April 21, 2011 – 10:07 am
I was working on a rather mundane project last week when suddenly I was struck with a brilliant idea that stopped my work dead in its tracks. I love it when this happens, even if it sidetracks the work at hand for a few hours.
But sparking your creativity is easier said than done. It is usually a serendipitous phenomenon, but I believe there are a few techniques you can use to trigger that creative impulse. Here are over 13 ways I get the creative juices flowing.
1. Doodle. You’ve heard of brainstorming and stream-of-consciousness writing to free your mind and unleash your creativity. But even those activities are limited by conforming your boundless imagination to language. Instead, just take out a blank piece of paper and a pen and doodle away. Draw whatever comes to mind. Just scribble anything and see what appears.
2. Challenge Yourself. People under pressure tend to surprise themselves. Try giving yourself a deadline, say, coming up with 10 great ideas by the end of the week. If your mind understands that there is a deadline to meet, it starts to work extra hard to ensure you meet it.
3. Join with Fellow Creatives. Creative people inspire each other. [...]
“Did he penetrate?” Those were the first words I spoke to the doctor as she was examining me upon my arrival back to the US in 2004. I had been studying Italian in Perugia when I was sexually assaulted by a neighbor. Needless to say, I have not been back to Italy since that incident. However, I intend for all of that to change this summer.
I believe that one’s experiences make them the person they are. I will go a step further and say that it is really how a person handles those experiences and who they become as a result of them that really tell the tale. With that being said, I have been in a state of reflection over the past several months. I know that if I strive to move forward and be the person I am capable of being, then I need to do just that: move on.
In order for that to occur, I need to go back to Italy. I need (and want) a better memory of that beautiful country. This is why my arts summer program is so special to me. What better way to move forward than through the creation of art. A [...]
Are you an artist (of any medium) looking for creative opportunities and collaborations globally? Would you like your work exhibited or performed in Italy and Boston?
The Duane Arts Institute
Be inspired with us.
This summer, you can take your ideas and work with other artists and creatives like yourself. The Duane Arts Institute, held in Assisi, Italy will enable you to collaborate and create so that you can have your ideas and dreams come true.
This interdisciplinary arts program allows for musicians, singers, dancers, writers, composers, filmmakers, visual artists, performance artists, actors, and photographers to collaborate with all the other artists attending your session.
For more information, contact: DuaneArtsInstitute @ gmail.com, attention Lynn.
Participate in a fun-filled two week session which includes:
Each artist receiving one-on-one attention while working on individual and group projects
Performance and Exhibition opportunities in Italy and in Boston (fall 2010)
Collaboration with every individual attending the program
Artist and Entrepreneurial Workshops
Excursions throughout the Tuscan Region
Sessions 1: July 25th-August 7th (ONLY 3 Spots Left)
Session 2: August 8th-21st (ONLY 5 Spots Left)
Program Fees Include:
Performances and Exhibitions in and around Assisi
Performances and Exhibitions in Boston (Fall 2010)
Artist and Entrepreneurial Workshops
Studio Space
Work and Exhibition Spaces
Shared Double Room (single rooms are extra)
Free Wi-Fi Access
Living Room
Kitchen
Biological Foods (olive-oil, vegetable, fruit, [...]
February 11, 2010 – 9:35 am
As the co-founder of the Massachusetts Artists Leaders Coalition (MALC), I work to ensure that Massachusetts artists of all disciplines have a voice in public dialogue and key public policy initiatives that impact artists communities and the creative economy. I and other members of the MALC ensure that we have voices representing the creative economy on a local, state, and federal level.
When Massachusetts established its Creative Economy Council the opera singer in me was very excited to hear what kinds of support and legislation would be brought forth to support performing and visual arts in the state. Unfortunately, the CEC has focused its efforts on developing the design, videogame, advertising, and film/tv industries, leaving the performing and visual arts left a bit out of the loop.
Performing and visual artists contribute directly to the economy, and drive more business, in several ways. For example:
A friend of mine hangs art exhibitions in community spaces (coffee shops, bookstores). When those businesses hold small exhibition openings, it brings additional visitors onto their sales floors.
On the same token, having a band perform at bars, restaurants, and bookstores can bring additional customers who may not otherwise venture into a business.
Hiring an artist [...]
