Tag: On Writing

Frida Kahlo on Painting

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Frida Kahlo on painting.

 

Frida Kahlo once said, “I paint flowers so they will not die.”  Through her art, she captured the fleeting beauty of nature, preserving it forever on canvas.
 
Every brushstroke breathes life into the flowers, ensuring their vibrancy endures. Kahlo’s work is a testament to the power of creativity to transcend time, allowing beauty to flourish endlessly.
 
Embrace this spirit in your own creative endeavors. Let your art, writing, or any form of expression immortalize the moments and subjects you cherish. Through your creativity, you can make the ephemeral eternal.
 
Photo source: Frida Kahlo, taken on 16 October 1932, by Guillermo Kahlo, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Leonardo Da Vinci on Poetry & Art

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“Painting is poetry that is seen rather than felt, and poetry is painting that is felt rather than seen,” said Leonardo Da Vinci. Both art forms are expressions of beauty and emotion, but they reach us in different ways.

In painting, we experience visual poetry through colors, shapes, and compositions, allowing our eyes to interpret the artist’s vision. In poetry, we feel the emotions and imagery through words, letting our hearts and minds paint vivid pictures.

Embrace the interplay between these art forms. Let your paintings tell a poetic story and your poems create vibrant imagery. Each form enriches the other, offering a deeper, more profound experience. Celebrate the harmony of sight and feeling, and let your creativity flow across both mediums.

Steve Jobs on Creativity

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“Creativity is just connecting things,” Steve Jobs observed.

When you ask creative people how they did something, they often feel a bit guilty because they didn’t invent it from scratch—they simply saw the connections. Over time, these connections seem obvious to them.

Embrace this process of seeing and linking ideas in new ways. Trust that your unique perspective allows you to notice patterns and relationships that others might miss.

Celebrate the simplicity and brilliance of making connections, knowing that creativity lies in recognizing and combining existing elements in fresh, innovative ways.

Your ability to see these connections can lead to extraordinary creations.

Stephen King Advice on Writing

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“Write with the door closed, rewrite with the door open,” advises Stephen King.

In the initial stages of writing, embrace solitude and focus, letting your ideas flow freely without external influences. This private space allows your creativity to flourish.

Once your first draft is complete, open the door and invite feedback. Revising with an open mind and fresh perspectives enriches your work, adding depth and clarity.

Balancing solitude with collaboration enhances your writing process, transforming your work into something even more powerful. Trust in your vision and welcome the insights of others to create something truly extraordinary.

Neil Gaiman on Creativity

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“The one thing that you have that nobody else has is you,” Neil Gaiman reminds us.
 
Your voice, your mind, your story, and your vision are uniquely yours. Embrace this individuality and let it shine through in all you do.
 
Write, draw, build, play, dance, and live in a way that only you can. Every creation is a testament to your unique perspective and a gift to the world.
 
Celebrate your originality and let your authentic self guide your creative journey. Your unique contributions enrich the tapestry of life, inspiring others to embrace their own uniqueness.
 
Neil Gaiman

Henri Matisse on Creativity

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“Creativity takes courage,” as Henri Matisse wisely said.  It requires boldness to bring your unique vision to life, to share your innermost thoughts and ideas with the world. Each creative act is a brave step into the unknown, where doubts and fears must be overcome.

Embrace the courage within you, trusting that your creative journey will inspire and uplift others.  Your bravery in expressing your creativity can light the way for others to follow their own paths.

Celebrate the fearless spirit of creativity, knowing that every brushstroke, word, or note contributes to a richer, more vibrant world.  Let your courage shine through your creations, making a lasting impact on those who experience your work.

Kay Ryan on Poetry

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A poem is a conversation between a reader and a writer, beautifully described by Kay Ryan, Pulitzer Prize winner in Poetry 2011. In this intimate exchange, the writer pours their heart onto the page, and the reader engages, bringing their own experiences and interpretations.

Through poetry, we bridge gaps of time, space, and understanding, creating a shared experience that resonates deeply with both parties. It’s a dialogue where emotions, thoughts, and reflections flow freely, fostering connection and insight.

Each reader’s interpretation adds a new layer of depth to the poem, making it a living, evolving piece of art. This dynamic interaction enriches both the writer’s expression and the reader’s experience, creating a profound bond through the power of words.

Embrace the power of poetry to foster meaningful conversations. Let your words reach out, inviting readers to join you in a dance of language and emotion, discovering new layers of meaning together.

"A poem is a conversation between a reader and a writer." Kay Ryan (BA, MA - UCLA) is an American poet and educator. Pulitzer Prize in Poetry 2011 MacArthur Fellow 2011 United States Poet Laureate 2008 - 2010 Guggenheim Fellowship 2004 Ruth Lilly Poetry Prize 2004 - with photo of Kay Ryan

Terry Pratchett on Writing

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Embrace the evolving journey of writing!

Sir Terry Pratchett shares: “I, on the other hand, am a technophile, so there is no such thing as a first draft. The first draft plunges on, and about a quarter of the way through it I realize I’m doing things wrong, so I start rewriting it. What you call the first draft becomes rather like a caterpillar; it is progressing fairly slowly, but there is movement up and down its whole length, the whole story is being changed. I call this draft zero, telling myself how the story is supposed to go.”

Writing is an ever-changing process. Draft zero is a living, breathing entity, constantly evolving as you uncover the true path of your story. It’s a journey of discovery, where revisions shape the narrative from start to finish.

Don’t be afraid to dive in, knowing that transformation is part of the process. Allow your story to grow and change, like a caterpillar inching towards its final form. Embrace the fluidity of draft zero, trusting that each rewrite brings you closer to the story you’re meant to tell.

Sir Terry Pratchett I, on the other hand am a technophile, so there is no such thing as a first draft. The first draft plunges on, and about a quarter of the way through it I realise I'm doing things wrong, so I start rewriting it. What you call the first draft becomes rather like a caterpillar; it is progressing fairly slowly, but there is movement up and down its whole length, the whole story is being changed. I call this draft zero, telling myself how the story is supposed to go.

Jon Acuff on Creativity

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Embrace your unique journey! Jon Acuff reminds us: “Don’t compare your beginning to someone else’s middle.”
 
Every creative path is different, and comparing your early steps to someone else’s advanced stages can hinder your growth and joy.
 
Each artist, writer, and creator starts somewhere, and it’s important to honor your own progress. Celebrate your beginnings, for they are the foundation of your future successes. Focus on your growth, learning, and development without the weight of comparison.
 
Remember, every expert was once a beginner. Embrace your journey with patience and pride, knowing that your unique path will lead to extraordinary places.
 
Creativity meme Jon Acuff - "Don’t compare your beginning to someone else’s middle." - from the book by Jon Acuff, "Start: Punch Fear in the Face, Escape Average, and Do Work That Matters"

Creativity is Rooted in Love

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Creativity is rooted in love, reflecting the essence of God as love, as stated in 1 John 4:8.
 
Christians see creativity as a beautiful expression of this divine love, mirroring the boundless compassion and creativity of the Creator. When we create, we channel this love, infusing our work with purpose, meaning, and beauty.
 
Through creative acts, we share a piece of our hearts, connecting with others and spreading joy and understanding. This sacred process allows us to participate in the divine act of creation, celebrating the love that flows through us from God.
 
Embrace your creativity as an act of love. Let it shine through your work, touching lives and reflecting the divine love within you. 
 
Creativity is rooted in love.