For the last couple of years or so I’ve been experimenting with art. Partly as a tool to enable others to make work better, and partly for the sheer hell of it. One of the best things about making paintings and sketches, is the opportunity to send them to other people. I’ve come to love my regular trips to the Post Office where I wave goodbye to these little works of art. My work has ended up in many places across the UK, and in several States in America. I am grateful for the opportunity to share, and for the feedback I receive.
Tipping Point
Yesterday I arrived home after a long day of work and fun. I was greeted by an original piece of artwork by Alison Chisnell. Even though I knew it was on the way, the arrival of this wonderful little sky scene stopped me in my tracks. This is the first time that I can recall a piece of art coming back in the other direction, to me instead of from me, and I am uplifted and delighted to be the recipient of such a kind gift. The picture reminds me of my very recent walk in Cornwall with Flora, and the fact that it arrived with me just as Creative Leadership is launching, is surely a good omen.
Small is the New Significant
When he was interviewed about the Principles of Creative Leadership over at Fast Company, Sir Ken Robinson said, “Creativity is not some exotic, optional extra. It’s a strategic issue.” I agree with him, and I also think it should occupy some of the smaller, day to day space in our lives too. It’s as much about looking for the next small thing, as the next big thing. As my friend David Zinger so eloquently puts it, “Small is the new significant”. Amen to that.
Hi Doug
Well…what a lot of power a little bit of creativity can have! I was thrilled to send you the little postcard painting and even more delighted and proud to see it appear on your blog! Thank you.
I’m very much at the beginning of my journey to learn to paint in watercolours, as you know. For me, what I learnt through creating this, writing a note to you on the back and sending it through the post is this: that it is good to take risks, that you don’t have to wait until something is perfect before you share it with someone you trust and that we all have the power to create something, if we want to use it. Also, remembering not to apologise and excuse it for not being as polished as something that someone more experienced might create, but to simply let it be and enable it to stand on its own merits. It’s very empowering, engaging and motivating – suprisingly so and far more so than I expected.
I love the fact that I’ve helped to make sure that what you have been so good at ensuring goes around has come back to you in a lovely way for you to experience too 🙂
All the best in your art, your picture art and your art of creative leadership.
small is the new significant. Brill. People always want to do big dramatic things (are we thinking ‘let’s put on a transformation programme’?) but it’s the little things that can turn, over time, into a pretty substantial change. Makes me think of random acts of kindness…..
Alison David and Julia – thank you. So much learning and encouragement in your three wonderful comments.