In Episode 5, Cindy Ingram and Heather Doyle Fraser dive into the themes of iteration on your creative work (using your past creative work to inspire new creative work), the subjective nature of creativity, and the need to support and nurture your unique creative process. Emphasis on the importance of iteration and revisiting creative work.
Not every idea needs to be brand new when you are creating. Great inspiration can be found by revisiting and iterating on creative work. Each time we revisit a previous idea, we can come to it with the fresh perspective of new life experiences. Heather and Cindy encourage listeners to revisit old ideas, doodles, or writings, and to allow themselves to explore recurring themes without self-criticism. The hosts share their own experiences with iterative processes in art and writing, and how these practices can lead to new insights and deeper creativity.
With any kind of art, there is a tendency to compare with other artists/writers/creatives. It’s a real pressure, especially in the competitive culture in which we live. We can’t create in a vacuum, but comparison in this way can hinder one's own creative process. The hosts discuss the pressures of comparing oneself to celebrated authors like Elizabeth Gilbert, and emphasize the idea that creativity is not about being "as good as" someone else, but about the unique relationship among the creator, their art, and the ultimate viewer/reader/experiencer of the art.
They explore the concept of "good" and "bad" in art and literature, noting that what resonates with one person might not resonate with another. This leads to a discussion about popular books and how everyone’s estimation of whether a book is “good” or “bad” stems from their life experiences and the lens with which they view the world. The hosts share personal anecdotes, including one about fan fiction and its role in allowing people to immerse themselves in beloved stories, highlighting how judgment can stifle creativity.
Finally, they discuss their upcoming program beginning September 4, 2024, "The Spacious Creative," which aims to help participants embrace their creative ideas and bring them to fruition. They highlight the program's potential to support creative expression, and invite listeners to join and explore their own creative journeys.
Click here to learn more about Spacious Creative and how to join.
Throughout the episode, the hosts' enthusiasm for creativity and their supportive, encouraging approach shine through, making a compelling case for embracing one's unique creative process.
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