Got Judge?

(This is the fourth and final article on Creativity.  If you are interested in the others in the series, please click the "Got Creativity?" tab on the home page.)

While we are not discussing juried assessments today, it does matter how you judge yourself and who you 'stand next to' for the personal judgement process.  I was often known to tell my kids, as they were growing up, not to judge themselves by their friends' standards.  I encouraged them to be individuals and stand on their own principles. This, obviously, involved developing their own principles! In regard to creating--developing your own principles and standards is a personal thing too.

For me, I see some work, at first glance, that looks sloppy to me, because my standards are different.   This causes me to think, and remind myself to NOT judge other people's creativity by my personal standards!  I've  learned a lot over the years and my tastes have mellowed.  Used to, I didn't like any textile seam exposed,  because that is the way I was taught.  Now, younger people like that unkempt, raw style and can appreciate that the article was handmade, rather than judging it's quality by the particular technique of sewing.  This really is quite refreshing! I have learned something new. I can still enjoy a non-exposed tidy seam but currently look at a particular creation through new eyes of appreciation.

Personal creative style is just a manner of expression that is unique to the individual. There is no right or wrong to creativity. We would never tell a young child that he/she (how's that for political correctness! -- see the other series article on correctness  :)   could not use pink or lavender for the tree leaves in his/her picture;  we allow for creativity, especially in children! Why not in ourselves?   Settling into your own creative style and developing your own standards takes work and in the end, brings you a peace regarding your own style.  This peace also brings confidence!

Have you tried something new today?  And are you at peace with it?