Creativity Quotes

Ellen J. Langer:

“All it takes to become an artist is to start doing art."

Ellen J. Langer. On Becoming An Artist: Reinventing Yourself Through Mindful Creativity.

Elizabeth Gilbert:

"Creative living is a path for the brave. When courage dies, creativity dies with it."

Elizabeth Gilbert, Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear.

Virginia Woolf

"(...)For women have sat indoors all these millions of years, so that by this time the very walls are permeated by their creative force, which has, indeed, so overcharged the capacity of bricks and mortar that it must needs harness itself to pens and brushes and business and politics."

Virginia Woolf, A Room of One's Own, 1928. (Read in Spanish, Ed. Pequeños tesoros. Page 138).

Forrest Kinney:

Creating is like traveling - the lasting joy is to be found in the traveling itself, not the destinations reached. Sure, it is satisfying to have arrived somewhere, but that satisfaction always grows stale after a while. What doesn't get stale is the fresh moment of creative discovery. To create is to feel grateful that the road is endless.

Forrest Kinney. Pattern Play 2, page 40 "Endless Road".

We think of strength as toughness and consistency, yet it takes greater strength to be flexible and adaptable. Then we are able to create life where none existed before.

Forrest Kinney. Pattern Play 2. Page 33 "Strength to Change".

Some people think it is too late to learn to play the piano because they feel they will never "get good" at it. But that is based on the misconception that art is primarily about accomplishing something and gaining skill. Actually, art is about exploring and creating. For that, it's never too late.

Forrest Kinney. Pattern Play 1, page 41: "Too Late Blues".

The most striking characteristic of a creative state of mind is that one feels in the presence of infinite possibilities. It is as if we are traveling toward a horizon that is always beyond reach, a mystery calling us onward.

Forrest Kinney. Pattern Play 1, page 45: "No Limits".

Creating is not performing, but exploring.

Forrest Kinney. Pattern Play 1, page 49 (last page): "Music is a Journey".

To create is to enjoy the adventure within this moment. It is not being concerned with how far we have travelled or how much we have accomplished, but being willing to take a new path, embrace challenges, and become a beginner all over again.

Forrest Kinney. Pattern Play 1, page 49 (last page): "Music is a Journey".

As the years go by, we become more knowledgeable and skillfull and impressive, but a creative person looks at the challenges ahead rather than the accomplishments behind, and is forever curious about what can be discovered in the moment unfolding itself.

Forrest Kinney Pattern Play 1, page 49 (last page): "Music is a Journey".

Sources: Forrest Kinney. Pattern Play (1 and 2), Inspiring Creativity at the Piano. Published by RCM Publishing, an imprint of The Frederick Harris Music Co,. Limited.