I live in a creative neighborhood. No, it's not a warehouse district full of converted lofts and hip galleries. It's an eclectic collection of residential streets in Petaluma, California called "mid town." The houses are pretty ordinary. But the people are, I think, more creative than average.
Take this guy, for instance. He displays a giant skeleton that he decorates every holiday. He calls her "Sally Skelly." Recently, she was decked out in curlers and holding babies to honor Mother's Day.
"Sally Skelly"
Another neighbor built a miniature gallery for tiny artworks, and she puts out a new "call for art" every month. This is the first time I entered something. The theme for this one is "Name That Movie." Do you recognize the films from these artworks?
Another neighbor collects glass items and decorates his front yard with them (yes, those "grapes" are glass)...
I love seeing spontaneous creativity all around me. It's inspiring and fills me with hope--hope for our fractured country, for the uncertain future. As long as we're creating something, anything, we're aligning with the spirit of growth and evolution that fuels our best selves.
I hope you find time to create this weekend...
Art Heals
My friend Alexis says that art saved his life. He learned to tattoo when he was in juvenile detention, when he had the choice of two different paths: "the life," or becoming an artist. He chose art.
Now, he's sober, he runs a successful tattooing business in Sonoma (Dedicated Arte), he has two kids and a great life. His own art tells stories about how he stays away from the old temptations by committing to his creativity.
I'm lucky enough to have two of his tattoos on each of my arms. I get to carry this beautiful reminder of the healing power of art for the rest of my life.
