Paints and paintbrushes resting on a canvas. Photo: By Anna Kolosyuk on Unsplash.
The art of creativity: Anne McNeill-Pulati says it’s essential for Quaker communities
‘Creativity is something we all have.’
Creativity is a more important, impactful and underrated aspect of the human experience than is acknowledged, yet its reputation is often aligned with frivolous or unimportant pastimes. But Quaker faith & practice (Qf&p) 21.38 describes creativity as a gift given on the ‘eighth day of creation’, suggesting that in ‘naming and re-making the world’ through various activities (gardening, cooking, painting, programming), humans become co-workers with God in an ongoing act of creation. Creativity is something we all have; being ‘talented’ is not a necessity.
I want to consider the impact of creativity when well used.
The transference and development of one person’s thinking can mushroom into new ideas when shared. This is how creativity feeds the community; it impacts on unity, belonging, increased knowledge and skills and also strengthens a sense of wellbeing and validates usefulness. It starts by actively applying oneself to a task, and this is not only about making money as the goal. Whether we are engaging in group activity or as an individual, being organised in an activity helps promote a sense of functionality at least, or wellbeing at best. In order for new ideas and self-expression to arise, we need to let our minds and hands come up with new ideas mixed with the inspiration and knowledge from other people. Being willing to organise oneself to engage in an activity that does not have much evidential gain by way of finance or applause is necessary.
For many reasons, the opportunity to be explorative has been limited for some of today’s youth; their freedom has been severely curtailed. Discovering their natural gifts freely is not purely from lack of money but from fear of harm. Parents, to some extent, have been influenced to protect their children to the point that they are watched and directed by someone at all times, leaving less space for boredom or the development of self-soothing.
Historically, our communities developed domestic wares such as clothing and household tools that eventually became decorated. These artefacts often held symbols and information such as maps and pictures of hunting grounds that informed the group. This process provided cohesion, a sense of belonging and security as well as fulfilment. By sharing customs, knowledge, and learning skills, the community was strengthened by the contribution of their efforts. Ritualistic ceremonies like funerals and weddings, and all they entail, are examples of how group connectivity at times of difficulty, or celebration, have been experienced as supportive in nearly all cultures.
Groups that were political, educational or recreational were predominantly experienced by a collection of listeners via the spoken word. Information was also delivered through image, such as frescos, murals and mosaics. Both activities needed a message and a format, and also needed a team of workers and time to put this performance together, and enough of a sense of a purpose in the whole idea to see it through. Networking was not only for organising entertainment, but also a way that leaderships would be made, evolve, change and coerce for good or ill. This all requires creative thinking leading to action. It does this by redirecting our focus to the requirements of the chosen task and by default our mood is repositioned. Qf&p 21.32 notes that artists and mystics connect along the paths of imagination, both searching for the ‘rhythms of relationships’, unity, and mystery found in great art and true religion.
Modern technology can be a trap of sorts. It does not foster qualities of patience, tolerance or skills related to face-to-face interaction. It offers the satisfaction (or frustration) of immediacy (usually) which can overwhelm us. Maybe reality TV or social media offers us a way of comfort without leaving the sofa, of seeing how the rest of our world lives from a safe distance. It takes strength to avoid this trap which may threaten to overwhelm us.
On the upside, the internet has allowed a joining of awareness around the world. It is quick and easy, giving us facts and misinformation. It is a very useful tool and has given us some wonderful changes. Millions of people have access and are benefiting and learning or rebelling against injustice and tyranny.
‘Being creative is essential to help lift and unify us.’
Much of society’s emphasis today is about having enough money to survive and after that to enjoy oneself, which is perfectly fine, except when the money runs low. We still need to use our creative thinking and action. When we are dealing with uncertainty, depression or hopelessness the creative process can help.
The attitude ‘for the good of all’ would be of benefit to us today. Consideration of the benefits for the community used to be a normal practice. In a small community, it is more likely to be a predominant attitude. As our communities expanded and became more and more diverse, the inclusion of different groups can become threatening and hostile to each other. The present generations have a very different opportunity to be experimenting with what they like to create. Freedom to explore has been severely curtailed. To some extent fear has influenced parents to over-protect their children, limiting their freedom to explore and discover. Even to get bored so they find ways to entertain themselves. It is partly beholden to us to use our imaginations to cope with our challenges. It is my observation that when optimism and hope go missing, being creative is essential to help lift and unify us. I see evidence all around the world indicating that a redirecting is wanted and happening.
To go forward, we need to actively seek out directions of hope and connectedness, with a willingness to reflect and make space in our lives. And is it best to have a continual habit for this approach to living? Creativity requires action to make any use of it at all.
Qf&p 21.36 emphasises that everyone bears the ‘privileged responsibility for using the artist in us’, celebrating the uniqueness of individuals and the essential nature of the arts (play, games, poetry, music, movement). The process involves organising time, tools and materials for this exact purpose. Reading and watching something that has been created by another person’s thoughts or ideas does not totally satisfy the creative mechanisms in our brain. It is also of much benefit if we have an understanding of our own interests and a belief in the value of routine and repeated practices that we can sink into in times of difficulty, which may overwhelm us.
My belief is that individuals need both the skills to develop the potential of our gifts, and also the team mentality to endure the frustrations of working with other people. The give and take of ideas between various generations who may think differently can be both beneficial and a stumbling block.
I like to hope that we can and will sustain a continuing active role regarding our contribution to community.
