5 Rules for Creative Authenticity
+ a collaboration I was included in!
Happy Friday!
I am excited to share that I was included in a collaborative zine made by
featuring handwritten advice from 18 artists and writers.
The zine is a gorgeous Risograph assembly of different lists of “5 rules for _”
Each contributor was asked to include 5 pieces advice around a creative theme, and they were compiled into a most delicious and vibrant spiral bound booklet that I almost want to eat.
I was especially delighted to be amongst the ranks of legends I already admire such as
, , , herself, and all others here that I get to learn more about through the zine! For we must all have something in common here…Here are some more words about what I decided to include.
Finding deep, personal authenticity in our creative endeavors is something I am especially passionate about and like to write about a lot here, so that is the theme I chose for my submission.
Five rules for creative authenticity:
Find inner stillness, and create from that space
This requires both effort and letting go. What you must do, in the words of my yoga sutras teacher, is change your state. Change your state first, through techniques for calming the nervous system, and then operate from that space you’ve cultivated.
This doesn’t need to look like meditating in a cave for 3 hours before making art. A little bit of change-your-state goes a long way.
It can look like going on a walk, taking 5 minutes to listen to music, or a short sit in a cozy chair taking some quiet deep breaths with eyes closed. =
The point is to be still. Be still, be sweet, be silent, and authentic forms of true inspiration and creation will bubble up clean from that stillness, with less obstructions and distractions.
Inner stillness is the trailhead.
Trust your instinct
What I mean here is your bodily impulse. Instinct is not a thought.
→ I repeat: instinct is not a thought!
Instinct is nonverbal, nonlogical, and often nonsensical. Nonsense is the best sense. Let the subtle transmissions coming from within the body be more of a broadcast, and observe what happens.
Embrace unexpected outcomes
When we let go of control a little, we leave the window un-smudged and crystal clear for mysterious unforeseen beams of strange magic to hurl through it. Getting out of our own way is key. Whenever something unexpected happens, I believe that thing is so real we couldn’t have predicted it.
Remember, your creativity is a gift, not a product
This is important to remember today and always. Earlier this year I wrote a lot about the attitude of making art as a gift in my post about spells for creative anxiety:
I think we can pressurize our authentic truth a little too much when we are always commodifying our creativity. Marketability can eclipse authenticity if we let it take up too much space in the creative process. Even when I am creating something with the intention to sell it, such as one of my greeting cards for my business for example, I find it really helpful and supportive to still approach each design as I would if I were making it as a gift for someone. This way, the energy of intending for it to go out into the world is still present, but the pressure of perfection and maximizing its success in the market doesn’t spoil the fun.
Create for connection over recognition
This. I don’t know if I even have to elaborate. You know it! We all know it.
But I will elaborate, just for kicks.
Real connection is what we really want. ♡
The metrics, the numbers, the dopamine rainbow sprinkles, the digital hearts and thumbs up, this is ALL a distraction. We can get tricked into thinking these things mean real connection but then guess what, they leave us feeling empty.
Real human connection is what the body, mind, and soul need. When we create for internet validation or popularity, we become anxious and the work becomes inauthentic. When we create for connection and collaboration with no desire to be recognized in any big way, good, fulfilling, wholesome experience happens.
It’s big love.
You can purchase a copy of Rules to Live By!
I extend my gratitude again to Carolyn and all of the other contributors for this wonderful collaboration.
You can purchase a limited edition printed copy here, and a digital version here.
For the digital version, you can pay what you wish starting at $10 - 50% of proceeds will be donated to Corita Art Center (Corita Kent's Ten Rules inspired this zine!)
Have a wonderful weekend!
☼
Love these 5 rules for creative authenticity as well as the expanded descriptions. Beautifully said!
This is awesome — thank you for sharing the inspiration!