Day 348: Pixie Play

Isn't this just the coolest hut you've ever seen? I found it in a little connecting garden in Bath near the newly renovated Holborne Museum.

It's amazing what you can make from a few reeds and some patterned material. Who do you think made it and what for? I sat in it for a while and you can see through the material. I felt like some kind of pixie or something...

What could you make today?

Day 337: Show me the Monet

The BBC have just started showing their new arts programme, Show me the Monet which is basically the x of the art world. People who have been making art quietly in their garage, as well as professional artists have come from all over the country to get in on the change of having their work on view at an exhibition at the Royal Collage of Art in London. Those artists will try and prove to a panel of judges their work is the one.

Could you do it? Would you be brave enough?

Follow the real talent of the British art world by watching the first episode on iplayer. Real people, taking their creativity seriously.

Will you be inspired?

Day 325: Be an Olympic Storyteller

Listen up all you Creative Thinkers! BT are giving people like you and me the opportunity to tell the story of the 2012 Olympics. If you've a blogger, creative writer, a graphic designer or an artist, why not get invovled and share your experiences of the Olympics. However you are creative, BT want YOU to get involved.

What do the Olympics mean to you? What's going on in your area to prepare or celebrate? How could you use your creative talents to get in on the action...?

Sign up here and find out all the details.

Get Creative. Get involved.

Day 292: Takeshi Kawano

Artist, Takeshi Kawano has created these set of sculptures called 'Melting Animal Sculptures'.

Not much more needs to be said. I think the sculptures do a pretty good job of portraying their message. How could you speak through your creative works?

Be inspired. Be creative.

Day 162: RCA Secret

Everyone likes a good secret, don't they? Well this one involves famous artists, illustrators and art students from all over. More than 1000 artists have designed a postcard, which go on sale this weekend at Royal college of Art in London to raise money for art students. The catch, you don't know until you buy it who it's by. What a cool idea!

Each postcard is £45 and you can buy a maximum of four per person. It's getting everyone excited about owning their pocket sized Tracey Emin or David Bailey. But you might get work by a student who could go on to become the next Picasso! How exciting!

What a great way to get the community interesting in art. Not only that but raise cash to help creative people like you and me get to uni and do what we love. With the way thing are going in government, we need all the help we can get, so thank goodness someone is sticking up for us, eh!

Check out their website for more info. If you live around London, you can go see them for free before the sale. Maybe you can guess whose is whose!

So, who'll get the postcards worth millions? We'll have to wait and see...

Day 103: David Nicholls got me thinking...

At the moment I am reading One Day by David Nicholls which I guess you would call an 'adult book'. One of the main characters is called Emma, which I find a little weird. Perhaps weirder is how much she reminds me of myself. Have you ever had that when you're reading a book?

Anyway, it turns out she's quite a thinker and a creative one at that and when talking about her play she's performing for schools she says, 'once again life is failing to imitate art.'

Her irony got me thinking. Unfortunately life doesn't imitate art (that's all forms of art, not just fine art), but should art imitate life?

When I was wandering from painting to painting in London (look at yesterday's post for more of that) I found myself getting really annoyed at how unrealistic some of the paintings were. Would Jesus really have white skin living in Israel? Are medieval science experiments really performed in a darkened room with only one candle creating dramatic lighting on the faces of the onlookers? Was the young Lady Grey really wearing a brilliantly white dress at her execution to contrast the drab clothes of the others present? Would farmers from hundreds of years ago really wear purple trousers to work? The answer is, probably not. All of these are artistic details to emphasize certain areas of the painting, creating mood, depth, colour balance...

Art is escapism, entertainment, meaningful representations...so does it have to replicate 'real life'? Not if the creator doesn't want it to. Then again, the creator can make it whatever they want. That's the beauty of art isn't it? Its an interpretation of the world or maybe an experimentation of what the world could be...

What do you want to say through your creations? Do you want to imitate reality, show injustice in the world? Do you want to create a safe haven for people to escape to? Do you want to experiment with boundaries or try something no one has ever done before? You really can do anything! So, go for it. Be inspired by what has come before you and make it your own. Being creative means, when you've got something interesting to say, you have an interesting way of saying it! So, what are you waiting for?

Day 71: Unique creations?

Technically, I've already spoken about the lions in Bath (check out day 25 if you didn't read it) but today's entry is a little different (so it's allowed!).

Just in case you don't know, for the past couple of months, Bath has been over run with lots of brightly decorated lion sculptors, 100 to be exact, to raise money for local charities. Each lion is painted by a different artist and sponsored by a different organisation (like a shop or the library).

Today, I was walking around Bath and it struck me how every single lion is completely different, but equally imaginative. There is one covered in scalpel knife heads to form it's mane. Another is covered with Mosaic tiles. Another, in material like a collage. One even in scrabble tiles!

Creativity really is amazing and what's even better is how every person has something different to give. All of these lions started the same, white. But each of these artists has transformed them into something unique.

Did you ever get given the task at primary school of decorating boiled eggs for Easter? Do you remember how every one looked different by the end. Well it's the same with these lions. That's the great thing about creativity. Each of us has something new to share.

What can you bring to the world? What are your ideas and skills? Where will your imaginations take you? Anyone can decorate a white lion sculptor, but no one can do it exactly like YOU.

Let it go and see where it takes you...

Day 64: Vogue...Any idea?

Fashion, fashion, fashion! If anyone knows fashion, it's Vogue. It all started in 1892 as a magazine appealing to high class New Yorkers. It featured reviews of plays, books and music. Fashion was hardly mentioned.

That all changed when a man called Conde Nast took over the magazine in 1909. From then on advertisement and fashion took centre stage! The rest is, as they say, history. When he died in 1942 Time's magazine said, "for a generation he was the man from whom millions of American women got their ideas, directly or indirectly, about the desirable standard of living."

Ideas is the main point I want to focus on. For over 30 years this man gave women (and men) ideas, suggestions, ... What an inspirational man.

What ideas do you have that could influence the world? Is fashion your thing? Animation or film? Art or sculpture? Writing or journalism? How could you give people ideas?

Look at these pictures. Can you see how the magazine has changed? Ideas move on, progress, develop. Ideas are needed all the time and YOU are the new generation!

What produces ideas? Creativity! So use your creativity to inspire others. Use your ideas to make more. You know, like the snowball affect. Maybe that's what makes the world go round too!

I hope you feel inspired by Mr Nast and his creative ideas. It just goes to show that with a bit of umph and creativity on your side, your ideas can change the world...

Day 47: Pick a picture

When we are being creative, I think it would be fair to say that most of us have a picture in our mind to work from; where we want it to go, how it will look post creation...

Writers (of all kinds), do you know what your characters, settings look like before you start? How do you know...? What about designers (fashion or otherwise)? Where do you get your ideas from?

Well, I am suggesting a 'tool' today to help you visually create your masterpieces.

Check out Flickr.com. Its' a sight where lots of people put their photos up and you can search through them all to find exactly what you're looking for.

For example, if you were writing a story where a character finds an old book, you could type book into the search and find it. You never know what picture's you'll see and how it will inspire your stories.

Or, type in your character's name and see what comes up...

This sight is GREAT for all you photographers too. It's a place where you can share your work with the world and get feedback. Who knows where that might lead...You can even set up a photo blog! It doesn't have to stop with photographers. Artists, sculptors put your work up too.

So, all of those needing a visual boost, you know where to go. Try it. What will you be inspired by...?

Day 31: Word up!

Sometimes you sit down to be creative and there is just nothing there. At least that's what happens to me from time to time.

So to remedy this 'block' here is a little exercise to help:

Open a book, any book. Point to a word and write it down. Do this 3 times (with the same book or different ones I guess) and hey presto, you have a 3 word starting point.

Here is one I prepared earlier! My words came from 'What I Was' by Meg Rosoff (which I've just started and it's going pretty well).

Here goes...

The words: 'examine' 'something' 'impossible' See if you can spot them!

“This is impossible.” I said, trying to unscrew the pipe under the sink. “It’s never going to stop dripping. Just look at it.”

“Who are you talking to, Lucy?” said Michael from behind me. I turned to meet the cupboard door in my face.

“Aww! Who put that there?”

“Err. Luce, it’s always been there. It’s the cupboard.”

“Shut up!” I said standing up, hands on my hips.

Michael pointed at my t-shirt. “You’ve got some brown stuff on you, by the way,”

“Yeah well done, genius. I’m trying to fix the tap. It’s hardly surprising you haven’t noticed. It’s been leaking for days, probably from your stupid party the other night. Dad’ll kill you when he gets back.”

“Chill, sis,” he said taking the spanner from me. “Leave it to me.” He crouched down on the floor, without banging his head I might add. Mr perfect, as always! “And it was a gathering, not a party.”

“Whatever,” I said, arms crossed. He’ll screw up in a minute. All I have to do is wait.

After taking a million years to examine it, he finally started banging about.

“Well?” I asked. He was full on lying on the floor now. Images of beached whales came floating to mind.

“Give me a minute.” he said.

The doorbell rang. “It’s probably Jessica.” I said, running to the door. I opened the door and she stared at my t-shirt as if a dead rabbit had been smeared over it.

“It’s only oil from the pipes,” I said. “Michael and his stupid college friends broke it at their ‘gathering’.”

Jessica giggled. “Was his friend Toby there?”

I rolled my eyes, “Don’t start that again. Come in.”

Together we walked into the kitchen just as the pipe started spraying something brown everywhere.

“Michael! What have you done?” I said.

“Nothing.” He quickly tightened the nut and it went back to the drip. Casually Michael got up. His t-shirt was now an interesting shade of brown. Jessica burst into fits of laughter.

“Good one, Mike,” I said as he passed me the spanner.

“You’re right, it’s impossible,’ he said and out he went.

So, there you have it, a creative piece inspired by just 3 words. Use my words if you like, or find your own. Whatever takes you fancy.

And don't think this idea is only for story writing. I wrote a story 'cause that's what I do to be creative. Try and use it in whatever you do, dance, drama, music, animation, art...

See what you can do. Go...

Day 30: Green

This is the word of the day, green.

I challenge you to come up with a creative piece inspired by the colour green.

What kind of associations come to mind when you think of green?

Some of mine include grass, my boyfriend (cause that's his favourite colour), Shrek, the environments. My boyfriend also has a t-shirt which is bright green and it says 'fight the bear' on it. I think if I were to do a creative piece it would have something to do with a ninja fighting bear who wears a green bandanna and eats only green things as part of his ninja diet!

Now, I am aware that some of your associations may differ from mine! That's the create thing about creativity, everyone has a different flavour!

What will you come up with. Take the challenge...

Day 25: Creativity changing the world

It would seem that all over this country people are using their creative talents to make big changes to our world. Animals of all shapes and sizes have ruled our streets in the last few years and its all in aid of charities.

'What is she on about,' I hear you say? Well, check out the creative projects below. All of them have painted and decorated some kind of animal to raise money for charities.

See The Elephant Parade in London which is raising money for the endangered Indian Elephant. I didn't even know they were endangered and it would seem not many people did! What better way to let people know and respond than to paint massive elephants and stick them all around the capital! Brilliant, I say!

In 2002 it turns out they did a similar thing with cows around London. You've guessed it, The Cow Parade. Check it out. (I don't think it was to raise money for endangered cows though!)

Visit Bath too! At the moments the streets are filled with beautifully painted lions. Two years ago, it was pigs that covered Bath to celebrate its heritage (and the legend King Bladad). Both of these public art projects provided artistic employment and raised money for local charities. Events like this rally up the community, getting everyone involved, including local schools. Even the central library has a pig (and a lion)!

Its amazing what people can do with their creative talents when motivated. I hope you are inspired to use your creativity to make a difference.

The world needs creativity. If I didn't believe that then I wouldn't be writing this blog! Creativity changes stuff...

How will you change the world with what you got...?

Day 24: Collaboration!

Today I want a talk about team-work-creativity. Yes, that's right, working together to produce a super inspiring creative masterpiece!

Who do you know? Dancers, musicians, painters, writers, actors, sculptors, photographers, animators, makers, breakers....Creativity attracts creativity, so get it together guys and gals. See what will happen if you combine your creative talents and passions.

This idea was given to me yesterday (of course) where there was lots of websites I could sign up to and collaborate with other artists. You know what I thought? 'What a FANTASTIC idea,' that's what!

Want some examples? Check out INFRA, a collaboration piece between contemporary dance choreographer, Wayne McGregor and artist Julian Opie.

or

Take a peek at this collaboration animation by David Ellis and BLU.

So, why don't you mix it up a bit. Dancers, get in contact with musicians. Artists, talk to some animators etc etc.

It's like my dad always says, 'two heads are better than one.' (I'm sure someone else said it first, but I'm going to give him the credit today!)

Day 23: Creativity is EVERYWHERE!

So much creative input, I don't know where to begin...

...well, today I've been to London (as I said yesterday) and I DID go to somewhere new. It really is true, if you're on the lookout for creativity it will come and practically hit you in the face. Get ready for a creative burst...

The reason I was in London was to go to a creative fair thingy for students/graduates. It was held in an abandoned building, which was originally a big factory/warehouse (probably). It's amazing what you can do with an abandoned building. What would you do...?

I went on the underground to get there, of course. You know the little maps you can pick up? They've always got different pictures on. Check them out at: http://art.tfl.gov.uk/

It turns out there are sculptures all over London. It's one of those things I knew but never really realised if you know what I mean!

The diversity of people was inspiring too. I saw a punk, and a lady with dreadlocks down to her bum. Oh, and all the arty types too (like this girl who was wearing bright red tights and high heels to match, cropped blonde hair wrapped in a scarf, accompanied with big red stud earrings). Inspiring characters...?

Watch this space, there's loads more to come...! Woop woop!

Day 22: Go go...

If you need inspiration where do you go? Do you go to your bedroom, on a long walk, to a gallary or a gig...?

My advise for you today is 'go'...

Preferably somewhere new. It doesn't have to be far. Go down that road you've never been down before, into that museum in your town/city, to the woods near your house...

Maybe you could venture further a field. I'm going to London tomorrow, which I do quite frequantly, but I'm will make it my 'mini mission' to go somewhere I've never been before and I encourage you to do the same. Find out something new, and write it down in your notebook.

I'll let you know what I find...

Where will YOU go? How will you be inspired?

Day 19: Vegetable art

Today I want you to be inspired by other people's works of art. Here's how it started;

On the train today I was enjoying a yummy (but cold) 'Innocent tasty veg pot' (by the company that make those smoothies). Whilst enjoying this scrummy snack, I found myself reading all the information on the packaging (as you do). To my surprise, there was a picture of a carrot and three cherry tomatoes which was of course, doubling up as an ice cream cone look-a-like! (picture it for a second). There.

Brilliant; vegetable art!

Turns out there is a page on their website where you can send your OWN veg art! Even more brilliant. So check it out at http://www.innocentvegpots.co.uk/vegart and see if you could do any better...

Day 15: From object to invention!

If I gave you a piece of wire and said, 'do something with it,' what would you do?

Would you make it into a frame for something useful like a hat (to cover it in fabric) or a bowl (papier mashe)? Would you make it into a sculpture, minimalist or intricate? Maybe a maze for your pet hamster, or a new invention!

There really are so many possibilities with just a piece of wire, so the next time you find yourself with some, see what you could do...

No wire around? Well see what else is lying around your house. The garage is a good place to start or your loft. If you're in a creative frame of mind then go hunting and see what you can create out of everyday objects. Everything can fulfil a creative purpose!

Day 4: Power to the poor!

We're living in a recession, right? So we need to save our pennies where we can, right? Well then, we need to pick up a bargain here and there. Where better place to pick up a bargain than at a charity shop?

I know what you're thinking, charity shops are lame. Well, think again my friend! The other day I picked up a pair of (really nice) 'Bench' jeans for £10!! Amazing! Charity shops really are a great place to find great bargains, so check it out!

What's all this got to do with creativity I hear you ask? As well as picking up some fine clothing, charity shops are full of weird and wonderful bits and bobs which are just screaming out creativity...

Sculptors, get down there and see what incredible things you can find to inspire your making (for such an affordable price!) fashion divas, well, you're probably already on it! And for all you drama folk, just check out the costume possibilities. Book lovers, you'll be in heaven...

So if you want to get creative on a budget, charity shops are the way forward, plus all proceeds go to a great cause, so it really is win, win all round! The more you go the more you find...

What will you create?