Creative 360

March 20^th 9:57am	Finding Creative Energy in the Outdoors
As I discussed in my last post, your environment can have a big impact on your creativity and well-being, which is why Creative 360 strives to offer a welcoming and inspiring space. But let’s not discount the importance of getting out of your comfort zone and experiencing scenic beauty! Each time I visit my son and his family in New Hampshire, I find inspiration in the rolling hills, rivers, towering woods, and the spectacular White Mountains. On a recent trip as I was driving north past Lake Winnipesaukee into Franconia Notch State Park (click here for a glimpse), layers of gray clouds hung low, yielding distant views of snow covered mountains. Equipped with hiking poles, tall boots and other winter gear, we climbed up Bald Mountain through deep snow and dense trees, over ice-capped boulders and deep snow. While my grandsons and son advanced straight up with ease, I relied on poles, testing depth of snow and placement of rocks. “Don’t lean back” was called out each time I needed a strong arm to boost me up to a new height. The sense of adventure was surpassed only by the breathtaking beauty. Elevated above adjacent mountains, standing on a ledge suspended above valleys far below, I was engulfed in a sense of serenity. Each moment served as inspiration. Noticing the texture of granite boldly piercing the mounds of snow, the bend of branches heavy with white and muted colors of decayed leaves, I savored the splendor. Nature inspires! One feels the stirring of creativity within, the desire and challenge to explore and discover, to play, and to achieve. Even some studies suggest that "unplugging" from modern technology and exploring nature allows your mind to dedicate more resources to creative ideas - click here for a blurb in The Huffington Post on this topic. When did you last explore the natural beauty of the outdoors? Make it a point to do so again soon; you will fill that wellspring of creativity and come away with a renewed energy and purpose.

March 1^st 1:29pm	Quality conversation and surroundings can spark creativity
For each artist, creativity is at the heart of their personal journey toward ultimate fulfillment and self-determination. It is, after all, not about the end product. It is about the expression, the experiment, the exploration. It is about becoming lost and totally emerged in the process of discovery and release. Deep within each of us is a seed of creativity, waiting to be planted and to grow. It doesn’t take a miracle to make the seed grow; sometimes it only takes a kind word of support, or praise and encouragement. Given a secure environment and opportunity to become directly and totally involved in the creative process, one can achieve a sense of tranquility and relaxation. Creative 360 brings together people from all walks of life to delight in the process of creativity and learning together. Shared stories and dreams represent individual journeys in life. The goal is not to create artists, but rather to free our individuality and self-expression; to become who we were meant to be. Creative 360’s Tuesday Teas are a great example of an event that brings people together to share stories and perspectives, and sometimes to learn about what drives the creative process for a guest artist. We start with a hot cup of delicious tea and light foods. The warmth of the fireplace brings the circle of chairs close while guests gather to chat about art and life experiences. We have listened to guest artist (and Tuesday Tea facilitator) Dianna Cole discuss her steel wool works and meditative, Eastern-tinged pieces that contain thousands of tiny porcelain orbs – Dianna’s work will be on display in Creative 360 beginning in April, click here to view some of her works. We have also listened to painter and graphic artist Tony Tienda and photographer Terry King. Each of these artists has provided us with an intimate explanation of their artistic journey and stories behind their works. I encourage you to join us to help your own creativity blossom, whether simply by engaging in conversation at our Tuesday Teas (click here for more information at our website) or trying one of our art or movement classes. Any of these can provide inspiration and discovery, simply by introducing you to a new thought process and new people. Come visit us in Midland! -Carol Speltz, Creative 360 Executive Director

Finding Creative Energy in the Outdoors

Quality conversation and surroundings can spark creativity