23 Comments

Excellent post!

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Thank you so much, Scott!

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You just came up with the premise for my next CA column. I'm going to want to quote you.

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I'd be honored Ernie!

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Sep 28, 2023Liked by Liz Gumbinner

I found this very interesting. I can't draw for toffee, I definitely can't sew but yes, there are a couple of creative things I can appreciate and take part in. A lovely positive piece, thank you.

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I'm so glad, thanks Janet! (And phew, sewing skipped a generation in my family and that generation is me!)

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You are an artist.

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🥹💗 Oh man, Debbie...

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Without having taken part in the workshop (which sounds amazing, by the way), I might modify the premise to "We Are All Capable Of Art". I think it means something else to be artist. Like any worthwhile title, you have to earn it. For example, everybody is capable of cooking a yummy meal. But not everybody is a chef.

For what it's worth, I've never considered myself an artist either. I am quite pleased, however, to be known as a Creative. Both as an adjective:

Person #1: How are we gonna get that hockey stick off the roof?

Person #2: Let's ask CJ. He's creative.

And as a noun:

Person #1: Can you believe the way CJ dresses?

Person #2: Well, what did you expect? He's a Creative.

Also, I'd be happy to draw a dog that doesn't look like a wheelbarrow.

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I think we're thinking in the same way. That's why I love this way of looking at art differently, and therefore "artists." I mean you don't have to pass a test or even publish to call yourself a writer; but a chef is a job, like a welder or a film critic or a photo retoucher. But an artist? Who gets to define it? CJ - Watch the video! I'd love to know your thoughts.

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Sep 28, 2023Liked by Liz Gumbinner

thank you for sharing! I've been struggling with these concepts quite a bit lately.

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Interesting right? Who we are, what we call ourselves, what we feel we are, what we make, what we want to make -- so much overlaps and so much doesn't.

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Sep 28, 2023Liked by Liz Gumbinner

You are an artist. You paint a picture, not with actual paint but with words. Equally powerful as an portrait or landscape, maybe even more so as it’s up to the reader to interpret what you’ve written and to visualize in their minds eye what you’re telling them to see. People may imagine a thousand different things. That, my friend, with out doubt, is an artist.

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Thank you Kathy, that's a wonderful way to look at it. It's really touching to think you see me that way. xoxo

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Liz, you are definitely an artist. Humans are creative by nature. ART IS NOT A LUXURY - it's a human drive.

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Art is not a luxury. I needed that reminder!

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Sep 28, 2023Liked by Liz Gumbinner

Bravo!

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Thank you Terryl ❤️

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Love it, Liz! And I have a forthcoming podcast ep with Danielle Coke Balfour (@ohhappydani on IG) where we talk about the importance of getting beyond traditional definitions of creativity. :-)

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Ooh really looking forward to that!

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❤️

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It’s so simple yet so not, isn’t it?

I can’t even count the number of times I have wrestled with myself over how to tweak my social profiles, as my goals and inner vision has evolved over time. So often, the way we want others to see us is very different than how we actually believe ourselves to be on the inside. It’s like the titles we give ourselves end up holding us back from just being what we are naturally -- free to be creative 💕

Thanks for writing this piece and sharing your experience with us!

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That's beautifully said. I appreciate the reminder that many of us are struggling with definitions and labels that aren't as simple as job titles like "welder" or "optometrist." (Unless of course those are the perfect descriptions, in which case, enjoy that!)

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