There are a tremendous amount of very talented people on the internet. It’s a statement that may seem obvious, but there are a number who shine brighter than others. Creative and with a heart: that’s Adriene Joyce, or, as she seems to often prefer, Sweepy Jean. She is a poet, editor and a great online friend and supporter.
She recently started up a new venture: the Third Sunday Blog Carnival. You can also find her at Sweepy Jean Explores the (Webby) World Check it out and support a woman who strives to live creatively
The Creativity Series: Guest Post
Creativity Within: Adriene Joyce
I’m thrilled to be given the opportunity to talk about creativity on Stuart’s blog. When I first “met” Stu, it became clear early on that I was in the presence of someone who takes his creativity seriously. For his efforts, he produces a lot of good work across genres and disciplines, which serves as an example of what we can all strive for.
For those of you who don’t think you have a creative bone in your body, think again.
Human beings are naturally creative, and evidence of it goes back to the beginning of time through the sheer act of survival. How else is it that we have coped with our environment? As a species, our creativity has led us to the invention of the wheel, the crafting of tools, and to the development of technology. On an individual level, human infants quickly learn the types of behaviors and interactions with others that will increase their chances of getting their physical and emotional needs met.
We build upon these skills throughout childhood and beyond. If we’re doing it right, we never stop coming up with creative ideas for living. I almost think we can’t help but to live creative lives.
Parents find creative ways to teach their children all the time. Planning meals and budgeting our money are creative acts. Even people who have “uninteresting” jobs or jobs that require repetition use their creativity to figure out ways to perform them as efficiently as possible. The list goes on and on.
What about for those of us with a calling to the “fine” arts? As is true of all artists, my work as a poet is influenced by everyday, ordinary life. For me poetry is a creative way to communicate my version of the truth to others.
It’s what all humans do: We tell our stories and compare and contrast them, hoping to arrive at what life really means.
Adriene’s latest creative pursuit is the Third Sunday Blog Carnival for poetry, fiction, and essays on writing. You can find her on Twitter @sweepyjean





Jan 11, 2012 @ 11:29:44
Jan 11, 2012 @ 20:19:43
I’m glad you enjoyed the post, Janaki, thank you!
Jan 11, 2012 @ 12:45:08
Excellent piece on how creativity is part of the human condition and not necessarily just for those more talented in a creative sense.
Jan 11, 2012 @ 20:24:52
I truly believe it, Pennie. There are tons of examples that sometimes get taken for granted.
Jan 11, 2012 @ 14:15:09
Such a positive, uplifting post! Yes, we are all creative in our unique ways.
Blessings, Sweepy!
Jan 11, 2012 @ 20:25:30
Thanks so much, Martha! Blessings to you as well!
Jan 11, 2012 @ 14:24:07
Hey
Nice to see you here Adrienne!
You are creative and I would totally agree, there is always some amount of creativity in all of us. Creativity doesn’t mean painting like Picasso or penning down poems like Keats, it is what you do differently and beautifully and how it truly defines your true passion!
Jan 11, 2012 @ 20:26:46
Indeed, Hajra. Everybody has something unique to offer the world!
Jan 11, 2012 @ 19:12:12
I’m so glad you talked about how creativity is innate in all of us. So many times I hear people say “I wish I was creative” or “I’m not creative”…they think being creative is just a fine arts thing. Thanks for this beautiful post!
Jan 11, 2012 @ 20:28:50
Wouldn’t it be great is we all tapped into our talents and saw them for what they are? Thanks so much for your kind words, Taslim!
Jan 11, 2012 @ 19:17:27
Hi Adrienne! I agree – everyone can be creative in some way, it’s just a question of finding your talent and/or passion. And finding a supportive group of people is probably just as important. Thanks to both you and Stu for encouraging and sharing with others!
Jan 13, 2012 @ 15:54:04
You’re welcome, Li.
Jan 11, 2012 @ 20:34:39
It is so true, Li. That’s another thing that is innate in us: the need for others! Thanks you!
Jan 11, 2012 @ 20:35:40
Thank again, Stu, for sharing you “home” with me. This was so much fun! ;p
Jan 13, 2012 @ 15:53:27
Adriene: it’s my pleasure. Your words echo so much of what I’ve been writing about/care about. Glad so many respond to you. Come back anytime.
Jan 12, 2012 @ 08:42:54
You are so right Adriene, humans are creative…it is a constant process and an everchanging one too…thanks for a wonderful look into your thoughts on the subject!
Jan 13, 2012 @ 11:39:40
When Picasso was asked what was art, his reply was: ‘What isn’t?’
He’s also on the record with this one: ‘We’re all born artists, it’s
just that not many of us manage to carry it through into adulthood.’
Instead of spending billions on arms, governments should be investing in
maintaining the creativity in us through life. Then there’d be no need to send
us to war. The potential of the great majority of us wouldn’t be
squandered so frivolously.
Jan 13, 2012 @ 15:55:15
Hi Greg…I used that exact quote for an earlier BornStoryteller. Agree with you totally.
Jan 13, 2012 @ 13:59:40
What a lovely post! I agree with you, and one of my new year’s resolution is to explore more my creative side. There is a lot to do, and I don’t know where the journey will take me…
Jan 14, 2012 @ 13:41:25
Great post. It’s definitely true that humans are creative.
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