Creativity Is ESSENTIAL!
I believe that creativity is the seed of our existence. Creativity inspires our curiosity about the world. Our playfulness and experimentation provokes self-trust, confidence, and most importantly is the fuel to our growth and evolution as humans. If our ancestors didn’t practice overcoming their obstacles with creativity and innovation, we wouldn’t have come so far in the way that we have as a worldwide collective.
As a worldwide collective in the present day, during a worldwide pandemic where we are all stuck inside. Isolated from our community, and unable to go about life the way we used to. Now more than ever are we being called to tap into our creativity.
My name is Aya, I’m the founder + heart of Aya Art Co.. A local, San Diego non-profit organization. This is where I share my love and passion for art, free expression, healing, and authentic embodiment with children and really anyone that’s down to get a little messy and have a good time.
Before school closures due to COVID, my team of local artists and I created empowering and healing spaces for K-8 youth to develop an understanding of their infinite ability to create magical things in the world through expressive art experiences.
When schools closed and all of my business operations came to a stop all in a matter of 5 hours, I was honestly in a state of panic and fear. What could this mean for me and my students that were now stuck at home? In the midst of all of the crippling anxiety that felt so overwhelming at the time, I decided to do what I know how to do best: CREATE!
I was now no longer able to creatively serve my students. We relied on my classrooms as a space to feel free and empowered through art. Like many of us, I had to get “creative” and shift our “normal” ways. I created an online art class subscription. I could still reach out and help. This box was the tool in which I could still reach out. Currently sending families full boxes of art materials every month as well as intentionally curated pre-recorded art instruction videos. Videos that can guide students through each project as if they were with me in person.
This was an insanely quick re-building of my business! But felt so needed. I could still fulfill my calling to serve, but now students are at home. Allowing me to rest assured that my students were still able to have their creativity advocated for. Surprisingly, it also inspired me to create more!
In the past five months, I have created works of art that I have DREAMED of creating. All because I simply wanted to teach my students about an art form! And I was curious enough to give it a shot myself first.
IF THERE IS ONE THING THAT I HAVE LEARNED DURING THIS TIME, it is that we are absolutely INFINITE beings when we tap into our creativity.
Our creativity shows us that YES, we CAN create beautiful things in the world. This creativity shows us that trying new things and taking risks can be fun while also helping us grow stronger and more capable. Creativity shows us that when there is something in our lives that we don’t like, we have the ability to turn things around OURSELVES. No waiting around for someone else to make a change for us. No sitting back watching our life just walk by because we feel too weak to do something about it.
Strength, resilience, change, and happiness, are all derived from our creativity.
So, I challenge you to think. How can you integrate more creativity into your life during this time? Can you think of making one small change to better honor your creativity? Think about how this would positively impact your wellbeing. Just imagine how this can have an impact on those around you.
I would absolutely LOVE to hear about your thoughts on creativity and answer any questions you may have about anything I’ve disclosed.
If there is ANY WAY I can advocate for you; your creativity, and your happiness during this time, please do reach out with my information below.
If you’re curious about my online offerings, you can use the discount code ‘CREATIVITY‘ at checkout to get an exclusive recurring 10% off any of my art-related subscriptions on my website.
Website : https://www.ayaart.co
Additional Free: Emotional Acceptance – Acrylic Press Painting Lesson
Danielle DeVoy
I love the art at the top!
admin
Thank you, the kiddo did it with one of Ayaβs art lessons.
Aya
Isn’t it awesome?? Riley did such an amazing job!!
Kassi
Creativity is so vital to wellbeing. Iβve been so grateful for my creative practices during this wild ass time.
admin
Seriously, soooo needed! π
Aya
I totally hear you. Art has been helping me move through SO much of my fears during this crazy period of existence. Is there any way I can further support you and your creativity? Sending my love!!
Melissa M
I feel so much more in alignment with myself when I create! Love this!
admin
Your soul is definitely one that requires that creativity to thrive, I think some can survive with further apart periods, but I know people like us definitely canβt.
Iβm looking forward to doing her Emotional art lesson.
Aya
Yessss, we ALL do!! I think creativity of any sort is the one thing that give us all an opportunity to come back home to ourselves. Thank you for sharing, magical being!
Ana de Jesus
This is beautifully written. Not only do I agree that creativity is the seed of our existence but I believe that in creativity lies in beauty. What I mean by that is that we have been given the power to think outside of the box and to take risks without fear or condemnation. Loved this!
Aya
Thank you so much for your kind words. The support I have been receiving during this time has made the biggest difference in my momentum. With that being said, I truly appreciate you! That is exactly what art was for me in my early years. I was an angsty, traumatized teenager that needed to find a way to explore my anger and sadness in a way that was healing. Making art shows us how much power we have to create ANYTHING we desire. Wether that be an incredible painting or a dream business idea that we don’t think is possible to execute. Our dreams drop down into us because WE HAVE the gifts to bring them into the world. I hope you remember that for yourself and everything you wish to bring into the world. I forget frequently myself, so I make it a point to try to remind others<3. I believe in you fully. Thank you.
Julie Christy
What a great service you are providing! The art at the beginning of the post is really cool!
Aya
Hi Julie, thank you so much! Pivoting to an online integration was so necessary, and I look forward to watching it grow. If you’d like to experiment with the art form in the photo, please let me know! I would love to hook you up with some materials. Sending all of my love to you!
nadine friedman
What a beautiful blog – I feel so inspired!
Aya
Aw yay!!! That was exactly my intention, to inspire others. Thank you so much for receiving my words + for sharing your thoughts. If there is any way I can support you specifically during this time PLEASE do not hesitate to reach out<3<3<3
Jessica
Very well written and some excellent insights. I struggle sometimes with creativity and this was oerfect.