Recharging the Creative Battery

Its not a clear answer in my mind as to whether creative thinking can be taught. I do believe that creative thinking and energy can be gained through an allowance and opportunity to daydream. Daydreaming states can be allowed in many different ways. I find that a longer drive from one place to another, leaving behind old routines and spaces = travel close and far, a stimulating conversation, being in my own creative physical space, or even doing creative work aside another creative can lead me to reflect and form a creative idea. My experiences have taught me that my creative energy is recharged when I have given myself the opportunity to do these things. I am happy to have found the recipe.

In October, our family sadly said goodbye to a loved patriarch Milton Gersten. “Milt” was a prolific artist and although primarily a sculptor, worked in clay, ceramic, metal and wood, and experimented with many other mediums in his 90 years. A lover of abstract forms plus his profession as mechanical engineer created a home that uniquely and elegantly displayed a diverse art collection, as well as his own works. A conversation with Milt about art, whether about his own works or a recent exhibition at the Whitney, had the gift of leaving you inspired, curious and happy. I still recall a time in my 20’s where one conversation on an early weekend morning over bagels, sent me directly to Pearl Paint to purchase a complete set of linoleum carving tools. I didn’t mind emptying my bank account for the train fair on the Long Island Railroad or for my new tools. His inspiration was incessant.

As I have become older and have created a family of my own, I am more grateful for the doors he and his wife Leah opened to our family. In many chapters of our family’s lives, he was a constant and provided us a home. Home was not necessarily a place, but rather a resting spot filled with he and Leah’s love and comfort. He was willing to put aside Jewish laws that were laid by my great grandfather and my Orthodox family before them. I am so thankful.

When I set out this past Tuesday morning to recharge on my devoted studio day, I was mindful of Milton. While making my drive to South Gardiner to connect with my artist friend at her home, I gave myself over to the drive, to the construction, and daydreaming. A vintage yellow dress drawn and painted appeared in my time that morning with Artist Nancy Barron. We talked, laughed, painted, and drank coffee. I returned near home late lunchtime almost with my energizing complete – not without a trip to the library to scan the art periodicals, and a handful of books. Just thinking of Milt, and surrounding myself with the opportunity to get my creative juices flowing, had the same effect on me as a trip to Milt’s. Except that, I still miss him. Thank you for helping to show me how to get my creative battery recharged Milt.