The Highs & Frustrations of a Young Creative by Matilda Reid
I was born a creative mind, no doubt about it. Chances are, if you’re reading this delightful blog, then you too are a creative mind. You know that we share a beautiful gift, an ability to think on a different angle, to build love in many forms and keep this world magical. You also know that being a young creative isn’t always easy, hence why we’ve sought out similar minds here in these words. To connect the dots that we are, a new generation of hippies, quiet kids, musos, artists and beyond. To think together about the highs and lows of being a young creative, and of how we can channel our energies.
The primary reason I feel being a creative is such a special gift, is the heights of intense happiness it brings. I’m sure you know the sensation when a surge of creativity overcomes you, an inner electricity. Racing to explore it, delving into your mind aimlessly you let it flow, painting, scribbling, dancing, writing with an untameable energy. It’s a burning chill beneath the skin that won’t let you sit still, it brews in the depths of the bones and belly leaving you giddy with inspiration. It almost seems as if, for a moment when that buzzing bliss hits, the sheer veil between the physical and dream realm is lifted so infinite magic can be realised and released. This is where you’ll find true creativity, beyond logic and the construct of today. I know I sound crazy. Tell me you feel it too?
It’s not always so intense. Some days it’s a gust of fresh air sweeping through the dusty corners of my mind, awakening my inner peace and wilderness, uniting them somehow. A few hours spent working on my craft can bring such clarity to my thoughts, returning me to myself. There is salvation to be found in ones creative mind. I find it sometimes when I wake to the brightness of dawns first light, or dusks last breaths. It’s best beneath the weight of waves and waterfalls. I’d say it’s stoke on steroids, gets me high.
Some days I can’t tell where my inspiration is calling me, whether I want to draw or write or sew. Other days I just don’t have the means to spend time being creative. Being so full of stagnated energy makes it frustrating to focus or chill out. I’ve discovered that the best way to work through this is to do something, anything physical. Walking through my neighbourhood for a coupla hours, usually barefoot at dusk, never fails to zen me out. We all know the remarkable difference it makes to be amongst nature. I kind of feel as if the trees of my street draw any extra energy from my being, making me one of their own. Otherwise I dance in my lil’ bedroom, music loud as can be. Sometimes if I’m stuck in one spot, I’ll even do sudoku or origami just to get my mind and hands moving.
Other days I’m overwhelmed by the frustration of our cultures confines. We’re living in a capitalist world, driven by false ideas of success where art and diversity hold little value. Life’s a rat race with no time to look each other in the eye, to open your mind for more than a moment. Yet, creatives like us thrive on honest connections, on backwards wave lengths. We find a challenge in sitting still in classrooms, fitting the ideals of others. Most people are blind to the beauty in this, so we’re criticised for having our ‘head in the clouds’, for ‘dreaming too much,' we’re ‘naive’. Maybe we are, and we’re yet to learn the truth of this world. Still, I struggle to believe that I will ever be square, that I will ever want to join the rat race. Call me cliche, I know I am, but that doesn’t detract from the truth of it.
Don’t worry though, the love of art and creativity is innately human. It will always be returned to and valued deeply, whether or not it’s acknowledged. Consider some of the earliest known cultures; art, song, and dance were and still are crucial to Aboriginal peoples. What about the greatest historical figures- is Van Gogh not a house hold name today, over a century from his death?
I feel that the upsides to living in a creative mind far outweigh the frustrations. Not all individuals come to feel the euphoria of creativity and those of us that do are pretty darn lucky. Never take it for granted, do not let your flame dwindle or doze off for a nap. Use it to keep afloat in a world growing evermore mundane. To fight the cynicism of those who belittle our differences. Let these highs act to remind you of your magic, your value as who you are, your ability to teach others artistry and love. Please don’t ever deny yourself the euphoria, frustration, lessons, gratitude, joy and all else that can be gained from embracing ourselves as young creatives.
Written and Photographed by: Matilda Reid
