April Yvette Thompson shared a video, that featured actor and filmmaker, Mark Duplass. He was on The Morning Show. And, he was talking about creating for yourself.
His message? Don't wait for someone to pick you. Make something. Put some of that destiny in your own hands.
And it really struck a chord with me. It reminded me of my own journey in embracing daily creativity.
For me, it's about recognizing that every day is an opportunity for creative decisions. This mindset of everyday creative choices is why I started producing and creating spaces (Black Forum, Evening Shades, Liberation Theatre Company, Harlem9...) for other creatives to make things. Because alongside fellow artists, I was making things too. I invited people into my home to be inspired, and they inspired me right back. Together, we imagined we were contributing, moving the needle, making change somehow. #CreativeLifestyle
And, when I decided to get married and have kids, I was scared. Like, I'd never act again. But you know what? I love being a wife and mother. So, it was while I was sitting in the rehearsal room of Leslie Lee's First Breeze of Summer, directed by Ruben Santiago Hudson, I decided to write. Like, seriously write. And then I decided that cooking for my family was creative, and cleaning my house was creative, and dressing for myself is creative, and every moment and thing I touch is creative. And, damn it! I'm really quite blessed. #CreateEveryDay
And, I’m not waiting for anyone to deem me a creative - an artist. I say I am, therefore, I am. #MakeYourOwnPath
Being an artist, a creator, is not transactional. It can be, sure. But first and foremost, it comes from within. It's moment to moment, this choosing to be creative. It's totally and always accessible.
See, we've got to take this thing called creating out of the commercial sphere. It's what we do as humans. Yes, you can make money from it. But it's the thing we do for ourselves and in service of others. It's as natural as breathing. It's what connects us to God.
So why are you waiting for someone to give you permission to do it?#ArtistEmpowerment
Every day, you have the power to choose creativity. To see the artistry in the mundane. To find inspiration in the everyday. To create, not because someone told you to, but because it's who you are. #ChooseCreativity
You're an artist. A creator. Right here, right now.
So, what are you going to create today? #EverydayInspiration
Your Wordsmythe,
Sandra Daley
Comments