I enjoy doing creative things, in fact I feel most alive when I do it, I would be so engrossed with it and would not be able to wait until I finish it.

So I thought I was being creative.  However, when it comes to more artistic ventures like painting, I have this feeling there was something missing.  I could grasp the fundamentals, even perform some of the techniques with some level of skill.  But that was that.  I couldn’t get a feel for it, but I knew it was something I would eventually get into again.

When I attended a recent philosophical seminar (Asia Pacific Anthroposophical Conference), I grabbed the chance to attend the workshop on Painting and Sculpture dealing in Light and Darkness.  Ms. Lormie Lazo conducted the painting seminar while Mr. Reimon Guttierez the Sculpture part.

It was a revelation to say the least!  The reason why I was so “blocked” when I was painting was because I was more into thinking, rather than feeling! duhh… I realized that’s what I do in all my creative projects, I think too much.  (Years of logical thinking will do that you know, I was supposed to have a career in banking until I gave that up.)

So after several exercises of not knowing what I was doing, I went back to my wet-on-wet painting and just let it go.  No plan, just letting the brush strokes lead the way.

This was by no means a great work of art, but I knew something was different.  I saw it, felt it, and others saw it as well.  There was even a Japanese Waldorf teacher, Shiori (not knowing it was my painting), who started a conversation how she would like this painting for her pupils.  Of course, I was so pleased with her reaction I impulsively told her I’d give it to her! (another “letting go” exercise on my part) Well, it took some persuasion for her to accept my gift and several days to find her again.  But, finally she accepted!

I’m so happy she and her students has something from our country, given and not bought and I will have a part of me in Japan even if I never get the chance set foot in her country.

A friend remarked that you will know when you are really being creative, you will just feel it.  I have a long way to go but it’s so exciting because I have already seen a glimpse of just how it should be.

So, how do you unleash creativity? Just let go…

Ms. Lormie Lazo is an artist, teacher, Waldorf parent and a student of Anthroposophy.

Mr. Reimon Gutierrez is a multidisciplinary designer involving architecture, product, environment and interior design.  You can get a glimpse of his work at the ISIP Center.

ISIP Center
6241 Palma cor Mañalac Sts., Makati City, Philippines