“You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.” (Maya Angelou)
As I journeyed across the south of the country, in a van full of rust repair and excitement, this quote has remained at the forefront of my mind. In the past, I have heard myself talk about things that I would love to do… if only I had the time… However, throughout years of change and shifting schedules and priorities, I realised that I will never have time for the things I enjoy and am interested in, or that, quite possibly, I always will. It is not about having the time but making the time.
As I was in transit mode, with big driving days, unspecified sleeping locations, and limited working space, I tried to prioritise time creating. Although it was not possible to scribble down a doodle, write a verse, or crochet little blankets for shells I found on the beach every day, it was still possible to engage with creative practices intermittently throughout the trip. With full transparency, these moments were limited. I had the privilege of creating some Village specific doodles for marketing material from a national park campsite, where we were inspected by an emu, brought out the sketchbook for some distant life drawing at a beach in Robe, and crocheted a tiny little square as we were driving from the ferry down to my new home in Lutruwita/Tasmania. These moments filled my heart with joy, my hands with purpose, and my mind with a new lens for the world. It is this above quote that came to me in the moments following creative practice. Each creative moment provided
a sense of curiosity and content, that also lent to seeking out further opportunities for creativity, or an extended appreciation of my surroundings through a more creative lens.
As I develop a routine in my new home, I am doing my best to ensure I have time and outlets for creative practice. We all have different resources, interests and things that light us up, and I am consistently reflecting on what those are for me. As I have moved away from my local pottery club, leaving access to a wheel and kiln behind, I am grieving moments of playing with clay within my current routine. However, it is discovering what it is that lights me up, and how I can access this, that is currently driving my routine establishment. When I make routines, I very rarely stick to them like gospel, but do use them as a way of highlighting my priorities and reflecting on my use of time. I have a feeling that this year will hold some space for creative writing, lino printing, and maybe even flower pressing. But if it does not, I suppose it is up to me to make the space for it. Here I go.
Thanks for listening,
Zoe xx
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