[The Angel of Creativity – 12×16 – acrylic on canvas – 2012]
What do Sumo squats and photography have in common?
I’m glad you asked! This morning while I was at the gym grunting through sets of Sumo squats I was also engaged in a breathy conversation with my physical therapist about cross-training. Exercise routines are for her what fast lenses are for me; her face shown with excitement as she told me about the various muscle groups I was working and how all of this would not only work to help me walk better and repair my ankle but also help me ride my bike, play tennis, hike up hills, and walk all day long on the streets of Paris. {She often uses travel as a motivator with me – she’s a smart woman!}
All of this got me to thinking about creativity and how cross-training my artistic “muscles” helps me to create better photographs. I painted the Angel of Creativity canvas earlier this summer. As I played with the various layers, I developed a heightened sense of texture, color, shadow, and highlight. Painting makes me a better painter, but it also makes me a better and more creative photographer too.
Challenge: Commit to working on non-photography art projects at least once a month in order to cross-train your creativity. You will see the whole world differently and your images will reflect a stronger, more vibrant and free artistic voice.
In joy,
Melinda Eliza