The Creative Spark: Granting Yourself Permission to Create with Cortney Herron
Finding Inspiration in Life's Transformative Moments
There are moments in life when transformation isn't just a choice—it's an inevitability. For me, that moment came with motherhood, specifically after the birth of my second child. The change wasn't subtle; it was a profound shift that demanded acknowledgment, a internal revolution that would reshape my entire creative journey.
The Catalyst for Change
At thirty, standing at the intersection of wife, mother of two, and artist, I found myself in an intense internal dialogue. The pressure wasn't just from the roles I was juggling or the postpartum depression that had hit me harder than ever—it was from something deeper, more fundamental. It was the voice of my younger self, the fiery, creative spirit I had carefully tucked away in pursuit of being the "perfect" wife and mother.
This wasn't just about growing pains; it was about transformation and liberation happening simultaneously. The creative force within me refused to be contained by the conventional boxes life had presented. This internal struggle became the foundation for "Woman in Bloom," a collection that would ultimately transform my creative career.
The Power of Vulnerability
What made "Woman in Bloom" special wasn't just its artistic merit—it was its honesty. By sharing one of my life's most challenging seasons, I created a space for authentic connection. The collection resonated with women who saw their own struggles reflected in my work, reminding us all that our experiences, though personal, are never truly isolated. This vulnerability opened new channels of communication, as women began sharing their own stories with me, enriching my creative perspective and inspiring future works.
A Conversation with Cortney Herron
Embracing Authentic Creativity
I had the pleasure of speaking with contemporary figurative painter Cortney Herron about the creative journey and the importance of staying true to oneself. Her insights perfectly complement my own experiences with creative transformation.
"The creative process is inherently a journey of self-discovery," Cortney shared during our conversation. She emphasized the importance of embracing spontaneity and allowing the creative process to unfold naturally—something that resonated deeply with my own journey of transformation.
Cortney's approach to creativity is refreshingly unbounded. She finds inspiration in nature, incorporating calming colors into her work while staying true to her unique vision. What struck me most was her emphasis on embracing one's quirks and creating from a genuine space—a philosophy that mirrors my own journey of breaking free from self-imposed constraints.
Horizon Print | Cortney Herron
The Art of Permission
One of the most powerful insights from our conversation was about giving ourselves permission to create authentically. As Cortney noted, comparison is the thief of joy, and the key is to focus on your own journey. This reminded me of my own struggle to reconcile my various roles with my creative identity.
She advises beginners—and really, all creators—to hold onto their passion and never shy away from what they truly love. It's about listening to your intuition and managing your creative bandwidth in a way that honors your authentic voice.
Understanding the Creative Spark
Creativity doesn't exist in a vacuum—it's born from life's moments, both extraordinary and mundane. It might spring from a heartfelt conversation, or emerge from the rhythm of daily life. These sparks of inspiration are like seeds planted in our consciousness, each one holding the potential to bloom into something meaningful.
I imagine these creative moments as flowers in a crown we wear throughout our lives, each one representing a moment when we felt truly alive and connected to our artistic essence. These sparks come most readily when we're fully present, surrounded by love, engaged in meaningful pursuits, and taking care of ourselves.
Nurturing Your Creative Spirit
The key to capturing these creative sparks lies in our willingness to be present and open to experience. When we allow ourselves to fully inhabit our moments—both the challenging and the joyful ones—we create fertile ground for creativity to flourish. It's about being ready to recognize and embrace inspiration when it arrives, then channeling it into something that speaks our truth.
Creative Prompt | Your Creative Journey
Consider the last time you felt that unmistakable creative spark. What emotions were at play? What circumstances surrounded that moment of inspiration? Take time this week to reconnect with those feelings and let them guide your creative process. Remember, there's no universal template for creativity—your unique approach is what matters most.
The power of creativity lies not just in the end product, but in the emotional journey that brings it to life. Trust your instincts, embrace your unique perspective, and create something that authentically captures your experience.
Where to Listen & Connect
*This post was adapted from Episode 1 of The Rough Concept Podcast, featuring contemporary figurative painter Cortney Herron. To see more of Cortney's work, visit www.cortneyherron.com or follow her on Instagram @cortneyherron. Share your creative journey with me at @melarieodelusi.*
Listen to Season One of The Rough Concept Podcast on your favorite platform:
Join our creative community:
Share your creative journey using #TheRoughConcept and tag @theroughconceptpodcast. I can't wait to see what you create!