I brought children into this dark world because it needed the light that only a child can bring. ~Liz Armbruster

This is not a post about having children.

Yes, I can see where the title would be confusing.

This is about creating. What an amazing gift to be able to make something out of nothing. An idea into a real, tangible piece of art.

I am never happier than when I am creating and it is imperative to any person in the arts to continuously exercise that creative muscle. Find time everyday to express yourself. It will keep you sharp, expand your vision and your voice, and, most importantly, keep you happy.

There are some great ways to exercise that creative muscle and and I encourage you to try things outside of your specific area. If you are an actor, try drawing. Designers, try writing. You may find a new way to express yourself that you sincerely enjoy. More importantly, it will help you grow in several directions rather than just one.

Here are some suggestions:

-Read the book The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron
This is fantastic for any creative person. Now, brace yourself, it is a marathon, not a sprint, but if you can get through it, you'll be on a totally different plane with your art then when you started. You can get The Artist's Way online, as a book, or go to workshops. Check it out: http://www.theartistsway.com/

-Go draw naked people! (21 and over)
There are some fantastic places to go to just sit and draw the human figure. Third Ward offers a fantastic little event every Wednesday: Drink and Draw. Nude models to draw, beer, snacks and a live DJ. It doesn't matter if it's your first time drawing or if you are the reincarnation of Davinci, it's all about chillin' and expressing yourself. Check it out: http://www.3rdward.com/blog/2009/9/23/drink-and-draw-tonight.html
Feel like getting a little wilder? Try Dr. Sketchy's Anti-Art School, where the weird and wonderful stop by to be drawn. Their last event just passed (a contortionist!) but stay tuned for more of the burlesque and bizarre! Check it out: http://www.drsketchy.com

-Get a journal!
For those of us with only $1.00 in our pockets (been there), head to the 99 cent store and get a composition or spiral notebook and head to your favorite chair, park bench, or rooftop and just start writing. Don't worry about what you're writing, if it makes sense, if it's good. Don't even worry about how to start. Just begin with the first thing you think of or see, even the most inane carpet color, and keep going. Let your mind wander. Think through problems. Create a story. Whatever! Just get those thoughts out of you and onto paper!

-Get your body movin' and groovin'!
Whether you think you are a dancer or not, you have a body, correct? So make it work for you! Take a dance, voice, yoga, or movement class or find a club to shake your booty in or a piano bar to try your high notes. Find out some of the amazing things your body can do! Here are some places to get you goin'. Check it out:

Broadway Dance Center: the old staple for those who want to sample some classes and pay one at a time: http://www.broadwaydancecenter.com/

Yoga to the People: "This is yoga for everyone," a place where you don't already have to be able to bend yourself in half. A suggested donation of $10 and you enter a world of Zen: http://yogatothepeople.com/

Marie's Crisis: a popular piano bar in the Village that specializes in Broadway and Barbara Streisand. (Also next to a sweet jazz bar) 59 Grove St btw S 7th Ave & Bleecker St

Central Park Swings: starting in April, make a $1 donation and learn some swing steps in the Central Park Bandshell: http://www.centralparkswings.com

-Take a picture: It doesn't matter if you understand white balance, just grab a camera (digital, disposable, old fashion film, whatever) and start focusing on the beauty all around you. When you're done you can make an album, a collage, or whatever your little heart desires!

-Take a walk: It's always free and it's always there for you. Walk in the sun or the rain. Walk in the street or the part. Walk alone or with friends. There are just so many options! So many ways to relax and let your mind wander aimlessly to a great epiphany or to how great that guy's ass looks in those jeans up ahead of you. Hey, material for your work is everywhere, just reach out and grab it! (But don't grab that guy's ass... he might not like it... or like it too much...)

Well, I am tuckered out, friends!
Be brilliant, be happy!