Crafting Creativity
By Jim Krenz - Wednesday, October 7, 2020
Can one craft creativity?
Yes, is my answer.
But it can be a perilous path, a dark decent, a terrifying traverse.
During such, your ego may die many times. Face that fear. Learn to embrace it.
There will be periods of searching, of emptiness, of what seems like endless doubt and inevitable failures.
Overall all, it will be a challenging and arduous journey.
But it is oh so worth it.
Having a goal is suggested. Dedicating regular amounts of time is needed. And store up all of the perseverance that you can muster—some journeys can last a lifetime.
For example: I was stunned and inspired by the quality of Tommy Wonder’s card fold. I used it for two decades, and I still use it to this day—Tommy’s fold is virtually perfect. Then one night in Spain, this thought grabbed me and wouldn’t let go: should I create my own card fold? Can one improve upon perfection? After all, there are only so many ways that one can fold a card. What can I bring to our art, that is new, better and original?
Quite a tall order.
But I took it on.
Endless pasteboards perished on the path. There were times when I was ashamed, hypercritical and sad.
I persisted. I did so because I had to. In a way, it was my tribute to Tommy, and all of the inspiration that he gave to me. Giving up was simply not an option.
During the journey, your nacent creations will die. Mourn, grieve, do what you have to and move forward. Do this, and your creativity will be reborn.
My fold is not perfect. And even after all of these years, I have not mastered it. But it is mine. And I am proud of it, of myself, and of the journey.
Here are some questions to ask yourself in order to inspire creativity:
- How much more fun can I have performing this?
- How can I make this more efficient/streamlined?
- How can I make this more practical?
- How can I improve the angles?
- How can I improve (or eliminate) the preparation?
- How can I make it more surprising?
- How can I make this more deceptive?
- How can I make this more impossible?
- How can I make this more entertaining?
- How can I make it more meaningful?
In Closing:
Begin at the beginning and don’t give up until you reach the end. Even if the end is never in sight.
There are no rules in creativity.
The rational mind accepts mediocrity.
The lazy mind makes excuses.
The critical mind is caustic.
The creative mind creates.
No rules. No boundaries. Nothing is off limits.
Ask yourself: What would I do if I had all of the resources in the universe at my beck and call?
Dream. Dream big. Dream without limits.
My best creations had absolute freedom backing them.
The rewards are beyond belief.
Because you, and your audiences, will be rewarded with something that is oh so wonderful.
Something new
created
by you.
I hope that we meet someday, and that you inspire me with one of your own creations.
Sincerely,
Jim Krenz
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