Tags
+++
I noticed this shot a few times.
Silvery simplicity. A fine line. A wounded wall.
Whatever it was, I felt that internal push to pull out my camera, whenever I passed by. But before the message could really even register, a louder voice criticized my eye. “What was I thinking? It’s a ‘nothing’ view. It’s a ‘nothing’ shot.” The inner critic spoke up fast and furiously, and shut down the creative urge to capture the shot.
It wasn’t the first time the inner critic let her (or is it his!) voice be heard. No, I’ve heard it many, many times. It’s just this time, I was struck by its stealth. I could barely even voice my creative interest and the critic moved into dissuade. I was astonished by the speed and subtlety of the critic, and its effectiveness. It got to a point that I didn’t even realize the creative urge was present. When I’d pass by the wall, I just knew it wasn’t a great shot. I had accepted it.
Except. Except. Except…!
The creative spirit is strong, and in spite of shutting down the desire to take the shot more times than I can count, this time, I took it. A seemingly simple act. Yet, a radical one. I took the shot. And, there’s power in that.
Is it perfect? Is it even good? I learn it’s not the point.
The point is honouring the creative urge.
Giving it voice. Giving it space. And, seeing where it leads.
+++
Honoring the creative urge…. I love that. I think I needed to read this and get this message today.
Thank you for bringing it to my attention.
Deborah..I love it when the stars align, and somehow, magically, it sometimes seems, we help each other! Your comment made me feel that my work is of value…what a gift that is to receive. Thank you!
Sometimes it’s the mundane that intrigues us the most.
Juli – I am cheering for you and celebrating your tenacity in finally ignoring that inner mean girl. Oh, yes, I know that feeling well. The one where you have already mentally deleted the shot you haven’t even taken yet. But the heart loves what the heart loves and you ultimately cannot ignore the creative spark. So, kudos to you for taking the shot. And a fine shot by the way. Simple and minimal and lovely in its silvery-ness. You go, girl!
Yes! The “inner mean girl” who’s already ‘mentally deleted the shot you haven’t even taken yet”! Yes..that mean girl. She’s pretty darn harsh, and unrelenting. I see you’ve met her, too! And, you are so right…’the heart loves what the heart loves’ and it can’t be ignored. I love my simple silvery image of a wall. Part of me doesn’t understand it..but my heart, I believe, does!