When the plague of perfectionism hits, oftentimes creativity and inspiration are lost. Being creative doesn’t have to equate to being artistic. Creativity is just about thinking outside of the box and using your imagination to achieve your goals. Creativity is full of messy imperfections, and that's what makes it so special.
It is so important that children are taught that creativity is not about being able to draw a perfect picture but drawing a picture that means something to them. Kids must learn that it's not about how correct or straight your lines are but about what those imperfect lines mean to them.
Many people may not feel like they are very artistic or creative, but just because art isn’t your gift doesn’t mean you can’t express yourself in colors or by creating something peculiar. I personally love creating art, but I have never felt very gifted, and I can't tell you how many times I have allowed that to stop me from expressing myself – just for fear of imperfections.
“The creative is the place where no one else has ever been. You have to leave the city of your comfort and go into the wilderness of your intuition. What you’ll discover will be wonderful. What you’ll discover is yourself.” – Alan Alda
Creativity plays a huge part in who you are and it's not always easy to find it. Sometimes, you have to dig deep and step outside of your comfort zone.
One of my favorite places to inspire a little bit of creativity is the art room at Mill Springs Academy. It's crazy and messy and completely outside of the box. The walls are littered with words and pictures drawn by students from all different age groups. The art room is just art itself. It represents creativity, diversity and beauty. Even the bathroom walls are decorated with quotes, names and pictures.
It is so easy to feel at home in a place like this because there is no room for perfection, only room for originality, beauty and pure uniqueness. Where else could you have an art room with such creativity that they have students feature their artwork on the ceiling tiles?
They are teaching the kids more than art, though. They are teaching kids to be comfortable with imperfections because perfection does not exist – especially in art. It allows kids to explore who they are and allow their minds to run wild and free.
