Elizabeth Gilbert on how to embrace your creativity
As a photographer, and just as part of the way I think, I’m constantly asking myself and wondering where my creativity comes from and why some days are better than others. I’m also constantly questioning myself not only why do I love to photograph but also what’s the real point of my photography? I mean, it’s not like I’m going to end up like Ansel Adams or Henri Cartier-Bresson so I struggle with “Why?” all the time.
Well, in this speech given at a TED conference, Elizabeth Gilbert, author of Eat, Pray, Love approaches the idea of creativity in a way I’ve never thought about. She also asks; “Should we be afraid of the work we feel we were put on this earth to do?” (around the 2:30 minute mark) which really made me think and also challenges me to view my photography in a different light.
It was also encouraging to hear and realize that as a creative person, I’m not the only one who struggles often times with giving up and just ditching everything. Sometimes we need that kind of encouragement to help us move forward and gives us hope that what we are doing is worthwhile even if it’s just for our soul and no one else’s.
Quick note: If you’re listening to this on headphones be sure to turn the volume down as the beginning is pretty loud.
(Thanks to Derek Markham for the original link to this video. Video via Ted.com)
