I admit it; I am obsessed with creativity.  How do we access it?  How do we inspire and cultivate it in others?  I am especially concerned about this as a secondary teacher.  Over the last several years, I’ve noticed an appalling lack of creativity among students.  Many are content simply to move on to the next thing, complete the next step.  I particularly saw this during the pandemic.  It is what Robin Williams’ character in “Dead Poets Society,” Mr. Keating, discusses in one of his many monologues and develops into a theme throughout the movie, challenging the status quo, not to mention the idea of carpe diem.  Ultimately, his students pursuing their passions, against the wishes of their parents, lead to some horrific consequences.  While one would hope that such attitudes would have changed since the 1950s setting of the movie, I’m not so sure it has when it comes to education.  Unfortunately.

I’m just grateful that I have a creative outlet that I love.  Growing up, I loved the art class I took in high school.  Sadly, I can’t draw or paint well at all.  Yet, I loved coming up with different composition projects in various materials.  I can always come up with an idea.  Some, of course, are better than others.  I also adore art history and find it fascinating.  In the end, I wish I had had more confidence in what artistic ability I did have growing up.  Who knows where it would have taken me?

Over the last few years, I’ve subbed for an art teacher whom I got to know fairly well during student teaching.  I always loved subbing for her.  I had fun watching students work on their projects, including ceramics.  It made me want a place of my own just to create.  I have everything I need, including space.  I just need to take the time to make it happen.

What’s sad is that we live in a society that greatly rewards conformity.  As adults, we get caught up in work and other obligations.  Most of us have precious little time to further develop our creativity.  Can you imagine if we did .. or at least valued creativity?