the creative path

Do you ever just get preoccupied in the day to day, the week to week, the month to month that you forget to stop and take a look back just for the sake of recognizing how far you've traveled?

We keep walking our creative paths; striving, sharing, expressing, working, playing, moving, and creating. There are days we skip along like children, effortless in joy and other we labor just to take one more step. But, we keep walking because as creative women, it's just what we do. We wouldn't have it any other way. But what about really taking stock of all that we've done? It's high time we do that for ourselves. Because we've all come pretty far. Wouldn't you agree?

I was fortunate enough to talk about the creative path with the inspiring Jamie Ridler for a podcast at the Creative Living Series.  Just talking with Jamie helped me reflect on my own creative journey and got me to slow down long enough to look back and acknowledge how far I've come and how my once-upon-a-time dream of gathering like-minded, like-hearted creative, photography loving women together has grown and is thriving. It left me so humbled and full of gratitude that my path has led me to all of you. 

You can listen in on the podcast at Jamie's site (CLICK HERE TO LISTEN).

And in celebration of each of us and this amazing place where we gather to share our passions, how about another Expressive Photography book giveaway? Consider it an expression of my love and gratitude. And I mean it with everything I am!

Share with us something from your own creative path today. Anything at all that celebrates how far you've come! Go you!

To be entered to win a copy of Expressive Photography just leave your comment here between now and Friday at midnight EST.

Congrats to Laura Gillmore/GenBug for winning a copy of Expressive Photography! Woot!

Comments

[Trude]

I actually blogged about this back in March: http://recoveringfirecracker.squarespace.com/blog/2010/3/5/two-years-later.html

Every time I pull a photo into Lightroom that doesn't actually need any editing, I'm reminded of how far I've come. :) And so grateful!

[Laura Gilmore]

Thanks for the opportunity to win your wonderful book!

I started with the obsessive hobby of photography about 4 years ago, and never looked back. It is time I did just that. In the last year I have had several of my photos chosen for blogs, and other web articles, and a few published in hard copy books or magazines. I entered three photos in the fair this year and received three ribbons, one being a first place! I was very very pleasantly surprised, as I never expected any of this. I am sharing a link to the first place in abstract color.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/genbug/4715522371/

Thank you for Shutter Sisters.

[Bettina]

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bettina2/4978369649/

I am about to embark on the path of the unknown... i'm scared and excited... wish me luck!

[maddie]

my creative path is not a choice ~ it is a burning absolution in my daily life that i recommit
time every day to honoring it's energy

in doing so...it infuses me with a joy that i can share with others

I love this podcast ~ so energetic and real and beautiful ~ fresh and
delightful with much wisdom

i am going to listen to it again!

[Rebecca]

who wouldn't love a copy of the book? =)

[Kim]

Thank you for this post! You're so right--I needed to take a look at how far I've come. At first, reading this, I didn't think I really had creative accomplishments to write about. But you know what? I've been doing all sorts of cool things for several years. And just last month I did my first, not-in-an-art-journal mixed media painting, and gave it to an artist friend for her birthday! And now I'm working on one to donate to a charity auction. I *have* come a long way from the person who was sure she wasn't an artist. And I still have those doubts, but I'm being an artist anyhow, even when I'm not sure I actually am one. :)

[Heather]

I agree it is so important to stop and celebrate the journey thus far,we do not do it enough as we are often in whats next mode, or what went wrong mode.. When I think of where I was a year ago vs where I am headed now it really makes me stop and celebrate as I have found again a huge passion for photography and creativity in general. I have so much more I dream of doing but I have certainly made strides that I am happy about and proud of in the meantime.. Your book sounds amazing!

[Jenny Modesitt]

I would cherish a copy of your book. I check in here everyday and am so inspired by all the wisdom and creativity. I have nothing incredibly creative today unless telling my sick little guy his medicine could quite possibly give him super powers. Fingers are crossed...for the book not super powers. ;)

[~Kristina]

I am creatively stalled right now. I have a multitude of ideas on the go but nothing that is piecing its way together. Rather than overwhelm myself through this silent period, I embrace the silence and absorb the serenity within.

[Tana Ortiz]

I would love to win this book! What a great inspirational tool! I am so thankful to have photography in my life!!

[Audra Van Vliet]

Since I began my love affair with my Canon 40d -- it will be a year in December -- Photography has given me a chance at a new career, a new obsession, a gift I can share with others, the confidence to walk up to strangers, get in their face, and snap a picture (sometimes with permission, sometimes with just a nod of the head and a smile). I feel useful now, and my only regret now is I didn't have my camera in time to get some decent pictures of my father before he passed away and of my son's first two years. My family thought this was a passing fancy at first, but I knew the second I saw this picture http://www.flickr.com/photos/hellsbellarina/4239605502/ that I had found a new way to connect to my son, have fun with him, document our life together.

A copy of your book would be the first thing I have won in years, besides a Rick Astley record from when I was ten and entered contests all the time from Tutti Frutti and Tiger Beat magazines.

http://lastpictureshowphotography.blogspot.com/

[stacy a]

This does make me want to take some time to reflect on the journey and all it has taken to get me where I am :)
And thanks for a chance at the giveaway!

[Karen]

This book would be keep me great company on my own creative journey! Many thanks for the chance.

[Monica]

Today I'm celebrating that I've *begun*! Since college I wanted to take a photography class but always found reasons not to. Ten years later, I am in the third week of my first class. I can explain ISO! I'm experimenting with aperture! It's been good to face some fears and learn something I've only previously dreamed about doing. I found you, the sisters, through dooce and I plan to stick around and be inspired! Thanks for sharing your creative selves!

[Lisa]

Your book is in my Amazon cart and I was going to finally buy it today - then I saw this post. Maybe it's a sign? My daughter is turning one tomorrow - I cannot believe it. Talk about how life just passes you by! I am thinking about her party and a craft for about 15 children, ages 2-10. My creative juices are flowing - as I think about all the milestones and day-to-day happiness I've shared with my little girl in the last year!

[rachaelmarie]

what a perfect post for me to read today...i have been feeling a little stuck lately, as if i have run out of creative juice. but looking at where i have been and just how far i have traveled to get here has given ma much needed jolt of energy to pursue something new.

[Christa Allgood]

My creative path is (hopefully) leading to a creative career! I have ALWAYS had a love of photography. I got my first camera in 6th grade and I've been shooting ever since! I think that love led me to the love of scrapbooking. Unfortunately the thing I do all day is NOT what I love....I've been unhappy with my career path for a long time so a few months ago I thought to myself ......why do you do this to yourself everyday??? What do you enjoy? What are you passionate about??? And then "poof" I knew what I needed to do!!! So in January I start classes to work my way to a degree in Visual Arts with emphasis on Photography and Graphic Design!! So hopefully sometime in the not-so-distant future I will be doing something that I love!!! I'm on the right path.......

[Alana Roberts]

Hmmmm how far have I come on my creative path. Its an unbelievable question to answer. I am one of those that has to schedule my time to relax and meditate. I am always moving on high gear. I have lists of lists because I want to do so many different creative things. My recent creative passion is ballroom dancing, what an expression of passion and love of life. I am thoroughly enjoying it. I am a newbie to the world of photography but am so grateful to have my little red head granddaughter to photograph. She is a willing subject and I cannot seem to get enough of her beautiful expressions of life. I look forward to visiting your site more often and enjoy following you on facebook daily. You are an inspiration to say the least and I wish you all that life has to offer you. Peace and Inspiration back to you.
http://justlikehome.typepad.com/just_like_home/2009/01/catching-that-special-time.html

[Gabi Bass]

I would love to win this book to explore my creative outlets !
I recently quit my profession of massage therapy, thanks to my husband aka My Love. I just wasn't getting the joy that I get out of being behind the lens. The funny thing is, I modeled as a teenager and was in front of the lens for years...I never thought I would be the one capturing images of family and friends which has led to being on-staff as a photographer for my church !
I am currently working on getting my website up so that my photos have a real home, so stay tuned !

peace.love.photography.
~gabi

[Jen Erickson]

As a mother of four my creative path was pretty crowded with unmatched socks, soupy ice cream bowls in the sink, and assorted pairs of stinky athletic shoes scattered on the floor. I began to clear that path when I enrolled in graduate school and started flexing my brain muscles again. Inspired by a personal narrative story I had to write for a class, I began my own blog. Nothing fancy, just small joys that I intentionally notice, appreciate and share. It's called Picking Up Pennies and it's purpose is "to discover the small joys that life leaves in your path." Amidst the daily walk (or run) on the path called life I've made time to explore and stretch myself, to share who I am. Socks, bowls and shoes still lay willy-nilly on my path, but along the way, nestled in the spots with the most inspiring views, are benches warmed by the sun, inviting me to sit awhile and be creative.

[Kirsten H]

What a fantastic reminder to just stop and appreciate. Thanks!

[sarah]

when I took this photo I knew I was actually finally moving along my creative path towards where I want to be. It's a slow journey! Thank you for your guidance along the way :-)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/shorelinesphotography/4800468641/in/set-72157624936495242/

[Tracy Sutherland]

I hope that I'm still just near the beginning of my creative path - that it stretches on for miles past where I am. But, that said, I think this set of images is worth sharing. http://www.flickr.com/photos/konehead/5009127913/ I've taken several headshots of one of my dogs that I've really liked. This year I learned a processing method that speaks to me. I've been meaning to get a good headshot of each of the dogs (and the kids - but as a separate project), process them similarly, print them up decently large, and get them up on the wall.

Then last week we found out that one of the dogs has cancer. On Friday we thought he wouldn't last the weekend. He's rebounded, thankfully, and while we don't have long with him we do get more time. So this week I got those headshots, did the processing, and have them in my To Be Printed file. I think I'll try again - see if I get a set that feels a little more cohesive - but if I don't get the chance I like these well enough. I'm going to print them as separate images but I like the idea of seeing them all together like I have them here.

As for where this fits on my path? Well, I'm good at coming up with ideas. Bad at executing them. Terrible for leaving things until they are too late. I think (hope) that this helped me learn to grab hold of the idea while I still have the chance and not wait until I think I can do it perfectly. I may never get the opportunity...

[Gwynnie B]

Today I'm having lunch with a creative friend, and we'll talk hours about everything and anything that has to do with art, color, photography, beauty. Then back to my studio to create jewels for an upcoming show. It's a good day =-)

[andrea]

Thanks for the reminder. I often get so wrapped up in where I'm going that I forget to take a step back and see... and I mean really see, where I came from.

[Erin O]

i have just began my photography business journey. i am learning to be more creative as i go along. i love designing as well.

[Meghan]

I just returned from Squam Art Workshops and that was quite a leap on my creative journey. I have been holding myself back for so long in terms of creativity, so going to Squam was a GIFT!

[Christineellen]

Lately my creative path has me following my 13 year old around with my camera, it's getting harder to get her to sit for photos.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/christineellen/4971235243/

[Angela]

I'm in the middle of the path, not sure where it's going.

Here's a shot of a maple leaf I found on the path:

http://angela-hemming.blogspot.com/2010/09/wishing-you-excellent-equinox.html

[gilding lilies]

I was thinking about this earlier today. I ran into an old friend and he mentioned how much my blog(s) have changed. We talked about my creative journey and growth and it really dawned on me how far I've come and how grateful I am to have given myself the time to explore and evolve. It felt really good.
To see my blog today: http://gildingliliesjournal.blogspot.com
And by the way, I would love, love, love a copy of the book!

[Robin at Recess]

My creative journey is just like the rest of my life....a roller coaster ride!

[Corinna]

I am new to Shutter Sisters (as of this week!) and I have to say that I have been delighted at what I am finding here. I love capturing images but I'm constantly struggling with a nagging voice in my head that says that what I'm making is nothing special. It is lovely to find such an affirmative community -- and to see inspiring examples of the creative paths of the women here. Thank you!

[ChristineL]

I'm just starting over...taking the Picture Fall class to get back into photography. A year from now I hope to reflect on how far I've come...

[Gina]

Several years ago I remember saying more than once that" I wasn't the "creative type" but I knew how to put creative women around me to make creative things happen." Since then I have been published for a short story, started my own writing blog , http://gngbenson.blogspot.com/ become inventive and creative with my photography , am getting ready to launch an e-shop for my scarves that i've been knitting and I am painting during worship at our church. That's a hint at my creative journey ... and I'm looking forward to more.

I'd love to win the book but I also wanted to say I love this blog it has been an encouragement and inspiration to me.

xoxo
g

[Kacky]

Thanks for the inspiring post - I would love the book!

[Kathryn]

ohhhhh...you're so right..always on to the next thing instead of stopping and taking stock of just how far i've come...phew!! Well, recently i took a quickbooks and accounting class, bought quickbooks, opened a business account for the first time in my creative business...yikes, i know...always used my personal checking account...but i finally did it!!

[Patty]

A very long time ago an art teacher told me I had no creative talent and should not pursue art. For some reason I accepted his assessment and stopped all forms of art for many years. In college I lived with a number of artists and one of them once said to me he thought I was a "closet artist". I never forgot that and finally at 45 (last year) I decided it was time to find a way to let that artist out of the closet - hence my name on flicker (closet artist) and the title of my blog http://lifeisartandeverything.blogspot.com/

When I began my blog I didn't intend for it to be a photography blog - just a place to illustrate my attempts to express myself creatively in whatever way.....but somehow photography caught fire. I haven't looked back.

Since I have started posting my photos on flickr I have received so much encouragement...and having a few of my photos highlighted at shutter sisters was just....I don't really have words for it. I only need to look back to the beginning to see how far I've grown in such a short span of time....and the beauty is I see that inside of this medium there is a lifetime of growth and possibilities to happen. I am truly grateful.

In any case that's what I have to share on the topic of creative path.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/closetartist/

[Anna]

I took a step back on to the creative path by signing up for Picture Fall. I need a push to start taking photos consistently again and I'm anxious to get started!

[Amy]

My creative path is like slogging through mud. I feel a deep down burn to express myself creatively and an overwhelming guilt that it is an time wasting task that should be spent on something meaningful like laundry or vacuuming up all the cat hair. I rarely allow myself to go to my creative mindset. When I do go there I love it and get lost for hours, days, weeks...I love knitting, jewelry making, and I can play with pictures on Picnik.com for hours. I used to blog regularly. I believe that my mud slogging will become more like walking through sand, then driving with the brake on until eventually it just flows like molasses. I am patient. It will come.

[zchamu]

Well, today my creativity was limited to how to keep a sick toddler entertained. So I didn't really get to do any creative soul exercise that way. But I sure did get some nice toddler hugs, which nourishes my soul in a whole lot of other ways. Dying to get my hands on a copy of the book!

[Lindsay]

Wow! I would love this book! I've traveled to Africa a few times...first alone and now I am taking groups with hopes of inspiring others to be involved in orphan care. I've tried to be creative in finding different ways to express the essence of Africa, balancing both the poverty, the hope, the joy and the beauty Africa brings with it.

[leanne]

triple love jamie's podcasts! i was so thrilled to see your name and picture pop up when i clicked on the posting. amazing interview! it would be wonderful to win this book. thank you for the opportunity.

[Lori]

Recently I blogged about not rushing self-discovery, especially those on a creative path, (http://lorisanders.blogspot.com/2010/09/caught-in-moment.html) and enjoying and savoring the journey. I was rushing everything wanting everything to come together overnight. I recently opened a gallery and filled the walls with the art of those I admire and now I am finally getting ready to put my photography up on the walls - out there for everyone to see. I might never be a famous photographer, but I am going to make sure I enjoy each step in that direction. :)

I have the Expressive Photography book in my Amazon cart. Just in case, I wont press the "purchase" button just yet!

[Lori]

Oops - the link in the above post is not working here is a working link - sorry. http://lorisanders.blogspot.com/2010/09/caught-in-moment.html

[Chelsea C]

My creative journey...my mom is a very talented painter and drawer. I never mastered either, and just thought I was not fortunate enough to receive her creative gene. But it took me a long time to realize creativity comes in many forms, and through photography, blogging, and journaling, I have come so far in believing in myself, and really thinking of myself as a creative person. I am proud of this path I have taken, and for me, the most significant part of this unending journey is the confidence I have gained in myself.

[Carrie]

Absolutely gorgeous. Sort of looks how I feel right now. :)

[Kylie]

as i look back on my creative journey, i realize how far i have come not just technical wise, but emotionally. i have learnt to trust my self, and give myself more credit. my creative journey has allowed me to become who i really am, with more self-confidence than before.

[Amanda]

Currently, I feel as though I have simultaneously converging creative paths. It's during those divergent times that things become difficult! Thanks for this opportunity!!

[Krista Kruger]

Shooting my little brother's engagement pictures was a huge thing for me! I was terrified of doing it, but once I got out there it was so much fun. The pictures turned out amazing, and helped me believe in my ability to be a photographer.

http://kristakruger.com/?p=43

[Arin S]

I love the garden gate! Thanks for another chance to win!