Rigid Needs

I’m learning to be easier on myself for having particular needs during the creative process. I find I write best on Saturday nights, usually after 10pm. I love this quote from President Barack Obama, pulled from a recent New York Times interview. He’s also a fan of late-night writing: “I find that the world narrows,Continue reading “Rigid Needs”

Seeking Questions

One of my intentions with this blog is to look for more questions. I’m learning that curiosity is key. When I find I’m uninspired or generally down in the dumps for whatever reason, continually asking myself “why?” typically unlocks something useful. Sharing that gift of curiosity with others can be revolutionary. I don’t believe theContinue reading “Seeking Questions”

Bold Purpose

Here’s a book recommendation: The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker. I’m sad that my copy is stuck in the city I left a few months ago. It contains so many well-articulated arguments for giving a clearer purpose to any type of gathering we host. The lessons in the book are particularly important now, whenContinue reading “Bold Purpose”

Slow, Slow Start

A lot of what I write here takes the form of permission slips: “Forgive yourself for…” “Allow yourself to be…” (I think it’s pretty clear that I’m often writing these “slips” for myself. Is that self-absorbed? Maybe. But I also believe that what’s true for me can be true for others. For me, making artContinue reading “Slow, Slow Start”

The Work Behind It

I personally don’t believe there’s such thing as “passive consumption,” where you sit and read a book or watch a TV show and not engage with it critically. I think the art we come in contact with lingers and affects our minds and behaviours in at least small, subtle ways. But it has an evenContinue reading “The Work Behind It”

Serendipitous Solutions

I started going for a hike last night. When I reached the bottom of the hill I realized by the time I would get to the top the sun would be setting and I’d have to come back down in the dark. I also really had to pee. I thought, “Why bother?” Then I thought,Continue reading “Serendipitous Solutions”

The Privilege of Creating

Many people are feeling restless. With so much time spent away from loved ones, work, public centres, etc., being alone with our thoughts gets discouraging. And as I was thinking about what to write today I drew a lot of blanks. My creativity seems tired after so much time without its usual stimulants. Yesterday’s post…Continue reading “The Privilege of Creating”

Li’l Impacts

Today I’m reminding myself that small decisions can make substantial impacts. When I think about my career and what I want to be doing with my life, it often comes down to helping people and affecting change. I’d like to leave this world with some sort of legacy that was made possible by my creativityContinue reading “Li’l Impacts”