I am not exclusively chained to the grind of mere survival. It means we have a enough space left in our civilization for the luxuries of imagination and beauty and emotion—and even frivolousness.”
#7 Create because of the gifts and benefits it brings to your life, NOT to make money. In other words, if you don’t love your creative outlet, don’t do it. Find something else. Gilbert is extremely clear that the artist’s life is not about creating things so you can eek out a living. She says, “…to yell at your creativity saying, ‘You must earn money for me!’ is sort of like yelling at a cat; it has no idea what you are talking about.” Instead, Gilbert claims that she took various other jobs while perfecting her craft, in order to keep her creativity free and safe. She advises we do the same. Never hold our creativity hostage when it comes to money.
#8 The creativity within us longs to be made manifest in our lives. Another
Mom’s love of all animals, these giraffes are also favorites.
quote I’ve always loved comes from the Gospel of Thomas found in the Nag Hammadi Text. It says, “If you bring forth what is within you, what you bring forth will save you. If you do not bring forth what is within you, what you do not bring forth will destroy you.” Gilbert, who refers to this quote, goes on to say, “Not expressing creativity turns people crazy.” Instead, like my mom, we should all just make our art whether or not anyone else gets it in order to keep ourselves sane.
#9 Art does not require that we suffer unless we believe it does. One of my personal philosophies is that we are all co-creators with life. We get to “make it up” at least in our own minds. Gilbert insists that it is a great fallacy to believe that anyone has to suffer to create. She goes on to say, “ If you are going to live your life based on delusions (and you are, because we all do), then why not at least select a delusion that is helpful?” In other words, learn to love your creativity, enjoy the process, and embrace the incredible gift it brings to your life.
#10 Curiosity is the secret to creativity. Even further, Gilbert says, “Curiosity is the truth and the way of creative living. Curiosity is the alpha and the omega, the beginning and the end.” Don’t wait for passion to inspire you, just follow anything that tickles your curiosity. Like a scavenger hunt, follow your curiosity and you’ll likely be amazed at the richness you discover.
Many more golden nuggets from Gilbert’s book are floating around in my head and offering inspiration. But more than anything, I appreciate how she reminded me of my mother and her art. Mom had very little formal training, but she didn’t care. Throughout her life, she only sold a few of her pieces—but again she didn’t care. The outcome of her creations didn’t matter—mom created because it brought her stubborn delight. In the end, maybe it comes down to knowing that the right question isn’t, “What would you do if you could not fail?” Instead, the SMART question could be the one Gilbert asks, “What would you do even if you knew that you might very well fail?” Whatever you answer is what you came here to create.
Thanks Kathy. My creativity manifests itself through my writing. Honestly, I’ve published several books myself and have been blogging since last year but it’s only recently that I found my “voice.” I’ve always written for someone else. Now that I’m writing to express myself and to stay true to myself, I’ve had a lot more fun 🙂
Hi Hung Thai! Thanks for stopping by SMART Living and sharing your thoughts. I am so glad to hear that you’ve found your “voice” in your writing and are having more fun at the same time. I think Elizabeth Gilbert is a strong advocate of that and reminds us all to keep using our creative nature in ways that ensure we continue to offer our gifts as long as we are alive. ~Kathy
Hi Kathy,
Wonderful post! 3, 3, and 3, then some more 3, all the way. Ideas are energy. I see no energy shortage, so I have no idea shortages in all things blogging and eBooks. I’ve been blessed to let in 124 bite-sized eBook ideas, so I wrote 124 bite-sized eBooks. Not hard work. It never is, if you mold energy from a fun, trusting space.
Thanks for sharing!
Ryan
Hi Ryan! Thank you so much for stopping by and checking in. I was so happy to find YOUR blog today because I found it incredibly inspiring and encouraging for all of us who blog–and FRANKLY for any of us who are creative. Doing what we love and letting go of what others think is so very critical…and then having the TRUST to stick with it are also so important. I saw you just wrote another blog post on your comment Luv link but I want to encourage all of my readers to read this post as well. https://www.bloggingfromparadise.com/blogging-onions-get-em/ Thanks again for stopping by! ~Kathy
This is wonderful! I am going to add “Big Magic” to my book list. I recently discovered painting parties. I had not ever painted before on a canvas, but couldn’t resist the promise of wine, snacks, and coming home with an adorable snowman. What incredible fun. I love to paint, it makes me smile. I am signed up for two more painting parties in March and just the thought of them lifts my heart. Thank you for sharing this encouragement to play and create. Wishing you a peace filled day.
Hi Terri! Good for you for putting yourself out there and creating in a new way. But let’s never forget that our writing is always a creative expression that can (and probably should!) be considered just as much fun as painting. Unfortunately, like Gilbert says, most of us bloggers take our writing MUCH too seriously so we don’t put it in the same category. Maybe that’s a big part of the problem. Let’s never forget to play and create in all that we do. ~Kathy
You summed it up perfectly! I can’t offer much more than that this week because I have the flu and apparently it’s holding my brain hostage! I just wanted to let you know I was here haha!
Hi Rena! Glad you liked it but I can’t imagine you even TRYING to comment if you’ve been sick. Happy healing! ~Kathy
This is a fantastic distillation of what you’ve found in Gilbert’s writing. And I love your mother’s pieces. Mahalo so much for sharing. <3
Hi Celeste! Thank you! Did you read the book already? I was really inspired by it (obviously!) And thank you for your compliments on Mom’s art. ~Kathy
Ah, creativity is the essence of life, no? I just love your mother’s sculptures! They just tweak me. And I can vouch for #1 Living creatively is what separates “a mundane existence from a more enchanted one. While I write and edit and blog and, well, etc., lol, nothing fills my life with more passion and joy than when I’m writing fiction. It’s my form of prayer 🙂
Thank you for this, Kathy!
Hi Susan! I am so glad Mom’s sculptures “tweak” you! I wish I had taken more photos of all her stuff so I could share it with everyone. She was very prolific and had things EVERYWHERE! Us daughters divided up what we wanted the most and I have no idea what happened to the rest. Reading Elizabeth Gilbert’s book reminded me of her joy AND then my joy at creativity….and I’m not at all surprised to hear that you feel the same with your work. And I love how you say, “it’s my form of prayer.” So true. Thank YOU for that! ~Kathy
Beautiful post, Kathy 🙂 I stumbled across your blog about a couple of months back I think.
I have been devouring it and meaning to comment but somehow almost kept putting it off, thinking of how I will be unable to comment properly while multitasking, but just had to thank you asap for this post 🙂
I love drawing and coloring and sharing the same on social networks, but I often get the feeling of ‘Oh look, others are so awesome at it, mine is so basic’, or that I don’t have enough time for art, there are so many other priorities like work, chores etc
You reminded me of the meaning that art brings to our lives and the joy of art for the sake of art.
Many thanks! 🙂
Hi Anushree! Thank you so much for letting me know you enjoy my posts and that you especially liked this one. It was such a pleasure for me to be reminded of my mother’s art and all the joy she brought to those who knew her even though she was basically just a regular person like most of us. We ALL have something to share with the world as long as we are willing to just put it out there, right? Let’s never ever NOT do it okay? ~Kathy
Wow Kathy 🙂 I just loved this post, what a beautiful way to drive home the message. I am touched by the smart question !! yes !! all along in my life, I have always heard “what would you attempt if you knew you wouldn’t fail ?” and you had all the resources. . I knew it was an important question and I was too young so I got into making a big list of everything I want to do if I knew I wouldn’t fail.
Today when I am reading this post.. I am smiling away because I like the way you hit the nail to the point… truly a smart question, which is quite challenging and thank you for provoking me to think the smart way. I am also inspired by your mom, and you brought me memories of my mom who was simple and tried her hand in embroidery (which was not so great) joined the local choir, and loved to decorate the alter; colourfully and used to enjoy in the kitchen trying new recipes. You have chosen appropriate title … like the word “Stubborn Delight” 🙂
Hi G Angela! You are such a generous and supportive person. Thank YOU! And yes, isn’t that an interesting twist on the question. Knowing what we will do even if we might fail really helps to point out the things that we feel called and driven to do regardless of what others think about it. In some ways that might have been a bit easier for our mother’s generation simply because there wasn’t the same level of comparison and competition that sometimes exists with overexposure to the media. Regardless, I hope your mom found the same fulfillment in her “art” as mine did. Now let’s do the same! ~Kathy
What a great reflection on creativity! I struggle with my art (currently photography) sometimes because the doubter inside me loves to compare, question, and discourage. I love that your mother paid no attention to that silly art teacher. Who the heck ever said (besides him) that art had to be serious? Her work is so playful and fun! I am going to get Big Magic… thanks for the recommendation!
Hi Janis! You are a very talented and creative person with both your writing AND your photography! I loved how Elizabeth Gilbert reminded me how we create because it is the essence of who we are and that doesn’t need to have anything to do with comparing, questioning or doubting. Unless of course we think it does. Do get the book, I KNOW you will enjoy it. ~Kathy
I love this piece. Thank you so much for creating it.
Hi Carol! Thank you. I’m glad you liked my creation 🙂 ~Kathy
Living life as a creative is not always easy, especially since ekeing out a living can be an enormous distraction (ask me how I know). That being said, I’d rather live the life I’m living now than be stuck in a lifeless office, trying to be something I’m not.
Hi Anne! I agree that it isn’t always easy, mainly because of all the misconceptions about it that we have picked up along the way. As Gilbert says, we are taught that only “special” people can do it, that you need “talent”, that playing with art is childish, that you can’t make a living at it, that if it isn’t marketable then why bother, etc., etc. But ultimately I so agree that doing our best to live a creative life is 100 times better than being stuck in a dead end joy you hate just to make a buck and trying to be what you are not. Be courageous! ~Kathy
OMG. those giraffes. How I love them! You know, art is in the eye of the beholder. Usually. These are really good though. Is that her painting? It is amazing. Love it.
Hi Carol! Yes, all of the photos were art by my mom. She made hundreds of paintings of horses but the one with the dog was Thom and I’s favorite. Unfortunately, I didn’t take a photo of her elephant and man. Glad you liked them! ~Kathy
Thank you for writing this Kathy. You are such an important online educator!
A wise college teacher taught me many decades ago that I was not normal or average, and that was a very GOOD THING! I never forgot her! Creativity is always FUN and refreshing in ourselves and others! Wish I could have met your mother!
Hi Laura Lee! Why thank you. I don’t really think of myself as an educator but I sure do like to share information so that must be it! And yes, I know you are NOT NORMAL and I consider that a compliment too. Neither was my mom so I’ll bet you both would have hit it off! ~Kathy
Hey Kathy:
Would you mind if I shared this post on our Boomer Bloggers page this week?
LLC
Hi Laura Lee! I would be honored if you shared this post with others. Thank you! ~Kathy
Creativity and confidence I think go hand and hand. I am drawn to creative confident people. When I have to encounter and socialize those of a different ilk, I find it excruciating!
Hi Haralee! I so agree. Wouldn’t you say that creative confident people are the most attractive people there are? I don’t personally care how physically attractive someone is, I would by far rather spend time with those who are creatively alive. ~Kathy
A sage friend once asked if I thought I was artistic and I replied, “No.” She asked if I always followed the recipe when cooking. “No, ” I replied. She suggested that I was creative, that there was art in cooking, as there was in gardening and decorating a home. Like you said, turning the mundane into the enchanted. Art presents itself in many forms, just as the life we create. I admire the whimsy in your mother’s art, like The Dancers and the form in the depictions of the horse and giraffes.
Hi Mona! Yes I so agree that we have all been conditioned to think that “art” has to be something extraordinary to qualify but Elizabeth Gilbert helps to remind us otherwise. It sounds like your friend was very wise to remind you that art can be something we do every single day as long as it allows us to generate the life energy within us. And thanks for your praise of the Dancers. Mom made them in 1989 and we (Thom and I) talked her out of them shortly after that. They are made of clay and very heavy, but we have taken them with us everywhere we have lived ever since.. They are part of the family and will be with us as long as Thom can still pick them up! ~Kathy
Thanks for this great post. Now I have even more excuses or reasons to go on writing my novels. What the hell??? Creativity colors my life, gives me a purpose–as if I were an adventurer in a new land. My writing blows away barriers and lets more sunshine into my day. Thanks Kathy.
Hi Beth YES!!!! None of us should EVER stop doing something that creatively colors our life, gives us purpose and allows us to be an adventurer in a new land. Sure we could buy a book and read it, or go to a movie and do the same for a short time, but the act of creation that comes when we do it ourselves is such an amazing gift that it matters little if anyone else ever reads it. I so believe that we were born to create! Keep writing Beth and enjoy the sunshine. ~Kathy
What a fabulously inspirational piece. Thank you for sharing.
Hi Nora! Reading Elizabeth’s book was indeed inspiring to me so thank you for letting me know I was able to communicate that with you. Have you read the book yet? I do recommend it highly! ~Kathy