TURNING SPARKS INTO FIREWORKS: An Inside Look at Alumni Creativity! by Alanda McRae.

Turning Sparks into Fireworks:

An Inside Look at Alumni Creativity!

Everyone has their own form of creative expression. Some people draw, others pain. Then there are those who have the urge to write novels in front of a computer, and proceed to have their creations critiqued by publishers and editors. So, how are you creative?

Danielle H*, whose favorite artist is Da Vinci, learned from her grandfather how to draw and paint. When asked how often she draws, she had this to say, "Everyday, especially when I have nothing else to do." She then stated, "I love to do artwork because not a lot of people do; most just fake it." When questioned about the emotions she has while drawing, she responds by smiling and says, " I do it for real. I always feel different when I draw, but I always connect to my work."

While listening to Simple Plan, Ruth W* talks about her creative hobbies. They're writing, drawing, acting, directing, and creating computer-generated art. Van Gogh, her favorite artist, is still continuing to inspire her artwork. However, it's her writing that she's most interested in. "I feel happy," she explains. "It's like a rush." When asked about how she plans to tie in writing with her future, she arched an eyebrow and stated coyly, "I can be both a doctor and a writer, you know. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle did, after all." While chatting, inquiries were made as to how she discovered she was a talented writer. "Well," she says directly, "my English teachers, including Mrs. Brecheisen, were very persistent on the subject of my writing." 

What inspires our creative sparks? I asked former psychology student and UCHS graduate of 1981, Lyn Marguerite, and she explained it as this, "That is the beauty of creativity - everyone's inspiration is different." She then goes on to say, "For instance, two people can look at the same sunset, and one will be inspired to paint a landscape, while the other will be inspired to write a poem about the death of the day. Creativity," she tells us, "is the art of seeing with your inner eye. While our creativity may sometimes seem dried up, it never dies - it just takes a nap."

Whether our creativity helps us to become the next Michelangelo, or just someone who writes on the walls, the human spirit will forever fulfill the need to share our visions. So, in closing, may we all continue to make masterpieces which turn all the sparks into fireworks for everyone to see. 

Fantasy Forest at Leila Arboretum (Battle Creek, Michigan) Photo by: Lyn McRae.

"Magic Clover" by Sage Sparrow.