The Creative Process

This month marks the 2nd year of Home Ed Creatives. Majority of the children in my current groups have been in my classes for over a year. Each continue to sign up after a 5 week cycle. It has been a pleasure to see each Home Ed Creative’s Creative journey.

A favourite ‘warm up’ activity is asking the children what is the longest journey they have ever taken. Many are able to relate how to the feeling of just wanting to arrive at our destination. I then point out that it is inevitable that we will face similar feelings of frustration with our own creative journey. It’s normal, but the key is to keep going as we WILL grow in our creativity over time.

Last month, I had the privilege of seeing two JMW Turner’s works which are owned by The Frick Collection at The National Gallery. Earlier this week, I had the opportunity to see a some of the collection of his works at Petworth House, National Trust. Turner’s connection with the House goes beyond his works which were bought by the then owner – George O’Brien Wyndham, 3rd Earl of Egremont (1751-1837). He also a frequent guest who stayed and was commissioned to paint the surrounding landscapes. It was fascinating to see the range of Turner’s works, the various canvas sizes (the largest being the ones owned by The Frick Collection, and to see the change in artistic style through the years.

JMW Turner (1775 – 1851) was a talented young Artist from Covent Gardens, London. He was a child prodigy who was started his studies at the Royal Academy Schools at just 14 years of age. His Creative journey was not without criticism; but he was successful in his life time as an Artist. One of the things he is renowned for is his depiction of light. I am personally fascinated by how he skilfully includes people in his landscapes. I have enjoyed looking at his paintings over the span of his successful creative career, noticing the various ‘notes’ in his artistic voice. Observing his Creative journey through his paintings has not only inspired but has also sparked ideas as I look forward to welcoming back the various Home Ed Creatives next week.