Charlie Bowden – 7th February 2012

 

 

 

 

 

Creativity, fulfillment, self-expression and sleep

Our workload is fairly intense, along with the briefs we have to juggle there’s a healthy dose of master-classes (lectures) and Marc’s desire to throw twists in on a near daily basis for us to contend with.

We’ve been forewarned; it’s to get tougher.

Now this isn’t something in which I ‘m alone but the work doesn’t finish when I leave Vauxhall, often carrying on into the night.

Being a strong believer in (relatively) early to bed and early to rise. I often feel chained to my computer.

Two weeks ago we completed a portfolio brief, without going into details, my team’s response was well received by Marc and mentors alike.

Instead of feeling happy, I was left feeling a bit flat and wondering why.

I’ve since thought about this a lot and I think the problems a lack of physical activity.

For the past few years I’ve worked designing, building, painting and generally making all numbers of things; I’ve also been on photo-shoots, running, climbing, lifting and holding.

In short, my life’s been a mix of the cerebral/concept/theory and the physical/mechanical/practical side to creativity.

I’ve had balance and a sort of meditation in the craft.

The work cycle at SCA is something like – think, think, rationalise, rationalise, think, rationalise, execute, hand in and REPEAT.

I’ve always just made things for that sake of making them but in addition to the things I was making from work. I’m finding the work at school doesn’t fulfill the physical side to creativity I now realise I need.

I love the feeling of dry hands and frizzy hair from sanding, the pain in your index finger from using a scalpel for too long or just being covered in paint.

It’s not just about being active; I cycle quite a lot and make a point of running. It’s about active creativity, getting your hands dirty and making something.

This is something I’ve been neglecting and something I’m going to have to change.

I love the thinking but it’s about balance. I’d encourage anyone who’s feeling creatively frustrated to make, paint or draw. Do something to breaks the cycle of sitting and thinking.

Here’s a photo of my painting trousers, simply because I love wearing them.