Being a Creator

As I am getting my various social-media ducks in a row, I have discovered, that artists, craftspeople, chefs and other makers of stuff are now awarded a unique moniker in the online word: We are called creators. Now that word is not new. But other than references to an all-powerful, all-knowing deity, the term was generally reserved for those delivering significant and innovative creations. For example Steve Jobs was the creator of Apple. That's a big creation. What has changed to bring such an elevated definition down within reach of us mere mortals?

I do not pretend to actually know but here is my theory. 

1) The previous definition was about big works because that what those times called for. Mass markets need massive ideas to draw a mass audience. Thinking back to the 1970s or even as recent as the 1990s, the idea of a creating anything where the target audience was small and widely dispersed across geographies made success an impossibility. I grew up with the myths and stories of great creators but pretty much everyone found greatness through a mass appeal. With todays technology creators can find their audience just about anywhere. Our creations cross borders and travel the world, almost effortlessly, finding ever-more niche tribes to delight.

2) In our ever more automated and AI driven world, things that are made by people for people are special. Artwork that stirs the soul, a meal that excites the palette, words that bring a pause, décor or clothing that makes us smile or sigh, these are all things created by humans for the delight of other humans. From our earliest ancestors people have felt the need to create and share. With content equating to value in our online world, creators are very much the currency that the websites, social networks and businesses run on.  The little creator has become vital.

So what does it all mean? I am an artist. I am a creator and proud of it. Personally, I think we are all have creators within us. As much as humans are quite effective at destruction, I believe we are all at our best as creators. When I make a work and hear what other people see in the piece it delights me. Its a very human interaction. I see things I did not know I put there. So, what do your create? What do you manifest to inspire and engage others? We should all be leading a creative life not simply living a predefined role. To me any decision you make can be made better if you call on your creativity. So take a chance. Plant an impossible garden. Knit a crazy sweater. Cook that insanely complex dish. Tell your mesmerizing story. Paint that picture that only you can see. After all, you are a creator.

Please post your creations in the comments.

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