Creativity

When I think of creativity I think of  artistic types like dancers, painters, writers, photographers, and singers.  At first glance I would say I am a lousy artist and therefore not creative; however, when looking at my life on a day to day basis it is a creation.  Juggling time for friends, family, work, school, studying, exercise and play paints a picture. My life is a painting.  I also love to cook and each meal is a creation of color, texture and nutrition. I would even venture to say getting dressed is a form of creativity as I pick clothing that makes a statement about how I feel or creates an identity of who I am.  So, to say I am not creative is untrue. I do, in fact, create something on a daily basis.

The one thing that struck me from the examples was the vulnerability and bravery of each person who went into the communities. They had to be willing to reveal who they were as individuals, be available to fit into a community, and also be willing to accept criticism or rejection. In my opinion, the most important aspects in entering a community like Dove Springs would be vulnerability, being real, asking questions, not making assumptions and getting to the heart of what would be most beneficial for them.

By not maintaining balance in the CRAFT model, it appears to me that you could easily lose sight of why you are involved in the project.The balance provides a way to understand the community and to reach individuals of all types. I can see how you could end up possibly doing a good thing but it would not necessarily meet the needs of the community and becomes just another project and not a life changing one. I view the CRAFT model as a recipe. In order to achieve the desired result, each ingredient is essential.

Looking @ Rhodessa Jones entering the women's prison system, it was bold of her to share her life with the women; however, she lost sight of the culture of privacy of the African-American women. This could have been a barrier to communication and it is a prime example of the necessity of knowing a culture prior to entering.

By making the wrong assumptions about people we shut down communication which leads to the failure of the common goal. An example of this is found in the attitude of the retired professor and the Chicano activist. Ask questions and get to know someone and don't assume anything.

I was moved by several of the programs. As a woman, I have a heart to see women of all ages  overcome obstacles in their lives and be successful.  The projects in the women's prison and the women's culture in San Antonio were both communities I could see myself contributing to. It thrilled me to hear of Rhodessa bringing in literature that could produce life changing questions. The freedom of the women in San Antonio to begin to share their lives, culture, and to draw attention to the murders of young women through pottery was inspiring.  Tory Road's use of photography to erase the lines of judgement was ingenious. I love how photographs tell a story. I like the idea of teaching that was used in the New Orleans project. We each have something we can pass on to one another and are always learning and growing.

One of my favorite quotes from tennis great Arthur Ashe:
 
" From what we get, we can make a living. What we give; however, makes a life.”