Creativity is at the heart of every captivating masterpiece that adorn the walls and the thought-provoking installations that engage the senses. In this realm of artistic expression, creativity knows no bounds.

Perhaps that may be the reason why if one were to invite 10 people into a room and asked them to draw a tree, instant panic would spread into their faces.  We all know what a tree look like! The question did not impose boundaries: that it be “botanically correct”, or “seasonally specific”, such as a Christmas tree. It didn’t even specify what tools one could or should use to.

The request was simply an invitation to perform a task that was perceived as requiring the use of the creative process in order for the task to be completed. What makes the thought of engaging in the creative process so intimidating? 

Simply defined, creativity is an innovative way of solving a problem. Therefore, by applying problems solving skills, an ability humans share, the invitation can easily be completed. Our high school teacher, Mr. Warner, taught us the steps:

*Identify the problem – draw a tree

*Make a list of all the possible ways the problem could be solved, from the ridiculous, to the most complex--in this example, would the tree be a Charlie Brown tree, a peach tree, a tree in winter, a tree in spring…?

*Analyze which solution is the most logical, cost effective, and practical. Implement it—in the tree example, having been given no boundaries, the best solution is the one that pleases one the most. There is no right or wrong. It’s like escaping on and adventure but physically never going anywhere!

This week my creative “problem” was a piece of scrap black fabric with a blue print on it. I don’t know how, or why it showed up on the studio worktable, but it, along with a host of other oddities to  clutter my workspace. 

Studio “management” was required. One by one, each of the odd items found new purposes and homes. 

The piece of black scrap fabric with the blue print stared at me in the face. Transformation was required.

Her name is Midnight!  When the moon rises high in the sky and the stars twinkle with delight, Midnight comes alive and takes her position, guarding little ones through the night.