We all have a voice, a unique way of communicating to others who we are.  Like our fingerprint, each individual’s creative voice is unique. No two the same. Sometimes this is forgotten, traded in or pushed aside to conform with what we think people want, what we think is the norm, or with how we think we “should sound”.  Tidy prices of self, compartmentalized to fit with what we have learned is expected of us. Sometimes it’s a matter of the comparison monster: we look to what others are doing and see it as more valid, legit, worthy. We strive to be like others. There is nothing inherently wrong in striving to be like others whom we deem to be role models we wish to emulate.  It becomes a problem when this focus becomes so strong we lose who we are and what we have to offer to the world in the process.  Our voice is lost too. 

What does this have to do with creativity you may wonder. Everything! Our creative expression that spills out onto paper or into sculptures, photography, poems, dance etc. is an opportunity for us to connect with our own unique creative voice, our creative fingerprint. Over the years of working with children  and adults through art therapy and expressive arts workshops this is one of the areas which has stood out the most.  In younger children the voice they have lost in their day-to-day life has been able to show-up in their art expression.  In adults however, they often find themselves judging or comparing their artwork to the outside world, ultimately getting stuck or they try to produce art which they believe will be liked our accepted by others.  Their own voice becomes lost.

So how does one connect with their creative voice? How will you know it is truly your voice and not an imitation of someone else’s expectations ?  Mostly you will just know- not in the intellectual sense but in the way that you feel- you will feel the difference reflected back at you. A deep satisfaction that what you have created is a reflection of you. If it is that simple then why don’t more people connect with their voice? Why are  there so many artworks that looks like someone else’s?  For example, we see these paint parties popping up around the city where people are encouraged to learn how to paint a particular scene. They have a choice of a template and are walked through the steps to produce a replica of the original work. Though the focus is on social gathering and it does get people “making art” the problem is it lacks the space for creativity that is needed when using ones’ own voice. 

Each of us has the potential to express our own unique voice through the art making process.  Practice is key. Not the kind of practice of doing something over and over to develop a technique  or skill, but a different kind of practice where we allow Self to play, to experiment and to make mistakes or “mess-up”.  It is through the lesson of letting go which is essential to finding and connecting with our own unique creative voice. But we must give ourselves permission!

To help you stay focused on supportive messages for your own unique creative voice I have made these special Creative Voice Permission Slip cards as a gift from me to you!

CLICK HERE to get your FREE gift!