Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Play



"The creation of something new is not accomplished by the intellect but by the play instinct."
Carl Jung



A high school art teacher once told me to never lose the ability to create like a child.
I'll never forget that.
Every time I sit down to make something, I always think of what that teacher said.
Now that I have my own child, it's like reliving my youth. You see everything with young eyes again.


You get lost in a museum, dream of wondrous fairytale landscapes.


You believe in Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny and even the Tooth Fairy!
Toys come to life, books carry you off to far away lands.



I really like what Henri Matisse has to say.
"Creative people are curious, flexible, persistent, and independent with a tremendous spirit of adventure and a love of play."

Never lose your love of play!
Here's what I've been playing with this week, a little paint, a piece of gessoed wood and purple horses swirling around in my brain. I just wanted to paint something out of my head, not from a photo. Something fun and colorful.


And I started a painting of my cat Pumpkin Pie called 'Played Out'. It's just a work in progress, I think I will paint many more of his toys around him. I love toys, my studio is filled with toys, children's  art and little bits and bobs of paper and what-not that inspire me.


"If you want to be creative, stay in part a child, with the creativity and invention that characterizes children before they are deformed by adult society."
Jean Piaget

10 comments:

Robin Larkspur said...

Joyful post, delightful photos, art and adorable child!

Leah's Art Magic said...

Jen, I love coming to your blog. Your photos are fantastic. I enjoy seeing your WIP pieces and they are wonderful. Have fun filled creative day!

LuLu Kellogg said...

I always love to see what you are up to!

I am back from my trip to CA and now trying to catch up on my Blog visits!

Love,
LuLu~*xoxo

Unknown said...

This posting is SO true Jen. Wonderful. Where did you get that cool Nazul on the horse? It's most excellent! Did you make it?
~ Deb

Sandy Sandy Art said...

I'd love to come over and play with your stable set sometime Jen! I am a permanent member of the Peter Pan Club too!! Just love your Pumpkin Pie. He is the spirit-twin of my Tigger cat. Just love those orangies. Ok, just love 'em all! (horses and cats)♡

Theresa MacNaughton said...

What a beautiful post! I always try to remind myself to play...my pups help me out with that. :) I love your new paintings - both of them are just beautiful. Theresa

Michael said...

This post brings a smile to my heart. Thanks for the reminder! Cut back the clivia today but planted some tomatoes in the garden to make up for it!

Smiles and Blessings!
Deb :o)

Lin said...

You are such a talent! I love to come here to see what you are making now....

Linda said...

What a wonderful thought--thinking of our work as play. That was a good advice.

Jennifer Rose said...

love the quotes you have used :D so very very true