Why didn't I do this before?

I've spent years struggling with the concept of 'being an artist', feeling like I want my art to be the thing that people recognise. I didn't want it to be about me, didn't want my face (or even my name) associated with it for fear of looking like I had an ego, so I created a site for my body painting work, 'Spinks art' and hid behind the images. Since creating 'Life in Flight' - the collection I'm most proud of - I've dedicated a decade to raising my children and building a home for them and art took a back seat. I dipped in sporadically but couldn't quite find the time or the energy to engage with it in the way I really wanted to. For the past couple of years, while going through some tough times in my personal life, I started to recognise the positive influence that doing something (anything) creative could have. I wasn't creating massive bodypainting pieces, I wasn't creating anything to be honest, but I knew I had to start small and appreciate the baby steps. I started my Tiktok, Instagram and Facebook pages "Spinks Art Inspires" and publicly asked "What are you doing that's creative/positive today?". I am very aware that asking that question to my followers encouraged and held me accountable to do something myself. Whether it was doodling, dancing, singing, going for a long walk, just something to ignite that small creative flame inside me, and hopefully others. I know I am not the only one who feels like this so I started (and continue) to try and build a community of people who need that gentle nudge to do something for themselves every day. That page got me through some pretty dark times and I feel I understand first hand how minuscule glimpses of creative sparks can just keep you at least facing in the right direction. I learned in those times to show my face when I wasn't feeling like it and became more comfortable in having my personality on show, overcoming fears of being judged or of looking like I had an overinflated ego. You can't please all of the people all of the time, trolls will be trolls, but you can find your tribe of like-minded, good hearted people with the best intentions to try and find something creative or positive to do with their day. It's not about toxic positivity but moreso noticing (and creating) small pockets of creative joy and celebrating them together as a community.

So now is the time to combine the two, the art with the artist, the creativity with the community of creators. I LOVE hearing about what other people are doing with their tiny pockets or vast pools of creativity. Tag me, send me messages, use the hashtag #whatareyoudoingthatscreativeslashpositivetoday (yeah yeah, I know it's long, maybe I could work on a condensed version! suggestions?). I've got big plans, so hop on board, come along for the ride and let me know what you are doing that's creative/positive today! Kate Spinks Dean x