January is International Creativity Month. Creativity gives us the courage to venture out into the unknown. To discover new possibilities.
Studies show that creativity can increase positive emotions, lessen depressive symptoms, relieve stress, and improve immune functioning. Experts note 40% percent of Americans are struggling with mental health issues because of the pandemic. A good mood activates creativity and negatively has the reverse effect. After experiencing a creative block, I must admit I felt sad. But feeling sad did nothing to inspire me. So I did some calligraphy to lift my mood. Because it seemed so totally unrelated to my art I stopped. A few weeks later I began working on two entries for an upcoming juried exhibit entitled, “Celebrations.” As I worked on the preliminary sketches I thought of the calligraphy. It decided to do a “word portrait” of James Weldon Johnson. I would use the lyrics to his famous song "Lift Every Voice and Sing.” After struggling for four days it finally came together. Next I used a discarded watercolor wash to create a painting of a lighthouse and included calligraphy.
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AuthorWhen I am not traveling to or painting lighthouses, I am writing or researching lighthouses. Archives
December 2022
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