Cultivating Creativity Through Loss
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Today I share a story about Samantha and how her loss is fueling my Creativity Forward!
As I sit here writing this blog post I wonder what am going to say that is interesting, exciting and worth taking the time to read.
I admit today I am struggling.
Today my beloved cat, Samantha of 19 years passed on to kitty heaven. She was our loyal and understandably diva ish’ pet that grew up with my kids and my marriage. She made sure she was taken care of and demanded to be left alone when she wasn’t “feeling it”. And, if we didn’t abide by her rules - she made sure we were fully aware of them - communicated with a hiss or swipe of her paw.
As she got older, she still held onto her feistiness. When we introduced a new family member, a whiny, weird a strange chocolate lab puppy, she decided her space was the kitchen island and the left wing of the house. Areas where she knew that crazy puppy, that eventually grew to a 60 pound bear, couldn’t enter.
Our amazing queen of a cat, Samantha was our family.
So how does this relate to my creative practice?
Well I am sad and grieving. I will miss her and wanted her to stay with us forever. I was reminded everyday of her presence and the house seems so quiet right now. I don’t have a ton of energy to pick up a paint brush today but I am inspired by memories and old stories of how Samantha touched our lives for the past 19 years. I remember when my friend called me to tell me “can you meet us at the pet store, I have a surprise for Danielle (my daughter).” When I got there a peak inside a large box which contained about 10 little fur balls - all resembling a value scale from white, grey to black. My daughter’s eyes big, huge trying to decide which one we were going to take home. Me, being someone that has never owned a cat in my life, nervously questioning how is this happening. Danielle picked a tiny grey kitten with a big wobbly head that day. We took her home, named her Samantha and she presided over the household (her castle) for the next 19 years.
Ok back to the creativity thing…
Today, I pull out the old photos and recount all of those memories. We all laugh, cry and tell our stories of how Samantha brought us joy. It feels good to remember and to retell those stories.
Guess what else this does?
This fuels the creative juices. It opens up parts of my creative mind that I usually forget to tap into. My memories! I guess sometimes I want to forget or keep them hidden away - but today we bring them out of hiding to remember.
How can this help me?
It helps us refuel those creative fires inside of us to resurface onto our canvas.
Memories, those snapshots of our lives, often serve as more than just nostalgic reflections. They can also ignite the flames of creativity, providing a rich tapestry of inspiration for creatives.
The Power of Personal Experience
Personal experiences are the building blocks of our memories. The emotions, sensations, and details associated with these events can be a powerful source of creative inspiration. Whether it's a childhood memory, a recent travel experience, or a significant life event like the loss of a pet, these memories can spark ideas, evoke emotions, and provide a unique perspective on the world.
The Role of Nostalgia
Nostalgia, the bittersweet longing for the past, can also be a powerful creative fuel. By revisiting old memories, we can tap into a wellspring of emotions and experiences that can inspire our work. Whether it's a favorite childhood song, a beloved book, or a cherished photograph, nostalgia can transport us to a different time and place, providing a rich source of inspiration.
Memory as a Catalyst for Imagination
Memories can also serve as a catalyst for imagination. By combining elements from different memories or altering them in unexpected ways, we can create entirely new worlds and stories. This process of imaginative play can lead to breakthroughs in creativity and help us to see the world in new ways.
Examples of Memory-Inspired Creativity
Music: Many musicians draw inspiration from their personal experiences, writing songs about love, loss, heartbreak, and joy.
Literature: Authors often use their own memories as the basis for their characters, settings, and plotlines.
Visual Arts: Painters, sculptors, and other visual artists may use their memories to create works of art that evoke specific emotions or tell personal stories.
Harnessing the Power of Memory
To harness the power of memory as a creative fuel, consider these tips:
Keep a journal: Write down your thoughts, feelings, and experiences to preserve memories for future reference.
Collect memorabilia: Gather objects that remind you of significant events or people in your life.
Explore your childhood: Revisit old photos, toys, or places to tap into childhood memories.
Practice mindfulness: Pay attention to your present-moment experiences to create new memories and deepen your connection to the world.
By tapping into the power of memory, we can unlock a vast reservoir of creativity and inspiration. Whether we're artists, writers, musicians, or simply seeking to live more fulfilling lives, our memories can provide the fuel we need to ignite our creative fires.
So yes, I mourn today a true companion but I gain amazing memories, and joy. The stories my family have been remembering, and the photos we dug out of the closet have established new ideas that I am excited to share on my canvas and at my easel. I will miss my Samantha but she will always. be there fueling my creative fire forward and provide me with inspiration to create amazingness going froward.
