She’s a very talented Australian singer songwriter with a beautiful voice.

Here’s Renee to talk about the creative process behind her album ‘Found’…

The other day I was chatting with a friend about the fine line walked by artists of every persuasion. Be it music or a visual medium, art is made to be shared. It is meant for an audience. Art is also an incredibly subjective animal, one persons “Amazing!” is another persons “What the?”

The question for any artist is ‘Where do I get validation from?’

Is it in the act of creating or is it dependant on the response of others.

When I started down the track of writing and recording a concept album, I had never considered this question. I was doing something that I believed wholeheartedly was an offering to the God I adore with every fibre of my being and to whom I owe my life, my art, my best endeavour.

During the two years it has taken to bring it to fruition, I have been faced with every doubt and fear I could have imagined…and probably more. Don’t get me wrong, creating the album has been a total joy. I’ve discovered a side to my creativity that I didn’t know was there and I’ve had a blast.

The doubts and fears have come on the days when I was not involved in the act of creation. The biggest fear…the one that has haunted me and that I have had to confront on more than one occasion is this;

“What happens if no one likes it, if no one buys it and two years of my life have been for nothing?”

Doesn’t sound particularly Godly, but I would be lying if I didn’t admit to it! I have had days where I have sat with these thoughts and let them overtake and overwhelm me.

Yet, from these doubts and fears I have emerged stronger. This is what I learnt. I have long sought validation from the wrong source. Instead of finding fulfillment in creating and sharing my expression of life through the music I had birthed, I measured its worth by the reactions of those around me.

Honestly, the reactions haven’t been terrible…maybe they weren’t as effusive as I would have liked at times…but if there was one voice amongst the many that was negative…that was all I heard. If that voice was one I looked to for general validation…I was undone.

Renee standing amongst the trees to promote her new album Found

All sounds a bit depressing aye! But there is a big bright light on the horizon. I have realised that I am a created and creative being and that I am dearly loved by the most creative force in the universe. It may sound corny, but my music makes God smile! It’s true…ask him!

It’s in the act of creating that we are validated as artists. For me, I have created an album of love songs to God. I wanted to share different aspects of my relationship with my Heavenly Father and in the end, I wanted to sing to Him.

It is in God that I find my validation, my reason for creating and the one to and for whom I sing.

My ultimate desire for FOUND is that others would find a connection with God through it. That others would discover the joy and adventure of living in communion with the Creator. The extent to which this happens is completely out of my control and no amount of worry or money spent on advertising will change that.

And anyway, at what point would I deem the album to be a success? Is it in the first week, when I receive a letter from a stranger telling me that the music took them into the Presence of God… or after 500 sales, 2,000 sales…when?

Success for me was having the courage to release FOUND to the world…everything else is gravy!

Click here for Renee’s latest album ‘Found’ online where you can buy, or just listen to snippets of each track, to see which one you like.

© Copyright Simon Brushfield – What happens if no one likes my creativity?

I want you to meet Ramesh.

Alias ‘The Chai Guy’.

Ramesh The Chai Guy from India with his trusted bike

He’s a polite, beautiful quiet spoken Indian, who seems to really enjoy his humble occupation.

The ‘Chai Guy’ travels around Bangalore on his bike selling tea.

He appears 11.30am sharp everyday selling his wares. As sure as the sunrises, Ramesh is on time.

Now, I have spent many years in Asia, and here’s a fact…

Point 1. Asian people are not normally known for their punctuality.

I love Asians.

But if an Asian understands a westerner is precious about time, they’ll make you wait even longer. Just to prove a point.

In Australia, I drink tea.

But Chai is my favourite.

There are many varieties of Chai in India, unique local tastes that originate from different regions of the country.

Below is The Chai Guy’s bag of tricks.

His unique system of working.

Ramesh’s unique basket of different varieties of Chai Tea which is carried on his bike around India.

But here’s what really fascinates me…

Like the Chai Guy, Indian people can be highly structured, organised and very disciplined with time.

But most times, they’re completely unstructured. Even totally confused about time.

This is why it interests me…

The same characteristics are the key to incredible creativity.

A balanced system somewhere between the structured and unstructured, confused and clear thinking, is very important when creating quality original art. Creativity requires a high level of organisation and structure, but also disorganisation and free flowing space.

It’s the system of working that’s essential.

Point 2. Top artists know how to balance confusion and clarity into self-disciplined activity.

At any moment weird things can happen in India.

The electricity might go off for extended periods of time. Hot water may cease. The taxi may not appear. Noises might suddenly go off. All for no reason.

But back to being punctual…

This is why I am obsessive about time…

Just in case something weird happens. And I need time for the unexpected. I like to arrive at least 30 minutes early to everything.

Especially as a foreigner living in a strange country, leaving things to the last minute creates enormous anxiety, which I prefer to avoid.

If I have an exhibition coming up, my paintings will be completed many weeks, if not months beforehand. If a commission deadline is looming, I will be finished many weeks earlier.

Here’s another reason why I am so particular about time…

It goes very quickly.

Point 3. I like to have time available to relax and make important refinements at the end of the creative process.

However, I know many artists who operate in a frantic rush to the end. But I can’t live with that stress and panic.

It’s the minor creative refinements at the end of the process that can really improve an original painting. Becoming aware of these minor adjustments requires much time and careful contemplation.

Here’s what is essential, in a productive system, to enriching ones creative life…

Reflection.

Just gazing in contemplation.

Silence.

When I was a child I had many enjoyable experiences with my father. One of those special memories, around age 12, was something that only a sensitive artistic boy like myself would enjoy.

I have always loved native Australian birds.

Point 4. When birds fly, so do my thoughts, birds set me free from the earth bound world.

Especially Pelicans gliding high above in the bright blue Australian sky.

As a child, after work my father would come home tired. He’d grab a beer from the fridge and we’d both check on our canaries. I would sit beside him on the bench and watch our colourful canary’s fly gracefully across the 4 metre long aviary.

He would ask about my day at school. And I’d reply, ‘It was good’.

But generally, we said very little to each other.

In the quietness of bird watching, the canaries would occasionally reach their lungs to heaven and break out into glorious song. It’s beautiful to hear a canary at full throttle.

We listened and watched the birds for hours. Observing the finer elements of bird life, until mum would call us for dinner.

These days, when I finish a painting, the same principle applies.

I need quality time with my artwork, to observe the finer elements of creativity. I need to observe the texture, and how the paint fly’s across the canvas, the composition of the painting, and how the colours sing.

“Australian Rainbow Lorikeets” by Simon Brushfield. Acrylic, Linseed Oil and Charcoal on paper (Sold: Private Acquisition)

Peaceful reflection creates space and freedom in the mind. Allowing whatever that enters to come and go, without judgement.

Just observing.

Final Point. It’s observing the finer elements of life that really make the masterpiece meaningful.

If you’re interested in purchasing an original painting, or maybe you would like to commission Simon, please click here.

© Copyright Simon Brushfield – Original Painting: How I Make a Masterpiece Meaningful

Following your dreams.

And achieving a breakthrough.

It’s very easy and works every time.

My story illustrates the importance of fresh ideas.

People love them.

But new ideas require a little creative thinking.

Creativity is fun.

Being original requires bravery.

If you want to think freely and move forward.

Here’s my advice…

Point 1. Do something different.

Stand out from the crowd.

Do something people will enjoy.

Something they will appreciate

Just because it’s different.

This is my story…

After graduating from University, finding my first job was difficult.

I needed a breakthrough to get started.

So I moved to Sydney and found it.

In a strange place…

A dirty paddock.

My light bulb moment came walking, nearby my home. I lived in a very unglamorous old slaves quarters for men.

As I wandered through the paddock, an interesting object appeared before my eyes.

I stood there transfixed by an old style enamel kitchen sink.

Standing there, I wondered how it could help me find a job?

Ahhh, I had an idea…

Point 2: To receive a breakthrough, be imaginative and enjoy being silly.

So I picked up the heavy sink and took it home.

Cleaned and polished it.

Saturday came.

I saw a job advertised in the Sydney Morning Herald newspaper.

Of course, the company required experience.

I had none.

It was a very highly paid job too. A prime position.

I thought to myself…

“What have I got to lose?”

So, I went for the job.

But rather than using the normal approach, as 99.9% job seekers do, I did things differently.

Sitting on the bus I received many odd looks from people.

They probably wondered, “Why does that guy have a kitchen sink on his lap?”

People stared as I carried the kitchen sink down the main street of Sydney, at peak hour, in bright yellow pants.

It was heavy.

Serious faced business people were rushing around in dark suits.

I was quietly amused by the silliness of life.

The recruitment office was a beautifully opulent marble skyscraper.

Dripping in wealth.

Filled with very serious, stern professionals.

I wondered if this normally conservative company had ever received an application like mine?

I was excited.

To be going against the mainstream gives me adrenalin.

Creative people are odd, without even trying.

Here’s what is needed to follow a crazy original idea you might have…

Point 3. You need courage in the face of enormous potential embarrassment.

Back to the story…

On the sink, where the hot tap should have been, there was a wide hole.

So I rolled my brief resume and cover letter and slotted the papers into the hole.

My cover letter was simple.

It read…

“EMPLOY SIMON BRUSHFIELD AND HE’LL GIVE YOU EVERYTHING – INCLUDING THE KITCHEN SINK”.

I greeted the receptionist.

And placed my large kitchen sink on her desk.

“Here is my application for the graphic design position”.

The office fell about with laughter.

Suddenly, a boring day in the office had changed.

From seriousness to silliness.

Point 4: People enjoy something out of the ordinary, to give them inspiration and amusement in life.

But I was serious.

I asked the receptionist, “Can you please make sure my application receives the attention of Mr Bob Dewey?”

The giggling receptionist made a phone call to her boss.

I was sent directly to Mr Dewey’s office. He was the recruitment executive controlling the job.

With no experience and as a fresh graduate, I spent 30 minutes talking with the decision maker of a high profile recruitment company in Sydney.

He was intrigued.

Originality is the key.

Word quickly spread around the office. And other executives came to meet the weirdo in yellow pants with the kitchen sink. Just to shake my hand and say…

“We’ve never seen anything like this before!”

The whole office was entertained.

At the close of the conversation, the top man in the company guaranteed me an interview.

I had risked embarrassment.

And my stunt worked perfectly.

Creativity is exciting.

With zero experience, I got down to the last 3 applicants.

The whole job seeking process was turned into great fun.

I had found my break through.

Designing in the creative department for Mr Rupert Murdoch’s News Limited.

Final Point: Breakthrough’s happen when we relax, put ourselves on the line and follow our unique creativity.

Here’s my advice…

Live life following your crazy ideas.

People will celebrate them.

Rise above boredom and stand out from the crowd.

Discover innovative ways of doing things.

You’ll have so much fun.

Plus, you’ll get what you want.

People need your creativity for inspiration.

They need your originality and leadership.

What’s your story?

Please leave a comment below.

For further ideas on how to stand out from the crowd, you might like to read the book ‘Made to Stick’ by Chip & Dan Heath.

If you’re interested to purchase or know more about Simon Brushfield’s original paintings click here.

© Copyright Simon Brushfield – Creativity & Originality: The Importance of Standing Out from the Crowd

It could improve your life dramatically.

By changing the way you think.

Because India has changed me.

Here we go…

Creating original art, there are times when order quickly turns to chaos.

When an imbalance occurs, anarchy reigns.

Chaos breaks out regularly when creating original art.

For an abstract artist, disorder is a familiar scenario.

In fact, since living in India, I have grown comfortable in confusion.

Point 1. Chaos is confusing, but it’s vital for creativity.

Simons art studio during 2007 in Sydney, Australia

The creative process is wildly unstable.

So is India.

Paint drips, colours smudge, paint splatters on walls, the floor, it gets in your hair and everything gets very messy.

In the middle of a painting, I often lose myself.

Chaos breaks out.

The direction of an original abstract painting is unpredictable.

So is living in India.

Point 2. Chaos is important because it instigates change.

And healthy change signals progress.

Like creating an original painting, we can lose direction very easily.

People become confused and overwhelmed.

Especially for foreigners in a crazy country.

Not knowing what to do next.

Crowded by mental or physical disorder.

Chaos.

Messy situations.

But from the wilderness, we eventually find a new and exciting direction.

Amidst an unpredictable mess, the best artists find an intriguing mystery.

A divine attraction.

Random beauty.

Point 3. Top original art promotes order arising from disorder.

An original painting follows a direction of its own.

Especially abstract art.

The artist is simply a facilitator.

1n 2004, the Sydney Opera House painting below, appeared from the chaos of a messy art studio.

Creativity travels through confusion into clarity.

Hopefully, achieving a perfect natural order.

A mysterious balance, where logic and rationality become largely irrelevant.

Beauty paramount.

“Sydney Harbour Sunrise” by Simon Brushfield (2004) Acrylic & Oil on canvas 1m x 1m (Sold: Private Acquisition)

Living in India feels entirely chaotic.

Sometimes lacking in meaning and purpose.

But a little creative thinking, some patience and playfulness – things can quickly turn around.

A beautiful picture forms amidst the anarchy.

Point 4. Chaos is a natural part of life.

Throughout the history of man, civilisations have endeavoured to control nature.

But nature finds its own unique way to exert authority.

Often by natural disasters.

Chaos erupts.

Flood. Volcano. Tsunami. Typhoon. Earthquake. Bushfire. They all create disorder.

Highlighting the fragility of human beings established order over the untamed elements of life.

“Chaos” by Simon Brushfield (2001) Acrylic & Mixed media on canvas 1.4m x 1.8m (Sold: Private Acquisition)

Miracles are born from chaos.

New opportunities arise.

After severe bushfires in Australia, new plant life appears incredibly quickly.

New ways of thinking and creative expression are discovered amidst anarchy.

Rock’n’Roll is a perfect example.

Point 5. Innovation often arises from initial confusion and uncertainty.

Chaos theory is a mathematic principle discovered by Edward Lorenz in 1960.

In simple terms, it explains that complex unpredictable results will have powerful creative effects elsewhere.

A famous example is a butterfly flapping its wings in China, can effect weather patterns in New York.

Below is one example of chaos theory, in visual terms, using fractals.

It’s beautiful.

Nature’s original art.

Fractals © creative commons image from BloggS74.com

The mathematical computations that create these fractal images are endless.

Point 6. Ironically, chaos is incredibly important to an orderly universe.

Fractals contain a chaotic mathematical complexity beyond what the human mind can conceive.

The fractal images above clearly illustrate one thing…

Within chaos, there also exists an infinitely beautiful unexplainable natural mathematic order.

Chaos is unavoidable.

We need to embrace uncertainty.

Particularly in a foreign country.

Because here’s the importance of the matter for artists…

Final Point. Chaos adds important depth & beauty to the creative process.

© Copyright Simon Brushfield – Creativity and Chaos: The Power of Anarchy

A strong bully verses weak victim.

But this story is reversed.

On a global scale.

Britain sought control over a seemingly weaker Eastern power.

India.

But one inspiring man, wrapped in bed sheets, had a different idea.

Point 1. Gandhi understood the power of humility over intimidation.

His weapon?

The collective Asian spirit.

Mahatma Gandhi wrapped in his customary white robes

With his gentle leadership, the vulnerable Indians conquered a violent bully.

Gandhi was a native Indian, but educated at the University of London.

He knew the enemy’s weakness.

Arrogance.

Gandhi desired to give his nation a special legacy.

An enormous gift.

Freedom from British tyranny.

The feeling of Independence.

He succeeded.

During his indomitable quest, Gandhi taught the largely uneducated Indian people a simple principle.

‘Satyagraha’

Which is the resistance to tyranny by civil disobedience.

An innovative idea for the time.

Non-violent people power swept the country like an epidemic.

On a very large scale.

Point 2. A frail humble old man conquered the full strength of British power.

The bully was beaten.

Without a single weapon.

India’s independence was achieved in 1948.

An Amazing feat.

A gentle man, Gandhi taught, “There would be nothing to frighten you, if you refuse to be afraid”

He cared deeply for his people.

Gandhi’s (1869-1948) birthday is now commemorated internationally as a day of non-violence.

So how does this inspirational Indian leader relate to original art?

Gandhi was a highly creative individual.

Let me show you the link.

Here’s an important fact…

Point 3. Gandhi shared a devoted relationship with his mother.

Interestingly, many of history’s great minds had a close bond to their mother.

Ladies are strong communicators often expressing deep emotions. They care.

Women dress in many colours.

Their intuition is finely tuned.

Women are softer, more expressive than men.

Less likely to use aggressive violence.

When a son has a close relationship with his mother, it greatly impacts the male’s personality and creative ability.

Here’s the reason why…

Point 4. Creativity comes from the feminine side of life.

In my experience, women appreciate art more easily than men.

The large majority of my customers are women.

Unlike masculine western countries, the Asian soul is feminine.

Sensitive in nature.

But the Indians proved the power of Eastern humility and sensitivity, over Western arrogance and intimidation.

Indians are smart people. Now world leaders in technology.

They’re no longer afraid of any western super power.

India is growing strong. Independence builds confidence.

Here’s the similarity…

When a creative person refuses to be afraid, rejecting arrogant comments designed to intimidate their sensitive soul, something amazing happens…

Confidence grows.

And strength arises.

Negative comments lose their power.

“Your wasting your life on art”

“You’ll never survive doing art”

“Your living in fantasy land”

“Get a real job”

These comments must be rejected.

Discouragement comes from every direction.

A thick skin is needed when defending your soul and fighting for creative survival.

Like the Indians, the journey towards independence can be rough for a creative person.

Despite the setbacks, I’ve sought freedom from greed and arrogant intimidation.

At all times.

The greatest freedom comes when I accept the truth.

I’m an artist.

Acceptance and genuine humility brings peace to a sensitive soul.

Point 5. Being true to oneself, independence is strengthened.

Relaxation and clarity arrives.

Freedom from tyranny and fear.

The cowardly bully is conquered.

Negative comments ignored.

Love refills.

Artistic vision returns and the imagination soars.

Free again to create beautiful paintings like the one below.

Click here to purchase this unique original painting.

‘Happy Couple’ by Simon Brushfield (2011) Acrylic & Carcoal on canvas 1m x 1m

© Copyright Simon Brushfield – Gandhi’s Creative Lesson: Conquering the Bully of Intimidation

By two things especially…

Point 1. New Delhi was freezing cold.

The morning temperature was only 1 degree.

How surprising.

Other months, temperatures climbed above 40 degrees.

India is an exotic land of extremes.

Where Bangalore street artists decorate the pavement.

A Bangalore street artist paints the pavement during the festival of Cow in India

Bringing colour to the otherwise dirty street of India.

The second thing that amazed me was this…

Point 2. New Delhi streets are filled with men.

“Where are all the females?” I asked my local friend.

With a typical Indian head wobble, I was told the shocking truth…

Parents often abort their babies when they discover it’s a female.

Human beings are weird creatures.

We believe the strangest ideas.

Many Asian parents have this belief…

Males are more valuable than females.

Wow.

That got me thinking about beliefs.

Point 3. Background cultural beliefs shape a persons life indelibly.

The beliefs of Indian parents tightly control their children’s future.

However, the beliefs of western parents often have less impact.

I adopted the beliefs of my parents up to a point.

At university, things changed.

Nobody else in my family was creative.

Neither mum or dad could draw a stick figure.

My parents asked, “Where did this black sheep in the family come from?”

They were puzzled.

Being surrounded by creative people at university, my ideas changed.

Here’s what I discovered…

Point 4. Being amongst creative people with similar beliefs was exhilarating.

For example, I became more courageous with my clothing.

Regularly wearing shockingly bright colours.

Turning away from my conservative background.

New beliefs bought greater freedom.

Predictably, I was labelled weird.

But that’s fine.

I simply love colour.

And I’m happy to express it.

Indians love colour too.

Happy Indian woman wearing a pink sari. A colour that offsets her wonderful dark skin.

In fact, they have a “Holy Day” celebration when they throw colours at each other.

A strange belief.

But great fun.

Upon first discovering I was an artist, everything about creativity excited me.

It still does.

At university, I was overwhelmingly happy to be immersed in the freedom of art.

My girlfriend felt frustrated saying,

“Simon, why can’t you be normal?”

Growing older I’ve come to realise this…

Point 5. Nothing is normal.

Especially in exotic India.

Humans hold very odd beliefs.

Beliefs that guide people through life.

For example, Southern Indians have a festival of the cow.

Where they pray to the cow as their special God.

And place cow statues in shopping centres.

Cow God statue in a shopping centre during the festival of the cow in India.

On this day Indian women dress in spectacular colours.

But do I believe the cow is a sacred God?

Or males are more valuable than females?

Of course not.

However, there’s no judgement against a different belief system.

Just incredible curiosity.

Point 6. Curiosity fuels my creativity.

I love to understand people and their different beliefs.

Individuals are fascinating.

Their colourful personalities are beautiful.

Life is all about colour.

Maybe you’re thinking of commissioning an original painting?

Click here to bring more colour into your home or office.

© Copyright Simon Brushfield – Creativity, Colour and India: The curious power of belief

Executives want control in business.

Parents want control of children.

Artists want control of the creative process.

But there comes a time when we must do one thing.

LET GO.

Here’s the main point of the article….

Point 1. Letting go is essential to successful growth.

It is impossible to control everything.

Astonishingly, with the right conditions, people grow by themselves. Like a tree.

And growth shines light in the darkness.

‘Aireys Lighthouse’ by Simon Brushfield (2004) Acrylic, Oil & Charcoal on canvas. 1m x 80cm $3200

However, it’s sometimes difficult to let go.

But we must surrender.

It builds confidence.

Plus, life can become extremely frustrating holding on.

Here’s the reason why…

Point 2. The energy needed for surrender is much less and accomplishes infinitely more, than the energy needed for control.

Furthermore, too much control stifles people’s growth.

Plus, it promotes laziness.

And irresponsibility.

Individuals need a sense of freedom and responsibility to grow.

Only then will they gladly give their best performance.

Natural motivation.

It’s really quite simple.

Here’s the truth about human beings.

Point 3. For best results a person needs to feel happy and relaxed.

If an authority figure has too much control, we become demotivated and confused.

Even worse, we become irresponsible.

This can be a challenge, a balancing act for leaders.

For me, leadership is all about not being attached to a specific outcome that must be controlled.

It’s very clear… (and a little weird)

Point 4. I’m not in control of my creativity or my life.

It’s true.

Likewise, when I create an original painting, I totally surrender to the creative process.

There’s no other option.

For my abstract art to be successful, I must let go and let the paint fall naturally on the canvas of an original painting.

‘Eucalypt’ (2001) by Simon Brushfield Oil & Acrylic on Canvas 1.8m x 1.4m (Sold: Private Acquisition)

The same for my life.

To achieve natural results, and manifest the organic growth I want, there’s one thing I must do.

Nothing.

Just let go.

Zen Buddhism teaches the mind should become like an empty rice bowl.

Who knows how things will turn out?

Here’s the great benefit of letting go…

Point 5. Surrendering control refreshes the spirit.

I like what Jesus said about this concept.

“Whoever tries to keep his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life will keep it.”

Losing control is truthful and honest.

It’s beautiful too.

Because we’re never totally in control in the first place.

Especially creating original abstract art.

Accepting this reality creates freedom.

It lifts a heavy burden from people.

And produces a joyful natural motivation.

Breathing space.

Plus there’s an added bonus.

It’s exciting.

Things might become a little confusing at times, but here’s my experience.

Point 6. With a little faith everything eventually works out fine.

Writing this creative article is a perfect example.

I felt led to write these words.

When I began the creative process of writing, all I had was a few words.

An idea.

But once the creative seed was planted in the ground, it contained the amazing potential to grow by itself.

Words and ideas came effortlessly.

All without human control.

But like my original art, I needed to let go first.

Allow myself to be led by the creative spirit.

‘Coral Fish’ by Simon Brushfield (2011) Acrylic on canvas 1.2m x 1.2m For Sale $8,000

This creative process produces delicious fruit that people enjoy consuming.

No need for behind the scenes manipulative power plays.

Or unproductive gossip.

Growth occurs naturally, like healthy plant life. By itself.

True leaders are not highly skilled individuals at manipulative, behind the scenes, power games.

Point 7. Quality leaders are led by the creative desire to see people to grow and flourish.

With wisdom, they trust people.

Granting genuine freedom and responsibility.

This calls for the ‘empty rice bowl’ approach.

A little courage and some creative thinking.

Rather than imprisoning others through a myriad of deceptively authoritative ways, successful leaders empower individuals.

Giving them one very special gift.

A deeper understanding of the authority in themselves.

Motivating people to use their creativity, in unique and powerful ways.

Not for their own financial advantage.

But for love.

Inspiring personal growth.

At every possible opportunity.

© Copyright Simon Brushfield – Creativity and Leadership: The Freedom in Letting Go

Human beings encounter suffering everyday on a variety of levels.

This article shows how to deal with pain and suffering in the creative life.

One of the most famous original paintings that express human suffering in modern art, is the painting below titled ‘The Scream’.

‘The Scream’ by Edvard Munch (1893) Oil, tempera, and pastel on cardboard. 91 cm × 73.5 cm National Gallery, Oslo, Norway

Munch was a true leader of the avante-garde art scene. He approached life differently.

But as the artist grew older, Edvard Munch felt insanity slowly encroaching and infecting his mind.

His personal suffering came in a propensity towards madness.

Edvard Munch experienced painfully terrifying nightmares and evil visions of the macabre, which significantly influenced his original paintings.

He suffered a mental breakdown when the anxiety and hallucinations became overwhelmingly intense.

Point 1. The creative process of producing art has the potential power to heal mental and emotion problems.

Creativity can turn dark painful nights, into bright beautiful days, full of creative inspiration.

‘Moonlight over The Opera House’ by Simon Brushfield (2005) Oil & Acrylic on Canvas 1m x 1m (Sold: Private Acquisition)

But it takes time, creativity, perseverance and courage to face the pain, confront the core issues and then move forward with greater understanding.

When someone faces suffering and deals successfully with personal pain, their confidence and creativity flourishes.

Like Edvard Munch, after psychiatric therapy, his mental suffering began to dissipate and his original paintings returned to a positive direction.

This post shows how to turn personal pain into creative inspiration just like the giants of modern art, such as Edvard Munch, Vincent Van Gogh and Paul Gaughin.

Point 2. Suffering helps creative people develop wisdom, strength and perseverance.

Confucius, the famous Chinese philosopher, once said there are 3 main methods by which people learn wisdom.

1. By reflection – which is the noblest
2. By imitation – which is the easiest
3. By experience – which is the most bitter

All the major religions have much to say about human suffering.

Most draw the conclusion that suffering is an inescapable fact of life.

However, if handled correctly, the rewards are great.

In fact, the Bible states that human beings are destined to suffer.

But here’s the up side…

Point 3. Sadness has a refining influence upon us.

‘Bright Beautiful Day’ by Simon Brushfield (2002) Acrylic on board. 100cm x 80cm (Sold: Private acquisition)

Point 4. After a time of incubation, personal suffering can result in liberty and a passionate outburst of creative self-expression.

But we need to suffer wisely – then it becomes an empowering experience. Helping us to move forward, rather than wallowing in grief and self-pity forever.

Many great artists experience bouts of debilitating depression and melancholia like Vincent Van Gogh.

Also, the influential French artist, Paul Gaugin (1848–1903) at one point attempted suicide, due to suffering from severe bouts of hopelessness and despair.

Point 5. A wonderful truth about the creative spirit – it can flourish despite adversity.

Creativity born from personal pain can be a powerful, emotionally rich form of self-expression.

The process of working through issues to express suffering succinctly is an invaluable healing experience for artists and creative people.

Many great masterpieces in the history of art, come from the artist’s experience of suffering.

An audience can easily relate to suffering too.

“Deep Confusion” by Simon Brushfield (2001) Acrylic on Canvas 50cm x 40cm Unframed $850

Michelangelo (1475–1564) also struggled with depression and serious mental illness. In fact the effects of his mental disturbance is evidenced in many of his original paintings.

Here’s what psychologists have discovered about finding relief from non-physical pain…

Point 6. Helping other people, who might be suffering more, brings miraculous healing and rejuvenation to the spirit.

Sensitive creative people need a successful strategy for dealing with suffering in their lives. Otherwise, the pain can become overwhelming.

The great modern artist Paul Cezanne once said, “A work of art which did not begin in emotion is not art”.

The famous Swiss psychoanalyst Carl Jung, taught about humanities collective unconscious. He proclaimed that tapping into the unconscious adds to the richness and character of a person’s creative output.

Therefore, people understand an archetypal storyline more easily because it’s common to all of humanity. Many successful movies are developed upon this premise, because it enhances the power of a creative message.

Most people understand and have experienced before the painful feelings associated with human suffering.

Final Point: Thankfully creative people are not alone, we’re working through the difficulties of life together.

© Copyright Simon Brushfield – Creativity: Turn suffering into creative inspiration