PERSONAL STORY
Activating your creativity
TO FIND INSPIRATION EVERYWHERE
Courtney Cerruti works in San Francisco, at Creativebug, an online platform for creative video courses. She practices multiple artistic techniques, including painting and monotype (a limited-edition printing process), and has shared her secrets in three books and numerous workshops. Courtney also has her own store and gallery, Long Weekend, where you can find household objects and art supplies. And finally, with some friends, she organizes drawing evenings, which they call “social sketches.” I have always been dazzled by everything that she manages to do, and by her curiosity about the world around her.
What would you say is the best way to go about getting started on a creative adventure?
Being creative and living a creative life is like flipping a switch. It might seem obvious, but you have to make a conscious decision to turn on the switch. Once you’ve done that, it is hard to go back. It’s hard not to see the world through that creative perspective. For some people, it isn’t easy; for other people, it is, but they have been discouraged from doing it. I meet a lot of women between forty and sixty at my “social sketch” events who are going back to being creative after their career or their family has stopped being the center of their lives. They understand that this is what they need, that this is what makes them happy. It’s too bad not to take advantage of it sooner! At first, I would suggest diving wholeheartedly into what you care about most, or what you think you would be most interested in. Without having tried it out, it’s hard to know whether we will enjoy something or not. When I was in college, I thought I wanted to major in anthropology. But after I took a class, I realized that I didn’t like it at all! Before you throw yourself into a particular kind of art, try it out, ask questions, explore, get involved as much as you can. Don’t just watch, but act. One action will lead to the next, and then on to the next, and that is how you will move ahead.
Your projects are often inspired by small details of daily life, which you collect (challenge 11). Everything seems to be a source of inspiration for you. What tips can you give?
I try to be particularly observant at the very times when I don’t feel terribly creative anymore. Then, I make it a point of honor to do the things that I love and that help me to recenter myself and become inspired. For example, I can just go for a walk and pay attention to the details around me: the cracks in the sidewalk, the patterns formed by the bricks of a building, some paint spilled in the street that looks like a work of art, and so on. I can also just enjoy a quiet ten minutes with a cup of tea, putting my phone away, just looking around me. Taking the time to make small adjustments like that can often help you to become more attentive and to develop your sense of observation. This state of consciousness can help you find beauty just about anywhere, to gather inspiration for later, and to become more open in your everyday life.
What does your creative process look like right now?
I don’t wait for inspiration to start creating. The most important thing is to sit down and start working, knowing that the first minutes, the first attempts, will not be the best, and might not be good at all. You have to get past this phase in order to move forward. I like to let the creative process guide me. If I’m making monotypes, I’ll let my curiosity take over, and I have a hard time stopping at the end! If I’m painting, the mere fact that I am focusing on creating something that I like pushes me to keep going. I follow what I’m working on until I can’t find anything else to change. Sometimes I take a break, so that I am better able to come back to my work with some perspective. Very often, I don’t know exactly where I’m going. I’m just curious to see where my material is going to lead me or about trying out new methods. All of these things are very good. In my first book, Playing with Image Transfers, I quoted the American psychologist Abraham Maslow, who said that “almost all creativity involves purposeful play.” I also think that having fun is an integral part of the creative process. It’s important not to neglect that.
At Creativebug, Courtney assists artists in constructing and filming their lessons, sets up the sets, and gives her own classes. Opposite, one of her sets is pictured along with Charlie, her lifelong companion!
What would you say is the way to succeed as an artist?
First of all, staying curious. People downplay the importance of curiosity, saying, “I don’t have time for that.” But that’s what makes life worth living. For me, exploring the things that excite my curiosity is the best way to evolve and to grow as an artist. In order to follow your curiosity, you have to pay attention to what interests you most. And accept the fact that you’re going to make mistakes at first. You learn by doing. Plunge into your art 100 percent and give yourself time and space. Maybe you will find that you are good at it, and all the better if so, but push yourself to become immersed in the process, to take the necessary time and perspective, because that’s how you really master a technique. I know you might want to plan everything in advance, because the unknown is scary. I remember, when I was a student, how much my friends and I worried! People have often said to me, “What matters is your network.” Looking back, I agree. It might be intimidating, but I think it’s important, and it shouldn’t be superficial. Say hello, participate in conversations, become interested: quite simply, help to animate the community that you would like to be part of. Build on these authentic connections. As you connect with other people, and as you engage more deeply, the pieces of the puzzle will come together.
Instagram : @ccerruti
Site : www.creativebug.com