Using Themes to Spark Your Creative Engine

 A theme is an idea that acts as a giant bouncy springboard to creativity! Here's a glimpse into the process of how having the discipline of a theme triggers creativity. Try it!

1.Pick your theme, word, idea. Let's pick "reflection." Define it.

Reflection (the noun): the image of something in a mirror or on any reflective surface

Example: In Greek mythology, Narcissus fell in love with his own reflection in a pool of water.

Reflection (the verb) : to think carefully, especially about possibilities and opinions

Example: She reflected that this was probably the last time she would see him.

 2.Pick the creative medium of your choice. Fr'instance: pencil and paper for writing or for drawing, wire and beads for jewelry, paint, collage materials, the musical scale and your piano or guitar, some dance steps, your camera, cooking ingredients, fabric, clay.....

3. Ponder: What about the word "reflection" jumps out at you? (Justine is being inspired by the shiny light of mirrors - can't wait to see her take on this idea) Anyway. How can you communicate that idea and feeling through your chosen medium? Give it a try. 

4. Important: Don't toss your "mistakes." SERIOUSLY. Your first attempts often contain the freshest, strongest reaction to the theme. Also, early work is honorable and brave; not to be minimized or hidden away like an unattractive photo you'd like to forget. No one would be anywhere without their first try. This is especially important for you writers out there. "Word processing" makes deleting and backspacing too easy. If you usually write on your laptop, write in a journal for the rest of the summer. Outside even. With the physical tools used by writers since time immemorial. Even a Hemingway-esque Underwood typewriter leaves sheaves and sheaves of proof that words were typed. Some embarrassingly melodramatic, some restrained and sublime. Keep it all.

Summer Concert Series Thursday, July 28th LAARKS 6:30pm Phoenix Park

Sounds Like Summer Concert Series: Laarks + Do It Yourself Daisy + Wisconsin Built

Join your family, friends, and neighbors on the grass and giant rocks at the Phoenix Park labyrinth for a concert with the Chippewa River and evening sunset as the backdrop. Bring a blanket, some snacks or beverages, and enjoy the local scene and sounds. Wisconsin Built plays a pre-show set at 6pm.

FREE

all ages

volumeone.org

Full Disclosure: The Laarks frontman, composer, keyboards player & singer extraordinaire, Ian Jacoby is quite a favorite here at The Market. Although we'd still listen to An Exaltation of LAARKS constantly even if Ian wasn't Susan's son. Their eagerly anticipated second CD will be released Spring of 2012!

Buy "An Exaltation of Laarks" on Amazon here  or on iTunes here!

May You Never - John Martyn

Every once in awhile, the creative temperament skews nearer to fragile genius than it does to inspired, practical innovator. We have times of discouragement. We doubt the value of our work. We may be misunderstood. We experience setbacks due to circumstances beyond our control. 

One of my favorite musicians is John Martyn.  Eric Clapton once said (John is) "so far ahead of everything, it's almost inconceivable." In this video he is, to me, achieving musical perfection. I love his joyful, "Take it to church!" a generous gesture to his band mates that he wants them to shine and play on. Notice the way Kathy Mattea looks at John during the song - eyes shining with admiration and love. At the very end, her incredulity at what they just experienced is so joyful. I hope John noticed. I hope he knew how incredible everyone thought he was before he died.

I hope you know how incredible YOU are. While you are doing what you were put on this earth to do, I can guarantee you that some one is being encouraged and amazed by you, their eyes shining with admiration and love. That's just how it is when we live authentically and generously.

Message from The Market: Do You Need Pruning?

"Old Blue" in all her pruned, fruitful glory

If you grew up in the '70s, you probably heard the Byrds cover of "Turn, Turn, Turn." The song was written by Pete Seeger, lyrics from the Book of Ecclesiastes. It seemed every wedding I went to as a child had this song sung during the ceremony. I was unimpressed. A time for planting, laughing, weeping, nothing at all about a wedding. Except maybe the "time for embracing" part. Boring. How about something creative, even surprising? "You Sexy Thing," for example. " I believe in Malcolm! Way from, you sexy thing, you sexy thing, you!" Those are the lyrics, right? You do believe in Malcolm, don't you?

Well, the "to every thing there is a season" concept that I took to be a yawn-fest as a child, has become a cornerstone of my adult life and decision making. Things change. We change. What worked before may not work quite as well now. Relationships we thought we'd die without, are just not as central any longer. It's tempting to feel guilty and think, "What am I doing wrong? Why am I feeling restless and unsatisfied?" You probably aren't doing anything wrong. You might just need a pruning. 

Pruning is essential for a full, healthy plant and a full healthy life. Like Pete Seeger, I borrow heavily from God with this analogy, but I believe there is wisdom to be found in the pruning concept no matter what your beliefs or spiritual inclinations. So, instead of the vine and branches, there is a blueberry bush in this story. I'll try to be brief.

Once upon a time there was a blueberry bush at my childhood home....blah, blah, blah...parents moving, blah,blah,blah..... "over my dead body" blah, blah, blah ....rope around bush attached to Suburban, blah, blah, blah....we have a "new" blueberry bush! With sentimental value! Emphasis on the 'mental'!

With so much invested in this dang bush's existence, I am loathe to cut ANYTHING off at ANY TIME. I have nurtured this baby. Miraculously, it bore many blueberries almost immediately. But, as the years went on,  I noticed the blueberries getting tinier and tinier. They looked like little American Girl Doll berries. I kidded myself, "Wow, look at all the concentrated flavor, ( imagining the shrinking process just like  the freeze drying process?) you don't find these at any old grocery store!" The truth was, the berries weren't extra delicious. They were, however, so painstaking to harvest that, for a year or two, Old Blue was little more than a landscape plant. Deep down, I knew what the bush needed, but I pushed those thoughts away. I avoided pruning by upping the fertilizing and watering. I think Kubler-Ross would call this "SUBCONSCIOUSDENIALBARGAINING."

You know where this is going. Berry research was done. Opinions were sought. Pruning did occur. And the bush bore-eth a multitude of large, delicious fruit and lo, it was good.

In this story, we want to emulate Old Blue, not the deluded, enabling gardener. Actually, let's be Blue with a mindful, caring gardener who has Blue's best interests at heart. Here are some thoughts and questions to assist you in determining if pruning is needed and which branches, once removed, set you free to move forward and be more of who you are truly meant to be.

List any obligations, activities or commitments you dread or find dissatisfying. Have you always felt this way?

If you answer "yes" but the obligation is a normal part of being a grown up (like laundry, feeding your children or paying bills) star those items as "non-negotiables." Give yourself a pat on the back for being a responsible citizen and good neighbor. Smile at yourself in the mirror and say, " Wow, these things are a drag but it's good to do the right thing."

If you answer "yes", and the thing isn't essential, then It could be you have entered into this obligation for the wrong reason(s). The joy of approval and the novelty of new activity quickly feels wrong if we said "yes" for the wrong reasons.Here are some reasons we say "yes" to things that aren't in our best interests:

-wanting to please the person asking/inviting      

-wanting to escape the "non-negotiables"

-fear we may never get another opportunity that is better suited to us

-pride because we are flattered and want the prestige afforded by our role

-Do any of these ring true? What other forces may have influenced your "yes"?

Identifying these things and being humble enough to admit we may have been mistaken is HUGE and wonderful. Well done! Begin your exit strategy....(cue sound of pruners being sharpened).

If no, I haven't always been dissatisfied with this thing, what changed? Examples: my goals/priorities have changed, I have new interests that keep pulling me away, I gave myself a pass to not do this, but now I want to step it up, etc.

 

If you're not sure what changed, ask yourself, when did it change? Examples: After a loss or life change? As a loss or life change was about to occur? After an argument or misunderstanding? Because of health issues?

Is it my attitude/way of thinking that needs changing or is the needed change external? 

If your answer is "I'm the one who has changed, and not for the better" what needs to happen in order for you to be happy again? Examples:  I'd like to forgive and forget, agree to disagree, lower my expectations of myself and others, stop the negative self talk,etc.

If the change needed is external, either begin mapping out an exit strategy or TAKE A RISK and begin this new change! Try to be direct, honest and gentle with yourself. Respect any others involved by giving them room to adjust, permission to have their own feelings about your decisions.

Throughout the pruning process, take a step or two back to see the big picture and how these changes will fit with the overall plan and purpose of your life. Taking time to consider what needs to be done at this particular time will enable you to avoid the impulsive, rash actions of one so uncomfortable with their dread and restlessness that any change is seen as relief. "Not so!" says the voice of Experience! Effective pruning is deliberate, gentle, and timely. It is done for the benefit of the whole organism, freeing it to grow wild, wonderful, and beyond anyone's expectations.

Inside The Market

"Still Life with Market Wares" Justine's incredible bags made from vintage grain sacks and canvas; furniture, accessories, jewelry, oil paintings, collage, pottery, &  Diet Coke can.

We're working on some really special things for August, and  SUPER amazing things for our Grand Opening in September! One studio at Banbury that will be open on Market days is Zodiac Productions. It was great to meet talented local glass artist D.J. Stewart.  I hope to convince the guys to do some glass blowing demonstrations for the "Back to Cool" market September 8-10. Our neighbors from The Cello Connection will delight visitors with beautiful cello music (more details to follow) and we plan on having lots of fun and interesting things for the whole family as The Market helps you get "Back to COOL!"

Shady Lady in Vintage Hearts T & apron

Volume One Love

Volume One's Current Issue

Volume One is Eau Claire's wonderfully readable and informative arts and entertainment magazine. It has become an indispensable resource for thousands of Chippewa Valley residents because of the helpful info in the events calendar. It compiles almost every happening in the region and organizes it into calendar form.This means, if you have a copy of Volume One handy, or even if you have their website bookmarked, you can pick a date, turn to that day's page and see what's happening 'round these here parts. From art exhibits to concerts to community events to important civic meetings, it's all there. But, Volume One also has great articles, regular columnists and impressive local visual art on the cover of every single issue. Not to get all anthropomorphize-y or anything, but I think of Volume One as part hip little brother (with an 80G iPod full of amazing music), part Eau Claire cheerleader, and part Paris Review. Oh, and there's definitely a crunchy candy shell that asks earnest questions of how we can make life here better. I love that.

Last Saturday at The Market, an intrepid Volume One reporter braved the heat and checked us out. Look for the article in the next issue, coming out this week - it's FREE at area grocery stores or many local businesses like Acoustic, Harmony Cafe and Erberts & Gerbert's. Our community is blessed to have this wonderful resource. Thanks, Volume One! xoxo

Message from The Market: Getting Comfortable With Risk

Attempting to do something new is a challenge, it's difficult. Why? There is one thing required before one even picks up a paintbrush, signs up for a class, or buys a tennis racquet. One must be vulnerable enough to take a risk. What sort of risk, you ask? 

The biggest risk we take is with our reputation, how we appear to the world.  Beginning something new requires a willingness to look flawed, imperfect, even foolish. Humans learn a subject or skill by attempting it, making mistakes, asking for help, accepting correction, and trying again. And again. Some of us are more concerned than others about what the fans in the stands think. Although all of us probably want our family and friends to think well of us, to believe in us and what we're doing. Having that sort of "soft place to fall" is wonderful and can make it easier to try something new. Guess what? We might not get that support or admiration when we begin a new thing. Not right away, and maybe not ever. 

PLEASE, do it anyway. Just for the sake of doing the thing. No one has to see the result. You are the one who gets to decide if something is worthwhile or not. You may want to share with others, or you may not. That's up to you too. Sharing the thing is frequently a good idea because it not only makes you feel brave and alive, it's a good testimony to those watching. Your attempt may give those fans in the stands food for thought or even permission to proceed with their dream. There are wonderful, redemptive consequences that happen when we listen to the still small voice - blessings we could never anticipate when we began.

I recommend the film "The Secret of the Grain" as an excellent example of risk, a dream, family and community.You can watch it instantly on Netflix. It won't be included in the "Chicken Soup for the Entrepreneur's Soul" film collection, but it is incredibly real, moving and inspiring. WARNING FOR THOSE WHO ARE CAREFUL WITH THEIR MOVIE VIEWING ***The first few minutes of the movie with a little inappropriate extra-marital behavior is not characteristic of the movie's content. 

A Big First Day Thank YOU... and A Favor to Ask

Hi There, Eau Claire! How great it was to see you at the very first day of The Market! Justine and Lisa worked tirelessly to make the sale beautiful, easy to find, and just plain fun to visit! Susan has a couple pre-existing commitments this weekend so she will probably not be on site at Banbury much this month but hopes to catch some of you as she pops in and out.

A big part of The Market brand is great customer service. We can't do much about the lack of A/C in our funky industrial loft space (other than keep the fans going) nor can we convince you that the elevator is a whisper quiet wood paneled marvel when it is OBVIOUSLY A FREIGHT ELEVATOR. We can, however, ask for your feedback. The Market wants to hear what you have to say about your experiences with us. What do you like? What could be improved? What are you interested in seeing us do in the future? We truly would love to hear what's on your mind. Never hesitate to leave comments on this blog or email us at info@themarketeauclaire.com  Thank you and see you tomorrow!

At The Market

At The Market

Message from The Market: The Role of Your Surroundings in the Creative Proccess

Inspiration is the SPARK that ignites your creative engine. How does one get inspired?Cue  patchouli scented middle aged woman in flowing garments, armfuls of bangles with lilting voice,"Why darling! The world is so magical! Inspiration is EVERYWHERE, just open your eyes!" Gak. Get her outta here. The fact is, Heaven, or Nevaeh, or whatever you've decided your spirit name is (I'm pretty sure your real name is Barbara) inspiration may be everywhere, but there are some very practical thoughts we can think and questions we can ask ourselves in order to find the spark that ignites our creative engine. I don't know of any other way to explain how environment inspires me, other than to take you through, quite specifically, my most recent creative endeavor. Here's how it went....

I love all the red, white and blue around in the summer - starting with Memorial Day. It's almost 4th of July. That's my Grandpa Roy's birthday. I miss him. I miss my Grandma Margaret, too. She had a lot of style. She liked to shop. Hey, she bought me that blue and white chinese box at Prange's one time. I'm going to get it out and find some red in this messy house so I can enjoy my own little "red, white, & blue" theme. 

I am obsessed with this whole Chinese porcelain vibe I got going here. Look how the "X" pattern on the box echoes the lattice print on my chair cushion.This would be a cute outfit. Am I crazy?? I cannot justify purchasing clothes or even fabric right now. I could make jewelry. I wish I could paint and fire porcelain beads. Blue and white beads would look clean and fresh but classic. I don't see any old chinese porcelain beads on eBay. Dang. Wait a sec! I have WOODEN BEADS in my stash.  I have paint.....Hmmmmm.

 

I like painting beads. It's interesting how close I can get the paint mixture to a true cobalt blue. Success! Mixing paint is fun. Painting tiny beads is quite a challenge - even with my soon to be patented soda straw bead holder I've contrived. These beads don't resemble the picture in my head but I think they are sort of charming. I need practice painting with this ridiculously teensy brush. I will keep going. When Phil calls, I'll ask him to bring home "Special Dinner" because I am in the creative zone - no time for food preparation! This Chinese porcelain idea reminds me of Wedgwood. That sort of medium blue. Make that color.

Now for application. I want a necklace. A whole necklace looks a little too busy. Hows about I pick one bead and make it the centerpiece of a plainer necklace? Too plain.That single bead looks better jazzed up. What other junk can I put on them?

Oh look! Catherine put some peacock feathers in a vase. They are so gorgeous. Love the golden/yellow with the blues and greens of the feather....must.....paint....more.......beads.

These are so colorful and fun for summer. I think I'll make some for The Market. I hope people like them. I think they will. So cheerful, almost endearing -  all the more so for their organic imperfectness. They possess a certain "folkloric" quality. Didn't Phil say, "Hey, those remind me of those Russian nesting dolls." Is that a good thing? I think it's a good thing. They make me smile! Smiling is good. I feel happy. And creative.  

So that's the way the whole bead thing went down. Hidden in the narrative above were some thoughts and questions bouncing around my head and heart that I've listed below. Taking a minute to answer/ ponder them would be a fun creative exercise every once in awhile. As for your answers, journal them, jot them on an envelope, or just think about them. In doing so, you run your creative engine, enabling it to take you to a richer, more interesting, more mindful life!

Creative Exercise: Your Surroundings

Look around you. What is attracting your attention? 

Take a minute to ponder what is appealing about this thing. 

Do you see it everyday or only certain times?

What can you note about the color? Texture? Shape? Memory Association?

If this thing made music, what song would it be?

How does it/would it smell?

If you had to incorporate this element into your life, how would you do that? How would it translate into your wardrobe? Your home decor? Your garden? Your cooking? Your workplace?

Looking at your answers above, do any appeal to you? Then incorporate away! But only if you want to bring a freshness, an excitement to your life!

We'd love to receive your comments and learn about your experiences with creativity. No matter how big or small, share. They are sure to be inspiring!

A Message from The Market: Igniting Your Creative Engine

I believe every person on this planet has creative ability. Everyone. After some conversations with friends,  it's become apparent to me that not everyone agrees with the universality of creative giftedness. Hmmmm. We'll have to do something about that. It's common to long after some one else's "gift" or "talent."  DON'T DO IT. Eyes on your own paper, please. The world needs what YOU bring to the table. Not a poor imitation of what you think the world wants. 

SO. How does one find this authentic, personal creative voice?  Well, guess what. It is possible to discover ones own particular area of creative ability, nurture it, exercise it and enjoy the fruits of artistic expression! Those fruits being: a sense of accomplishment, the mastery of a skill, a healthy outlet for feelings, the provision of inspiration and beauty for others, to name a few. I'm not a professional artist. I feel uncomfortable with calling myself an artist at all. Some things I've done have indeed taken artistry to accomplish, but I have no formal training. And yet, the ability to get ideas, take on creative endeavors, and receive enormous satisfaction from them gets easier as time goes by. From time to time, this blog will offer a glimpse into the creative process. The whole thing. Not just the pretty parts of making something, but honest looks at rocky beginnings (when one is completely listless, directionless, utterly lacking in any inspiration or even inclination to do anything ever again) to self doubt, to self aggrandizement to recognition that one lacks the skill necessary to carry out one's vision, to the ultimate achievement: partial success! Sounds, cheery, n'est ce pas? I'd love to hear your comments or questions anytime. Let's begin!

Whatever you can do, or think you can, begin it. Boldness has power, and genius, and magic in it. -Goethe