To keep creative, it’s good to maintain a healthy level of regular input. So, be sure to get out there. Go see, hear & experience new art in all its myriad forms, as often as you can.
Last week, I went to see Rambert dance company. They were performing three new works by contemporary choreographers. All three were hugely inspiring. Each had a very different flavour from the next and the audience was rapt throughout.
Highlight
Before going to this show, I had taken a look through the program, together with a dancer friend. We had both recognised two of the choreographers but had not heard of the third. The piece she had created turned out to be – for me at least – the highlight of the evening.
So, on returning home, I looked up the person in question. She has worked as a dancer with a number of big-name pop stars. But her breakthrough as a choreographer came though her work with one Christine & The Queens. This was a wonderful coincidence from my point of view. You may remember, I previously mentioned the inclusion of dancers within several of this year’s Glastonbury headline acts. And the pick of those was – for me – Christine & The Queens.
Creative Touchstones
I find it fascinating to see which things resonate with me and how certain artists have a tendency to pop up repeatedly. This particular artist’s name is Marion Motin. I would urge you to seek-out her work and, if you get the chance, go along to see her piece ‘Rouge’ performed by Rambert dance.
But that’s just me. You must have your own creative touchstones. People who inspire you, perhaps in unfathomable ways. Performances that make you want to rush out and create your own masterpiece – whatever that may be.
The Stimulation Our Children Need
And, of course, the same is not only true of us but even more so for our children and pupils. At a time in which the creative arts are arguably undervalued, it is important that we do all we can to ensure our young charges get the stimulation they crave and need. This can be as simple as going to a local art gallery, attending a local theatre or listening to a concert.
And, in this digital age, I would suggest that experiencing these things ‘live’ and unfiltered is of particular importance. Any piece of art relies, to a large extent, on its audience. Viewing images of art works on a screen is not the same as standing among other gallery-goers and feeling their awe, wonder or – perhaps – indifference. Sensing the tension within the audience around you at a theatrical event is a completely different experience to watching the same performance on a television screen.
Making The Effort
So, whilst any exposure to art can only be a good thing, a certain amount of effort is required to maximise the impact of the experience. We need to mobilise ourselves to go out ‘there’; find the interesting stuff; seek what challenges us and remain creatively fresh. As role models for our youngsters, they too will benefit from seeing our engagement with the arts. And, as we all know, it doesn’t take much to pique their curiosity.
Happy hunting.
Our creative partner: Make a Move