I have always been interested in how the creative process works within myself. There may be a word for it. Perhaps you have had similar experiences.
The creative process
This is something that has come to interest me in recent times. I never really questioned it before but as I have got older I have wondered how it manifests for different people. For me I have always associated it with 'Awen'. Let me explain.
What is 'Awen' ?
'Awen' is a welsh word for which there is no real english equivalent. The nearest translation that people quote is along the lines of 'poetic inspiration.' This was what the Bards of old treasured and sought after for it came from the cauldron of Cerridwen . A potion of inspiration brewed over a year and a day by this great lady. One of the main skills a bard must possess was poetry and another storytelling. Hence, one can understand why the 'Awen' was so important.
For me personally I have recognised it throughout my life. I have written poetry and I have written songs. My songs basically consist of poetry put to music. One day I intend to make some recordings but that is a work in progress. However, in this post I am interested in the process of creating and completing.
Also, maybe the reasons.
For me I have found that when inspired (usually after some time in nature or having engaged in some spiritual practice) and the 'Awen' strikes, things happen quickly. Whether it be lyrics or a tune, I used to find that I would write about seventy or so per cent of that song in under one hour.
I was often amazed by this. However, the other twenty or thirty per cent needed a lot more work.
To be honest I still have songs that are not finished and it has been years.
Then I remembered what Thomas Edison said.
Success is 10 per cent inspiration and 90 per cent perspiration.
Maybe the percentages differ but this has been a big issue for me. Completing the process. By this I mean to the end. The arranging and the honing until everything is finished.
The dilemma
I often ask people how the creative process works for them. For example, when writing a song, I enquire as to whether they write lyrics first or the melody or, like me, whether the lyrics and melody come at the same time. Of course, there are a variety of answers. I usually get the ideas when I am alone but often two heads can be better than one. Regardless of this, the Awen usually works it's magic on all of us. However, the biggest barrier to this can often be fear. A fear of what other people will think. This is a really tricky problem to deal with and a lot of people never overcome it. This is a shame. I cannot help but wonder at the number of creative works that have never born light due to the creator's fear of them not being popular. Which leads me to my next point.
The formulaic route
I once worked with a colleague many years ago who was an artist. She loved painting but it was not proving to be a way in which she could make a living. She tried selling her paintings on a stall at the local market along with other bits and bobs. After a time she became a little disillusioned as her best sellers were clay plant pots with simple flower designs. These made her money. As a result she made more but after time realised this was not bringing her much joy and little satisfaction. She had started producing what she knew would sell rather than spending time painting the things she enjoyed, which were water colours. She now felt like she was working on a production line. Another one of life's conundrums.
It seems like everyone is a critic nowadays but we all have different tastes. This must be a good thing, surely, as variety truly is the spice of life. Who is to say which author, artist, song, or film is the best?
Maybe the critics?... Mmm....only joking.
The big dream
Enjoying a rich and abundant life built on creativity is a dream that many people have had over the years. Whether it be wanting to be the next big rock band, a best selling author or even a famous movie star. This is a good thing. You have to have a dream before you can realise it. However, I must now quote Jon Bon Jovi here, as I think he is right.
You have to want it bad enough!
Herein lies the problem. Most people (myself included) do not.
But then that is no bad thing either. We can't all be successful with our creativity. Right?
True...but if you do want to be...read that previous quote again!
And here is another. One of my favourite motivational quotes comes from Henry Ford, who was among America's foremost industrialists.
Whether you think you can or you think you can't...you're right
A creative thinker in his own right. It is worth taking some time to reflect on what he is saying.
The reality
Maybe some of us are never destined to find fame and fortune though our creative endeavours but does that mean they are any less valid? I have mentioned before how small children just immerse themselves in the creative process without the constraints that older beings have. It is a joy to watch and I have seen it many times.
So we have a choice.
Embrace the 'Awen' when it flows to us or worry about whether it will be liked by others. Maybe the fact that we like something ourselves is enough? Even if only one other person in the world is touched by it then surely the effort has been worth it. We are all individuals after all.
I wish you well in any creative endeavours that you may be involved in. Go for it!
Feel free to get in touch via the contact page if you feel so inclined.
Best wishes to you
Paul
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