one pilgrim's progress.: creative ventures.

I've had the privilege over the past 9 months or so to be part of a group called the liberti arts collective. We're a hodge podge of people from my church who are creatives of one sort or another; some of us do so professionally, and others (like moi) just for fun. We've had a few shows now where we've displayed our creative labors, and it's been really good for me. I've long struggled to actually call myself an artist. I've had many people along the way tell me that i'm allowed to do so— people like Manda and Autumn and Rachel and now Drew and Katie. But it's taken a while to sink in, I guess. So finally, nearing my 30th year, living in a city where opportunities to create and to be inspired by creation abound, and in the company of others who are like-minded in the journey, I am really looking to build time into my life for exploring the artist in me.

The thing about me and creativity is, I am motivated to create things when I have a place to show them. This is where the arts collective has been a really helpful catalyst for me. And also why I am posting things here to you, my invisible internet audience. Perhaps some of you will nudge me on to do more.

All of this pondering on creativity has led me to re-read my favorite novel of all time, My Name is Asher Lev by Chaim Potok. If you have yet to read it, head to a used book store ASAP. There are always a couple of copies there!