We shop in lots of junk and recycle places. One location we visited last weekend had this fun display near the entrance. Year after year the flowers grow and change, reminding us that anything is possible.
How many times have we run out of ideas? We think we have reached the end of our insights and have nothing new to create? We are stumped on how to update the process or change the structure to make it better, or we draw a huge blank when trying to solve a problem. The creative corners of our mind are dry and dusty, cobwebs and dead bugs are all we have. No matter how hard we try, nothing new or inventive seems to materialize.
When I need a new idea or to be inspired, I go out and find new things to see…like old boots being used as planters. I am always amazed at what creative people are able to invent. New ideas are all around us, we simply have to get out there and look. Other people can always provide new thoughts and ideas as well. Working with others to come up with inventions or updates or even upscaling can be a lot of fun. Especially when the other people do not always think like you. Ask someone to help you come up with something new, then let go and give up control.
And when someone does offer an idea or different way of thinking about things, like planting flowers in an old boot, don’t poo poo the idea. Let it simmer for a while then act, or jump right in with enthusiasm the minute you hear it. Being creative or inventive or innovative means opening up to thinking and acting differently. If we do the same thing over and over, how do we get anything new? If we only try what makes us comfortable or the idea we think will work, when are we really taking a chance?Being inventive means risk and possible failure. Innovation means trial and error. It means taking a chance to see what might happen. Who knows you may surprise someone with flowers growing in places where you used to keep your feet warm. When the shoe fits, anything is possible.
Ann Art Gallery Blog 