This week, I attended a charcuterie board class. I’ve created charcuterie boards before, but usually just placed items willy-nilly, not realizing there was a plan to how it should be done. I didn’t know you start by placing items in a diagonal line and build from there. I’d never thought about color and height when creating a board.
Lessons in creativity sometimes come in unlikely ways. Following are some thoughts:
Avoid Becoming Discouraged
When you are involved in a creative endeavor, it’s not unusual to look at what others are doing, and how successful they are with their creation. As a writer, the temptation is always there to look at the successes of other writers. But if you spend too much time looking at what others have accomplished, it’s easy to become discouraged.
However, remember, we each have our own path in the creative process. Some seem to skyrocket, while others follow a slower route. Each of us is different, so follow as creativity leads.
Do Your Own Thing
During our trip to the mountains, we visited a favorite shop, Alewine pottery. The family business began years ago and has continued. One of the signature designs of the owner, Robert Alewine, is a real leaf fired into the pottery. This design is unique and sets his designs apart from other potters.
During the charcuterie class, I loved hearing the instructor say, “No two boards will be alike because your placement of items is a creative process.”
When creating, do your own thing. Trust your ideas. Do what inspires and excites you.
Each of Us is Unique
Years ago, my mother suddenly announced, “I was left out when the Lord handed out talent.” She was referring to the fact that my aunts, my husband, and I sang in the choir. My grandmother taught piano and played, sang and gave voice lessons. An uncle played piano, sang, and served as a church choir director.
In response, I reminded Mama of all her sewing creations. She was an excellent seamstress, often creating draperies and tablecloths without a pattern. She made all her own clothes, and many of mine. She reupholstered furniture, again without a pattern.
After I mentioned her sewing talent, Mama smiled, and said, “I was only thinking about one talent, but you are right. We have different gift and talents.”
Our daughter is an artist. I recognized that in her when she was still a child. Her involvement in Art Visions at school, and art summer camp, helped her learn on a deeper level. For years, art took a back seat, but the 2020 lockdown sparked a desire in her to paint again.
Among my favorite subjects she paints are animals. She has a unique way of capturing the pet’s “animalality.” (Think personality!) I enjoy watching her indulge her creativity, knowing she is using her talent, but also, painting is a form of stress relief for her.
Our son’s creativity comes in the form of music composition, playing multiple instruments, and studio mixing and mastering. Like his sister, I recognized his love for music and creativity in childhood.
Each week, when I write for my blog, I create.
Creativity takes many forms. Your areas of creativity may not look like those of others, but that doesn’t make them less than.
The Gift of Creativity
When I was young, and taking piano lessons from my grandmother, she often said, “If you don’t use your talent and creativity, you’ll lose them.”
Creativity is a gift, given by Creator God, who is the giver of good gifts. We have the choice to use our creativity for His glory, or risk losing it.
If you ever feel your creativity ebbing, do something else creative. Often, working on creativity in another area sparks ideas and fuels forward motion. Cherish the gift of creativity and use it well.
“The Lord has filled Bezalel with the Spirit of God, giving him great wisdom, ability, and expertise in all kinds of crafts. He is a master craftsman, expert in working with gold, silver, and bronze. He is skilled in engraving and mounting gemstones and in carving wood. He is a master at every craft. And the Lord has given both him and Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, the ability to teach their skills to others. The Lord has given them special skills as engravers, designers, embroiderers in blue, purple, and scarlet thread on fine linen cloth, and weavers. They excel as craftsmen and as designers” (Exodus 35:31-35 NLT).
©CandyArrington
Candy Arrington is a writer, blogger, speaker, and freelance editor. She often writes on tough topics with a focus on moving through, and beyond, difficult life circumstances. Candy has written hundreds of articles, stories, and devotionals published by numerous outlets including: Inspiration.org, Arisedaily.com, CBN.com, Healthgrades.com, Care.com, Focus on the Family, NextAvenue.org, CountryLiving.com, and Writer’s Digest. Candy’s books include Life on Pause: Learning to Wait Well (Bold Vision Books), When Your Aging Parent Needs Care (Harvest House), and AFTERSHOCK: Help, Hope, and Healing in the Wake of Suicide (B&H Publishing Group).
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