To bring into being something that did not exist before is a gift to yourself and others. Something new or original is valuable. It may or may not have benefit in the economic sense. It is nonetheless of value and meaning to the artist.

Most of my formal education was in the sciences and engineering. Trained in the main to analyse, calculate and observe how things are. Or seem to be. Skills that were gained have largely been in the areas of function and efficiency. Things like learning to drive, fly, plan and organise things. These are all technical skills which can be conducted with or without imagination or passion. Not that I am advocating driving only with imagination! The one skill I find effortlessly accompanies fantasy is fishing! Each cast of the rod is filled with anticipation as the fly lands on a fresh patch of water ( Cast your bread upon the waters).

For a while in my late teens and early 20s I was interested in playing music. However really didn’t maintain my interest in the guitar and harmonica beyond that time. Life and responsibilities seemed to distract me from continuing these pursuits. Besides, I was never going to be a Bob Dylan!

Creativity is rich with unexpected possibility. Know-how is mere fragmented mechanics which lacks tradition, context and surprise. Analysis is always subsequent to and parasitic on creativity. Our culture is becoming crowded with analysts and much of what passes for creativity is merely clever know-how.

Eternal Echoes, John O’Donahue

Living with an artist for many years has given me ample opportunity to observe creativity at work. My wife does mainly abstract art using many media. These include paint, all manner of textiles, bits of scrap metal, sea shells, driftwood. Even ground coffee and tea bags! In fact, many things can inspire her. Her inspiration seems to come from within, intuitive. Most of the time she has no idea what the finished work will be. Left to observe the process I have even less idea where a piece may be heading. Then one day it is done.

Colour is Elisabeth’s great delight but also sensitivity. She feels colours and is uncomfortable with what she finds unharmonious. I do not experience this and do not understand. However understanding and appreciation need not go hand in hand. Words and rationale do not define everything. Our technology focussed world desires to name and categorise. Art is to my mind mostly experienced. As the cliche goes, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Some will be drawn to a work and others will see nothing. Elisabeth is happy to explain the process involved. However, in keeping with her intuitive nature, she seldom likes to explain her pieces. Others need to derive their own insights.

I think also of the world of architecture, engineering and design. I recall being awed by a visit to the Sagrada Familia cathedral in Barcelona. The way the light enters the building and the immensity of the stone structures. Designed to evoke a sense of wonder. In the unfinished cathedral were teams of artisans and builders. They represented generations of men and women who have been labouring for 140 years to complete this mega project. They now think(!) that it will be finished in 2026. One hundred years after the death of Gaudi, its architect! It seems that when you are involved in a labour of love, how quickly things get done is not the priority!

The emergence of aesthetic appeal can also be found in manufacturing. Even in high tech. I suspect part of the attraction of Apple products is their marrying beauty with functionality. Also, why make merely functional furniture when you can also make something of beauty? Such products need not always be expensive. I think Ikea have done this in the design of simple, pleasing and affordable goods.

In later years I have slowly grown to realise that creativity is a part of what it means to be human. There have been times when I have been unaware of the importance of living with imagination. Partly I think because I have too often ascribed creative gifts and pursuits to the realms of others – artists, poets, musicians and writers. That is, those who bring into being tangible or intangible things. Things of beauty that bring joy, colour and light to the lives of others. However I think there is the potential in all of us to add spice and originality to even mundane and routine tasks. Could this even include going for a walk, doing the shopping or the daily grind of work? Just being in nature seems to be a natural incubator for ideas. Surrounded by the endless variety and originality of the Creator is nurturing.

…children have abounding vitality, they are in spirit fierce and free, therefore they want things repeated and unchanged. They always say “Do it again”, and the grown-up person does it again until he is nearly dead. For grown up people are not strong enough to exult in monotony. But God is strong enough to exult in monotony. It is possible that God says every morning, “Do it again” to the sun; and every evening, “Do it again” to the moon.

”‘Orthodoxy” by G.K. CHESTERTON

For nearly 2 years I worked in a factory warehouse, mainly packing boxes ( ‘A Thread Runs Through It’). I found that this was an ideal environment to learn Swedish. Better than a classroom. It possibly explains why I speak better Swedish than the more formal ways I have tried to learn French, German, Chinese and Japanese. Yes there was plenty of frustration. Yet interacting with colleagues and a new culture in a work setting was worthwhile. I also took inspiration from others – it is possible to spend your working life in a factory and still nurture creativity in your life.

I realise that the skills required to solve problems and live life are not just analytical. Traits such as not taking things too seriously, a sense of humour and being compassionate to oneself all need to be brought to the table.

The last few years writing blogs has become a way of discovering my own creative processes. Typically an idea arises. I chew it over, usually discard. Then it comes back to my mind. Make another start, get discouraged and discard again. Again, another try and there is some construction. Yet also some dismantling! I then get stuck. However just leave it be for a while. Have faith in the unseen work going on subconsciously. It feels similar to when the answer to a crossword clue stubbornly evades you but the next day the answer comes. Come back later. At last a shape starts to materialise, if a bit shadowy. Focussing takes some more work and effort. Finally something is born. It then has its own life.

** elisabethgrantart.com