You would have to be pretty self-serving, not to witness the amazing amount of creativity that is shared on social media. Perhaps what’s even more impressive; this talent surfaces from all over the world and interestingly enough from some of the most remote places.
You can indulge yourself by viewing these creative offerings in one of two ways: you can take the low road and become extremely jealous. I know there are those unfortunate souls, who even try to steal or copy works that they are terribly jealous of. The better option is to celebrate— experience joy in your heart by knowing this worldwide creating phenomena is perhaps a blessing from (you choose your own deity here) the universe.
I’m not just talking about painting or writing you can see, read and hear a virtual feast of professional and amateur talent on social media. With very little effort on your part you can find talented musicians and actors, performers of all stripes, dancers, singers, videographers, film makers, photographers, interior designers and people that design apparel and accessories. Perhaps one of my favorites are those that create magnificent compositions in floral arrangements. I freely admit that there’s something really special and very tactile by those that create by sewing; I’m referring to quilting, embroidery, needlepoint. Weaving is another favorite of mine, those talented people are embracing one of the earliest forms of making beautiful compositions in textiles. Patiently and diligently working at their looms.
All the while you can see people on social media, networking with others, sharing creative thoughts and ideas, and in my case making some pretty darn good friends.
What about cooking, you may be asking? Or at least your thinking about it, considering the time of year it is. A person in the kitchen can create culinary delights that are not only visually pleasing, but satisfy to the appetite. It is a genuine talent creating a good meal, especially when that cook knows the food that they’re preparing is for their loving family.
If you’re still reading, I suspect you may be thinking to yourself, “I’m simply not a creative person.” Everyone has creative talents, and some would say the only creative talent they have, is for picking a scab. You create when you write a text message, you create if you’re a woman, when you put on make-up. What about people who travel? Can’t that be amazingly creative? Just figuring out how to catch a train in Istanbul can be challenging, but it’s fun to be creative in choosing various destinations and how to navigate to those new experiences.
And what about making money? Or should I say earning money? That can be very creative. By honest means and dishonest means. “No” I’m not suggesting the latter of the two. Andy Warhol was quoted as saying; “Making money is art and working is art and good business is the best art.”
What about graffiti…is it art? I have decided opinions on that topic, which, I think I will keep to myself so as not to elicit opinions that may be too wrathful and likely contrary to my own.
Creativity is just about anything you decided to be, and I suppose I should not leave out the art of lovemaking. I do—want to add love notes. They can be written in a card, on a scrap piece of paper, passed secretly from one person to another. These wonderful notes can be written in a poetic style or even a sonnet. Love letters in the sand or even carved into a tree, which I really suggest you don’t do.
“ Ah—yes poetry.”
“Love one another, but make not a bond of love. Let it rather be a moving sea between the shores of your souls. Fill each other’s cup, but drink not from one cup. Give one another of your bread, but eat not from the same loaf. Sing and dance together and be joyous, but let each of you be alone.” ~ Love One Another by Khalil Gibran
Of course I most likely have left out much of what creativity is and can be; but if you are one, you know who you are, and if you think you aren’t one, trust me you are…
Many blessings to all creative people throughout the world. Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and much joy for whatever celebrations you embrace, be joyful and triumphant.
Rod Jones artist-writer