Courageous Creatives - Introduction

Courageous Creatives is where I will be paying homage to those creative types everywhere who are living the dream and having a go at making their living (whether in full or part) by engaging their talents and doing their creative thang.  Whether they're students living on mac & cheese and selling their beautiful handmades at a local farmer's market, or professionals working full time in a studio with a successful creative business (or anywhere in between), these people deserve recognition and support.  They're taking risks, putting their work out there to be judged, and making the world a more beautiful, handmade place.  And that, my friends, is my cuppa tea.

(Side note here, in the process of getting this blog going I immediately wanted to call this segment "Courageous Creatives".  Then, of course I started second guessing the title - it satisfies my love of aliteration, yes, but is a very strong statement.  Maybe Cudos to Creatives would be better, or Crafty Like A Fox.  But you know what?  Acting on your creativity is a courageous act, and one that those of us for whom creativity is a way of life may take for granted, and one that those who don't "make" might not quite realize.  It's taking a piece of what's inside and making it tangible, holding it up to the light and saying "here everyone, come take a look".  Whether it's a crocheted pot holder, a painted masterpiece, or a line of clothing it can be theraputic, exhilarating, satisfying, and terrifying all rolled into one experience.  So Courageous Creatives it is, but that sums it up best and I have so much respect for all those makers who wind up in this column or don't.  Keep on makin' people.  It's a beautiful thing.)

So, go ahead, indulge yourself: ogle their photos, check out their websites, maybe even treat yourself to something them make/do.  We all need a little creative in our lives!