The term Creative Economy was originally developed by John Howkins in 2001 to describe economic systems where value is based on novel imaginative qualities rather than the traditional resources of land, labor and capital. This is not just in industries viewed as creative, but rather creativity throughout the entire economy. Based on that, just as …
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Why Having Skills for the Creative Economy is More Important than Ever!
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Drawing Brings Out the Best in Your Brain
I’ve always viewed drawing as a necessary part of art, but it turns out it’s much more than that. Drawing is really good for us and really awesome for kids! Drawing uses both halves of the brain. Our brains have two hemispheres, two halves. The two halves are connected by a broad band of nerve …
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6 Awesome Art Supplies to Jump Start Your Creativity
Whether you’re a total beginner who just wants to start doing a little art, a mom who wants to get creative with your kids, or an artistic person who wants to get more serious about art, the art supplies you use make a huge difference. You don’t have to purchase the very best of everything, …
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Are You Dreading Summer Travel With Your Kids?
Chances are, if you have young kids, you’re planning some sort of car or air travel this summer. Are you are dreading it? When my kids were young, I would take them to Michigan to see my parents every year after school was over – 3 kids, by myself! I learned a lot about what …
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The ART of Slowing Down
When Connie finally made the decision to have foot surgery, she knew it came with the heavy requirement that she stay off of her foot for a full three months. Absolutely no weight-bearing activity. As a fit, active, person who enjoys hiking, kayaking, working out at her local health club and gardening she wondered how …
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How About an Artist Date Just for You?
Julia Cameron’s book, The Artist’s Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity, was first published in 1992 and is still amazingly popular. The book leads readers through a 12-week program of exercises, habits and experiences to help get in touch with her creative self. There are several activities that I found very helpful in nurturing …
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What If Your Child Doesn’t Like to Do Art?
I have found that it is often difficult to sit down with a child, lay out some art supplies and expect the child to fully engage unless he is one of those kids who naturally gravitates towards drawing and painting. Even my most creative child (who is also ADD) didn’t know what to do when …
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6 Things You Can Do Right Now to Lift Your Spirits With Art
After the recent suicides of Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain, depression has become a hot topic. I’d like to offer some tips on how to use art as a way to combat depression and lift your spirits. Please know that I am not in any way claiming that art is a substitute for medical treatment! Anyone …
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Building Your Creative Muscles
What is the first thing you think of when someone asks if you are creative? Many of you probably think, “Me? I’m not creative!” How old were you when you first began to feel that way? Did someone tell you that you were not creative or did society’s love of coloring inside the lines just …
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