Creative Work
So You Created Something: Now What???
by Lisa A Kramer
I posted this article on Substack yesterday. Different people find me in different ways, but I wanted to share here. Feel free to follow Sparks of Creative Rebellion on substack for interesting articles on creative journeys.
Play is Serious Work
by Lisa A Kramer
"I always think that focusing on fun is being lazy."
The woman who typed these words had just asked a question about how to get motivated in the face of debilitating physical challenges that are affecting her work and her ability to produce. The expert leading this workshop responded that sometimes we simply need to focus on joy and having fun--especially when faced with so many obstacles.
Yet, this woman--dealing with more challenges than many of us--struggles with an issue that has been ingrained into the American psyche, to the detriment of us all. The idea that play or fun has nothing to do with work.
We've been taught that somehow playing is childish and a waste of time. Imaginative play...
The woman who typed these words had just asked a question about how to get motivated in the face of debilitating physical challenges that are affecting her work and her ability to produce. The expert leading this workshop responded that sometimes we simply need to focus on joy and having fun--especially when faced with so many obstacles.
Yet, this woman--dealing with more challenges than many of us--struggles with an issue that has been ingrained into the American psyche, to the detriment of us all. The idea that play or fun has nothing to do with work.
We've been taught that somehow playing is childish and a waste of time. Imaginative play...
Moving Toward a Creative Economy
by Lisa A Kramer
I believe we are in a time for reflection and change.
I believe that the shift must come from people who recognize that our current systems are broken, and only work for a very small portion of society.
I am determined to be part of the change, through writing, creating, speaking, leading workshops, and inspiring others.
[embed]https://youtu.be/wxDwj5ZPkeE[/embed]
While I don't yet know where this dream of mine is heading, I know that I will make this happen. If you would like to be involved in some way, just let me know in the comments or send me an email. Let's change the world together!
I believe that the shift must come from people who recognize that our current systems are broken, and only work for a very small portion of society.
I am determined to be part of the change, through writing, creating, speaking, leading workshops, and inspiring others.
[embed]https://youtu.be/wxDwj5ZPkeE[/embed]
While I don't yet know where this dream of mine is heading, I know that I will make this happen. If you would like to be involved in some way, just let me know in the comments or send me an email. Let's change the world together!
A Conversation with Creativity
by Lisa A Kramer
Me: Why do you call me? What do you want me to know?
C: We call on each other, don't we?
Me: I guess . . . but what does that mean?
C: It means that I am everywhere. I am within you and outside of you. But, I cannot extend beyond you without a little help. I am a verb.
Me: You are a verb? I thought you were a noun?
C: I am both, aren't I? Actually I an also be an adjective. An act of creativity takes place when a creative person creates something.
Me: Okay. Why is that important?
C: I exist in action. Every moment in time something new is created. I can be found in the burst of bird song, the...
C: We call on each other, don't we?
Me: I guess . . . but what does that mean?
C: It means that I am everywhere. I am within you and outside of you. But, I cannot extend beyond you without a little help. I am a verb.
Me: You are a verb? I thought you were a noun?
C: I am both, aren't I? Actually I an also be an adjective. An act of creativity takes place when a creative person creates something.
Me: Okay. Why is that important?
C: I exist in action. Every moment in time something new is created. I can be found in the burst of bird song, the...
On Creativity: Share Your Thoughts
by Lisa A Kramer
Anyone who has read my work at any point should recognize one important thing: I believe in the power of creativity to change the world! That belief lies at the core of my authentic self.
Still, I can't tell you how many strange looks I receive when I interact with people and ask them to let go a little, to play with me in a creative way. I'm used to it by now. I've come to recognize that my joie de vivre, or my natural instinct to approach life in a playful and creative way doesn't always mesh with other people's reality. That's okay, we are all different, and that is part of what makes this world so rich and wonderful.
As I...
Still, I can't tell you how many strange looks I receive when I interact with people and ask them to let go a little, to play with me in a creative way. I'm used to it by now. I've come to recognize that my joie de vivre, or my natural instinct to approach life in a playful and creative way doesn't always mesh with other people's reality. That's okay, we are all different, and that is part of what makes this world so rich and wonderful.
As I...
Tales of a Theatre Director/Educator
by Lisa A Kramer
I am sitting in my Introduction to Theatre classroom, showing the movie "Show Business: Road to Broadway." The picture is a little warped, as I can't use the regular video screen/projector, but instead I have it projecting on a swash of silky fabric that is intended to be a shadow screen for the play I am directing which opens next week.
Part of my set lies hidden in the darkness behind the screen . . . much of which still waits (im)patiently to come to life with many coats of paint. I am trying to ignore the lurking bareness which haunts me even though I cannot see it. I try not to worry about how or if everything will get done.
As I...
Part of my set lies hidden in the darkness behind the screen . . . much of which still waits (im)patiently to come to life with many coats of paint. I am trying to ignore the lurking bareness which haunts me even though I cannot see it. I try not to worry about how or if everything will get done.
As I...
An Open Letter to Elizabeth Gilbert
by Lisa A Kramer
Dear Elizabeth,
I hope you don't mind me calling you by your first name. It seems too formal to call you Ms. Gilbert, when I'm writing a letter explaining why you and I should be friends.
No, don't worry . . . this isn't a stalkery kind of letter. I picture our friendship as the kind where we meet once in a blue moon at a cozy coffee shop somewhere, or perhaps (if we are feeling a little adventurous) at a small lunch restaurant serving exotic and flavorful foods. We will each order something different and a little bit decadent, then compare and contrast our selections. Maybe we will share, but I'm telling you now that if it is melt-in-your-mouth delicious I...
I hope you don't mind me calling you by your first name. It seems too formal to call you Ms. Gilbert, when I'm writing a letter explaining why you and I should be friends.
No, don't worry . . . this isn't a stalkery kind of letter. I picture our friendship as the kind where we meet once in a blue moon at a cozy coffee shop somewhere, or perhaps (if we are feeling a little adventurous) at a small lunch restaurant serving exotic and flavorful foods. We will each order something different and a little bit decadent, then compare and contrast our selections. Maybe we will share, but I'm telling you now that if it is melt-in-your-mouth delicious I...
A Letter from My Brain on Creativity, Writing, and Achieving Dreams
by Lisa A Kramer
Dear Lisa,
Stop! Stop thinking so much. Stop trying to control your creative process, and give yourself a break.
You know, deep inside, that the creative process can't be forced. When have you ever been able to lasso those imaginative forces and wrangle them into control? Never, that's when. Your creativity comes from being inspired, when the energy of imagination swarms around you with unseen sparks.
The energy of creative chaos.
I know you best. You've relied on me for a long time. I love our relationship, but I also know when it is time to let go.
That time is now. I need a vacation and so do you.
I need you to take me to a place where the sun shines,...
Stop! Stop thinking so much. Stop trying to control your creative process, and give yourself a break.
You know, deep inside, that the creative process can't be forced. When have you ever been able to lasso those imaginative forces and wrangle them into control? Never, that's when. Your creativity comes from being inspired, when the energy of imagination swarms around you with unseen sparks.
The energy of creative chaos.
I know you best. You've relied on me for a long time. I love our relationship, but I also know when it is time to let go.
That time is now. I need a vacation and so do you.
I need you to take me to a place where the sun shines,...
The Power of Persistence
by Lisa A Kramer
When I was a little girl, I had many big dreams. I was going to:
be the President of the United States. (That is a dream I willingly let go, I have no desire to play political games).
become a doctor that cured all kinds of diseases. (Not sure why I let that one go, not my true calling I guess)
be discovered at someone's concert (I believe it was Donny Osmond, Sean Cassidy, Sting, or {gulp} Barry Manilow) pulled up on stage as he sang to me and fell in love, and then turned into an instant movie/rock star.
become a famous actress/director
become an international diplomat who somehow brought peace to the entire world
make enough money (doing some kind of business, but don't...
The Arts: My Weapon of Choice
by Lisa A Kramer
Today is Arts Matter Day, a campaign developed by MassCreative to advocate for the importance and the value of the arts, and to encourage people to consider the arts when they vote.
I know, there are lots of issues to consider when it comes to voting, and perhaps support of the arts seems low on the list when you compare it to things like climate change, equality, the economy, ISIS, ebola etc. etc. etc. However, to me the arts are as valuable as the sciences (although in a different way) toward solving the problems in the world.
The arts have power--to make people think, to give people hope, to encourage and promote change. I, personally, could not live in a world without access to the...
I know, there are lots of issues to consider when it comes to voting, and perhaps support of the arts seems low on the list when you compare it to things like climate change, equality, the economy, ISIS, ebola etc. etc. etc. However, to me the arts are as valuable as the sciences (although in a different way) toward solving the problems in the world.
The arts have power--to make people think, to give people hope, to encourage and promote change. I, personally, could not live in a world without access to the...
Learning Literary and Life Lessons #NESCBWI14
by Lisa A Kramer
"Because I wasn't mad I saw something beautiful. I saw a color I had never seen before." (Peter Reynolds)
In his keynote address at the NESCBWI conference yesterday, Peter Reynolds--award-winning author and illustrator of North Star, The Dot, and Ish--shared his philosophies on writing, life, art and the way he creates. The above quote comes from a story he told about his (then) young daughter pouring water over his entire paint set thereby creating a color he could not describe. That color, eventually, made its way into his book, The Dot
.
His talk resonated with me on so many levels. From his idea that there are "two kinds of adults in the world"--adult adults and child adults--to his attitude that he is "a gentle rebel. Rules are...
