Creativity Groups
I have recently been invited to join a writing group.
We meet on Tuesday afternoons for an hour in the back corner of a chain bookstore.
Everyone is friendly and chats with everyone else.
There is always chocolate and news regarding what the writers in the group are doing in relation to their published books (if they have any), WIPs, and conferences-attended and upcoming.
After fifteen minutes of sharing, we get down to the 'work', or the 'play', depending on the writer's view.
There are always two prompts, and if not many people show up, then there is a third idea to share.
A set number of minutes is designated for writing, and then when time is called, a volunteer reads what they've written, and we move around the table.
The others listen attentively.
There isn't any critiquing, as this is a group whose intention is to inspire people to write.
A group like this has many advantages: it invites us to take a break from our current projects, we have the opportunity to meet other writers, we are offered a chance to 'play', and we get to build our confidence with public speaking by reading our work.
The group doesn't start late or run over, thus respecting people's time.
What about other creativity groups? Where could a group of painters meet? A studio? Someone's backyard? Why not provide prompts for the paintings? Pulling strips of paper out of a hat that suggest: a tree in spring, a bee around a hive, a dog running through a field, a hawk in flight, a moored boat, or cupcakes.
The ideas of what to paint are endless.
Set a time limit, perhaps thirty minutes, and share, if you choose to.
Passing is always acceptable! Or a group of musicians circle around and someone calls out a key.
Another one begins a rhythm.
Where does the song go? Or, pick a key, and everyone gets a chance to play, for one minute, whatever comes out their fingertips or lips or hands.
There is a bed of psychology that has studied what happens when groups of humans are banded together over a similar interest.
In the extreme, there are violent protests.
But on the other end of the spectrum there are peace marches and people who raise enormous amounts of money for a cause.
What if a study was done regarding groups of artists? Do their combined ideas and energy take the individual to experiences that they could not have reached on their own? Does it heighten the artists' communication with their Muse? How long does the inspiration last? Would an artist come to believe that they could only create in the presence of the group? Setting up a group gathering can be simple, limited in participates and how often the group meets, or it can grow to include a pot luck, guest speakers, and meeting in different places.
Extroverts will love the opportunity to chat with other artists, compare techniques, and discuss the influence of other creative people.
Introverts will have a chance to write in a different venue and with prompts they may not be able to come up with on their own.
We may make a friend or two, and we certainly get to see and hear what others are creating.
There are no real rules when it comes to creativity.
An open mind and heart, a little encouragement from our Muse, and some time to let it flow through us and shape whatever medium we decide is to receive our attention.
We meet on Tuesday afternoons for an hour in the back corner of a chain bookstore.
Everyone is friendly and chats with everyone else.
There is always chocolate and news regarding what the writers in the group are doing in relation to their published books (if they have any), WIPs, and conferences-attended and upcoming.
After fifteen minutes of sharing, we get down to the 'work', or the 'play', depending on the writer's view.
There are always two prompts, and if not many people show up, then there is a third idea to share.
A set number of minutes is designated for writing, and then when time is called, a volunteer reads what they've written, and we move around the table.
The others listen attentively.
There isn't any critiquing, as this is a group whose intention is to inspire people to write.
A group like this has many advantages: it invites us to take a break from our current projects, we have the opportunity to meet other writers, we are offered a chance to 'play', and we get to build our confidence with public speaking by reading our work.
The group doesn't start late or run over, thus respecting people's time.
What about other creativity groups? Where could a group of painters meet? A studio? Someone's backyard? Why not provide prompts for the paintings? Pulling strips of paper out of a hat that suggest: a tree in spring, a bee around a hive, a dog running through a field, a hawk in flight, a moored boat, or cupcakes.
The ideas of what to paint are endless.
Set a time limit, perhaps thirty minutes, and share, if you choose to.
Passing is always acceptable! Or a group of musicians circle around and someone calls out a key.
Another one begins a rhythm.
Where does the song go? Or, pick a key, and everyone gets a chance to play, for one minute, whatever comes out their fingertips or lips or hands.
There is a bed of psychology that has studied what happens when groups of humans are banded together over a similar interest.
In the extreme, there are violent protests.
But on the other end of the spectrum there are peace marches and people who raise enormous amounts of money for a cause.
What if a study was done regarding groups of artists? Do their combined ideas and energy take the individual to experiences that they could not have reached on their own? Does it heighten the artists' communication with their Muse? How long does the inspiration last? Would an artist come to believe that they could only create in the presence of the group? Setting up a group gathering can be simple, limited in participates and how often the group meets, or it can grow to include a pot luck, guest speakers, and meeting in different places.
Extroverts will love the opportunity to chat with other artists, compare techniques, and discuss the influence of other creative people.
Introverts will have a chance to write in a different venue and with prompts they may not be able to come up with on their own.
We may make a friend or two, and we certainly get to see and hear what others are creating.
There are no real rules when it comes to creativity.
An open mind and heart, a little encouragement from our Muse, and some time to let it flow through us and shape whatever medium we decide is to receive our attention.
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