Creativity Takes Courage

Above, you see a coloring page I completed sometime between late August and mid-September or so, while I was hospitalized for bipolar depression. They gave us quite a few coloring pages and other handouts on the unit, for in between various group activities. We also had access to art supplies during some of our open rec, I believe. You could color or collage or whatnot, or shoot hoops, etc.

As an artist/writer/poet, this quote really spoke to me. My creativity is literally a life-saving outlet. I sleep better when I write, even if it’s just journaling, and my life feels so much more purposeful when I am making things.

I didn’t complete Inktober or National Novel Writing Month in October and November, respectively, and I felt a bit down about that. This year, though, knowing that kiddo won’t be visiting and that I can’t get to her until sometime after the first of the year, I’ve been feeling really fried and stretched way too thin.

Still, I’m trying partly on the advice of my therapist (and my daughter) to reengage in creative acts in small ways. To that end, I invested in a Lora Zombie sketchbook from her 30 Day Sketchbook Challenge (I also got one as a gift for a friend… shhhh, don’t tell).

I ordered during a special book-signing event and got the inside cover of my sketchbook autographed in metallic silver ink! When she does signings, they always say you will at least get an autograph but MAY also get a coveted Lora Zombie UNICORN!!! I ADORE unicorns. I even dressed up as one for one of my Halloween costumes in October of 2021. Here’s the inside cover of my sketchbook:

I was so EXCITED to see that cute, chubby lil unicorn in my book!!!

She also included prints of some of her paintings at the back, with a little reflective statement on each intended to inspire you as you work your way through the sketchbook.

I really love her art, so much that I was a bit intimidated to start. I thought about waiting until I had oil pastels to color in sections and make the book livelier and acrylic spray to keep the pastels from smudging (all of which I may eventually buy at the craft store); however, I reflected on the Matisse quote from the coloring page and seized the day!

Here’s my Day One page:

Nothing super complicated, but it gave me a great deal of joy. Draw a straight line, draw a wavy line, draw a dancing line, draw a snake. I couldn’t imagine any line dancier than that of the Prince symbol, so I drew that.

I may attempt more complex things as the challenge progresses, but even if I don’t, it feels damn good to draw.

This morning, I am thankful for creativity in all its forms, for inspiration that awaits around every corner, for my new sketchbook with its whimsical unicorn, for all my artsy and creative friends who support my journeys, for dance-y music and sad music and everything in between.

I think there’s a spark of the artist in all of us. How do you engage in creativity in your life?