We Need Your Art
says Amie McNee, and I agree with her!!
The image above is my visual summary of Amie McNee’s amazing TED Talk. If you haven't seen it, I highly recommend you watch it - it is soooo inspiring and so timely. I was so inspired I had to capture it and promptly share it far and wide! I’m just now getting stuck into her book.
Just in case you don’t know about Amie, I’ll do a very quick intro.. in the talk (her book and indeed across the interweb) Amie makes the case for not just art, but creativity as a whole, and how, in the current chaos and turmoil that we are living through, creativity may just be the thing that saves us. I loved the talk as Amie covered many of the negative narrative that most creatives have to deal with (I’m sure pretty much anyone on here will identify with that), before launching into the real HUMAN benefits of creating something - even if it's just for ourselves.
Many people feel that taking time to be creative is an indulgence, it's selfish, childish, pointless - but, as Amie argues in her talk - it's the missing pillar of self development, and as we spend more and more time consuming on our phones, we are slowly disconnecting from real life and missing out on so much of the real human connection that a creative act brings.
Like Amie, I would wholeheartedly encourage anybody who has inklings of starting a creative pursuit to just do it. It doesn't matter what anyone else thinks - it's your thing. And if drawing is/was your thing (even if you haven't done any since art classes at school) I've decided to create a space for anyone who wants to make a start. I already draw along with a few people here on Substack, and I’d love to start my own little creative community as I start getting the hang of things on here. It’ll give me a good reason to show up. My idea is in beta while I try and figure out how to do all of this on Substack but if you fancy hanging out and drawing with me on a Zoom call you can sign up here on my website. Or maybe just subscribe here if you’re reading this in the app… (Like I said, still figuring it out!) In the meantime, happy creating!!
Thank you for sharing this! I will now watch the TED talk! Love recommendations 😘
"Many people feel that taking time to be creative is an indulgence, it's selfish, childish, pointless..." This line somehow hit a nerve.
My first reaction was "Who, who are this people?" It took a couple of seconds and, sadly, I could describe them.
Being creative is one of the things that makes us unique and proud to be so.
Thanks for sharing Verity!