and finding community.

During a recently recorded podcast episode with Lissa Watson, we started talking about what it means to create from the heart. Something so easy to say, but really challenging to actually do. Maybe it’s even more challenging to be able to put into words what this looks like as it relates to the photographer’s creative process.

I don’t claim to be an expert in the creative process. In fact, I mostly feel like an imposter when I call myself a photographer much less an artist. I think this is probably one of the reasons that I started a podcast – I wanted to get into the heads of people whose work I really admired to see if they could spill some secrets about how they created. What could I learn? What could I apply to my own photography so I can grow my skills? There is a chance that admitting this makes me sound selfish, maybe that’s true. Hopefully it’s okay since I record these conversations for anyone who wants to listen. My guess is that there is something a little different for everyone in each of these chats based on what they are bringing to the table.

What does creating from the heart mean to you? Is it actually something tangible that we can learn? Is it a skill that we can hone? These are the kinds of questions that are rattling around in my brain related to this topic. Like usual, I feel full of questions with very few answers.

Anyone who is trying to lean into using their creativity gets stuck. We all know this is just a part of the process, even though it’s a frustrating part. I do think that being stuck can be a call to be still. This can be the time you need to slow down & listen. Your brain and your body might be processing all the noise in your life, in the world, or possibly both and instead of pushing through, you might need take a rest and see what happens. At least this is the kind of thing I tell myself. I will let myself off the hook and put down the camera. When I force it, it usually just sucks and I’m unhappy with the outcome. So instead, if I give myself that time to just breathe and be present without forcing anything I typically come back stronger.

We can’t go at full pace all the time 24/7. It’s just not humanly possible- this isn’t how we are designed. There is a need for the downtime, a need for recovery, a need for rest. We can give ourselves permission to slow down and exhale.

This allows us the chance to catch our breath and it also gives us the opportunity for our current skills to sink in. We can continue to work on our current skills knowing that the growth is right around the corner.

If you want to jump into a discussion about this and talk about questions like, does it always show for the viewer if the artist says they created from the heart and that the photo is meaningful to them? Then JOIN US on 2/26 at 4:30 PM Pacific Standard Time for a virtual gathering.

Until then, keep exhaling and leaning into your creativity.