Stephen Nachmanovitch

"Creative work is play.  It is free speculation using the materials of one's chosen form."

— Stephen Nachmanovitch

American Musician/Writer

1950 -

For many people as they grow-up, they stop playing and having fun and in the process they stop being creative.  Being playful opens up our channels of creativity and we explore new ways of seeing the world.  Play involves having a sense of humor and being able to laugh at ourselves and the world around us.  Can you laugh at yourself and your mistakes?  Play also involves celebration of life and the joys of discovery.  Do you celebrate the beauty of being alive?  Play releases the creativity that is stored inside each of us and we try new things.  Have you tried something new recently or are you stuck in a rut?

Piet Mondrian

Self-portrait, 1900

"The position of the artist is humble.  He is essentially a channel."

— Piet Mondrian

Dutch Painter

1872 - 1944

Sometimes creative leaders let their egos get in the way of their painting, their writing or their art.  They believe they know all and are all powerful.  They berate others and often are hostile to the ideas of others.   An artist needs to be humble and realize he or she has been given a gift.  Pride and ego will ruin the gift.  Like Piet, many artists and writers talk about simply being a channel for something greater than themselves.  Have you ever created something and afterwards wondered where it came from?  When we learn to let go of the conscious egotistical self and become a channel for creativity, we will surprise and amaze ourselves with the gift we have been given.  Don't seek to understand the source of this gift.  Simply accept the gift with humility.