"We are all flawed. Everything is flawed. I don’t believe in perfection, just beauty. I believe in beauty." — An Interview with Deanne Fitzpatrick

The Cincinnati Post Plugs the 'Kindness Pass-Along Gift Cards'
By Chris Dunmire, Publisher

Creativity, Expression & Depression
I first read Eric Maisel's book, The Van Gogh Blues: The Creative Person's Path through Depression in 2005, months before I enrolled in the first of a series of his creativity coaching training programs. This book coupled with his Coaching the Artist Within and Fearless Creating influenced a huge paradigm shift in my thinking on the subjects of creativity, creative expression, and depression.

Several months ago I was reminded of The Van Gogh Blues when I heard Dr. Wayne Dyer say the following regarding depression on his HayHouseRadio.com program:

"The opposite of depression is expression. Expression. Express yourself. When you're depressed you're not expressing yourself. You're expressing a part of you that doesn't even really want to exist." (The Power of Intention, June 18, 2007)

This ongoing theme about depression and expression has me thinking a great deal about how crucial creative expression is to our mental health and well-being. Yes, it's through our acts of creativity that we express not only our talent and skills and innovative ideas, but we also express a great deal about who we are, what we're passionate about, where our minds dwell, what brings us joy, and a huge spectrum of thoughts and emotions tied in with how we feel about our spiritual, social, and political beliefs.

If we aren't actively engaged in expressing ourselves through a healthy outlet, where do you think that thought-energy goes? It gets stuck inside of us. Often, it gets balled up and repressed. Maybe it seeps out in manifestations of anger and frustration or fear and anxiety. Most certainly, repression is a stifling of expression that can lead to a state of depression.

If you're an individual struggling with a depression and have ruled out obvious causes, ask yourself: "Am I engaged creatively? Am I expressing myself? Am I truly honoring my creative self by giving it a voice?" and if the answer is "no", you just may have found a place to begin your healing. I believe The Van Gogh Blues is an eye-opening read for those who find their acts of creativity mood-altering, therapeutic, and empowering.

When I learned that a new publisher for Maisel's The Van Gogh Blues just released an updated paperback version of the book this month, I worked extra hard this week to secure permission to publish an excerpt on the Creativity Portal Web site on the subject of meaning-making. You'll enjoy it — it's titled Meaningful Life, Meaningful Work, Meaningful Days. More about Eric Maisel's The Van Gogh Blues is featured further down in this newsletter.

Express yourself for good mental health!

Chris Dunmire
Creative Director and Publisher

Art of the Song Creativity Corner
Dipping into the Darkness
By Eileen Kalinowski
Writing for me is often walking down a path and getting pulled into the forest, or down a rabbit hole or finding myself in one of the places that I rather successfully avoid thinking about most of the time because they’re unpleasant or difficult or painful.

Creative Careers in the Arts Interviews
An Interview with Rug Hooking Artist Deanne Fitzpatrick
By Molly Anderson-Childers
"I work really hard, and have a very strong focus. Focus is everything, it makes all the difference for artists. I think working on staying focused and being committed is good advice for any discipline."

Meaningful Life, Meaningful Work, Meaningful Days
Excerpted from the book The Van Gogh Blues: The Creative Person's Path Through Depression © 2008 by Eric Maisel

In order for you to live an authentic, meaningful life, which is the principal remedy for the depression creative people experience, you must feel that 1) the plan of your life is meaningful, 2) the work you do is meaningful, and 3) the way your spend your time is meaningful. These are three separate but related tasks, each with its own logic, demands, and obstacles. More »

PLUS: More Tools for Your Creative Journey

• A Self-Coaching Guide through Eric Maisel's The Van Gogh Blues

From Impossible to Elegant
By Michelle James
A discussion of the philosophy and practices of Moshe Feldenkrais, the creator of The Feldenkrais Method.

Facing Artist’s Block
By Lyne Marshall
At times like this it always comes back to a belief in yourself, and creating with an open mind.

Expressing Your Truth
By Susan Ann Darley
Freedom is found only in the courage to be yourself. Each of us longs to express who we are, what we think and how we feel. But how often do we?

Rock Painting Creativity: Stone Cactus Project
By Ernestina Gallina
You don't need a green thumb to grow this cactus, only rocks and acrylic paint! This everlasting, non-thorny cactus with its bright colors will decorate any corner of your home or office.