The Creative Spirit
Photo by Diane M. Dresback
Creative expression. How do you explain it to someone who doesn’t experience it in the way you do?
I’ve often blogged about how I become inspired to write—setting up a conducive environment, having the right tools, and putting myself in an open mindset. Music, nature, and water all help spur story ideas. But, how do you put into words that moment when the idea hits? When something suddenly is created from nothing?
Some might express it as flow—you know, when you’re concentrating so intently that three hours flies by in a blink. Others could say creativeness comes from a particular emotional state of being. While a few may define the practice as painful or exhilarating. It can be so hard to describe.
Creative expression happens across numerous disciplines—music, art, writing, and probably a million other things. And, all accounts are different.
My husband and I watch a lot of movies both at the theatre and at home. Some good, some not so much. I don’t write about many, and often I can’t tell you on a Monday which one I watched over the previous weekend!
But recently, we saw the movie, Tolkien (directed by Dome Karukoski, written by David Gleeson and Stephen Beresford). It portrays J.R.R. Tolkien’s early days. When you see the movie, If you’ve read Tolkien (Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit), you recognize events, friends, and lessons from his life that show up within his stories. Because, of course, how can that not happen?
As with any biopic, there is controversy surrounding how truthful the main character’s life is depicted. Setting that aside, I found the film to be a lovely story about love and friendship and following your passion. Yet, my favorite part was how the filmmakers visually represented the creative mind.
I’m no Tolkien by any stretch, but when imagination is sparked, it’s an amazing feeling. One that every creative understands.
To be honest, I couldn’t even speak for ten minutes after the credits rolled as not only were my emotions engaged, but the film touched something much deeper that I had not expected. To me, it exemplified how the creative spirit can be ignited in seemingly insignificant things—patterns in wall paper, tree branches against a sky, shadows on a wall.
Bringing together his experiences into the unforgettable tales he told, proved Tolkien’s genius. One claim in the movie was a word is just a word unless there is meaning behind it. What a beautiful and most accurate sentiment. I hope to continue developing my own creativeness, expressing in a way others can enjoy.
If you watch, Tolkien, I would appreciate hearing your take!
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Find details about my books at dianedresback.com and my filmmaking at mindclover.com.
