Creative Outlet

This weekend, the Creative Treehouse hosted the 24 Hour Creative Marathon (Two). I’ve already flogged myself at length for not mentioning it this past week. After I related my story, you know I won’t make that same mistake again.

I wasn’t able to go to the first one due to scheduling conflicts, but I wanted to make sure I at least made it to part of this creative extravaganza. Admittedly, I don’t think of myself as a creative type. I associate that connotation (in a complimentary fashion) to those who have artistic skill and brilliance. They could paint. They could draw. They could write. They could construct intricate origami. I saw my role in attending to be ancillary to those producing masterpieces. I ended up chatting with new media friends, and generally taking up space while playing Texas hold ‘em online.

Turns out that wasn’t all I would be doing: Rachel’s friend Kelly browbeat me into being creative, placing acrylic paints and a canvas in my hand. At that point I became immediately dangerous to myself and others; I had creative tools, and I was charged to use them.

Finger painting was my method. Acrylic was my medium. The displayed piece was my outcome. I filled out my art show card, pricing the piece at $20 and left the building.*

I wasn’t able to make the show the next evening, but it turns out that someone I know ended up picking up the painting I called “Rediscovered Horizon”. You can read all about it here, including a link to the video during its creation.

After taking part in the marathon, I’m really thinking about painting on occasion using acrylics with either fingers (the old reliable standbys) or brushes.

I recommend that anyone who wants to stretch their artistic muscles come out to the next one. Being creative is invigorating, fun, and reminds you of your childhood.

* Special thanks to Kelly for her unbelievable peer pressure warm, supportive encouragement to paint and to those who cleaned up the tarp and paints after I left… I was sooo late in leaving.