I
know a few creative souls and though each of us is interested in a
different aspect of artistry we all share a love for the creative
thinking processes and can appreciate each others work. It occurred to
me that the internet was the only place that I had ever searched for
help and support concerning my creative growth. It is helpful, I have
self taught myself everything I know about photography. But it should
not be the stopping point.
I thought to myself how sad it was that
I had spent hours looking for support and fresh ideas from the internet
and not from the other creative souls that I already knew. That I saw
practically ever week.
I know in the past people have met and got
together to discuss their creative work and help refine each other into
better artists. I do not know any other photographers among my friends,
but I know that "
thought begets thought" to quote Charlotte
Mason, and that having a wide array of different perspectives could help
me grow not only as a photographer but as a person.
What if you
had just one or two other friends who you knew actively pursued artistry
of one sort or the other. Why not start a monthly meet up? Why not show
one another what you are inspired by, or what you are struggling with
creatively speaking. Could they not bring a new light onto your
developing skills? Could they not help you or you help them in some way?
I believe the answer is yes, it would benefit everyone tremendously.
In
our group we have a pianist/composer, a few writers, a few artists, and
a photographer. It is a rather eclectic group of fellow creatives but
could that not be the beauty of it? I believe all knowledge is connected
and there are truths and principles concerning everything, whether it
be art, or writing, or engineering, or photography, or baking, or
science. If a wide assortment from different subjects is learned, a
person will be far more educated than before. And one can be inspired by
almost anything. If a group of creative minds met regularly, discussed
there personal projects, hardships, inspiring words, how could not all
benefit and learn tremendously? To learn anything one has to first be
humble and admit he doesn't know and then he can begin to understand new
things -- including all aspects of art. The more wide an assortment he
has to learn from the more he will connect in his mind and the more he
will truly know. As the Psalmist says,
"The beginning of wisdom is: Acquire wisdom; And with all your acquiring, get understanding." ~ Proverbs 4:7
What are your thoughts? Do you think a meetup group like what I described would be beneficial?
