Follow your creative spirit – you never know where it might lead you!

Creativity can connect you to joy!

Creativity has played a significant role in my life journey and has been a sublime source of much happiness and joy. By following my creative urge I have made lasting friendships and connected with amazing communities of people.

Creativity and self-discovery. 

Growing up in Port Pirie my first serious creative outlet was ballet which lasted approximately three weeks, at which point I realised I was bored and lacked the required discipline. Next, jazz ballet, which was definitely cser, but still too formulaic for my liking. In the end I realised I just loved to dance to my own groove. 

My music prowess extended to singing which I pursued for a brief moment, including a couple of gigs as a back-up singer before giving up on my dreams of becoming the next Patti Smith

Follow your  instincts you just never know where they might lead you.

Writing came early in the form of poems with images for the local newspaper’s ‘children’s club’ section for which I received one silver and two bronze certificates in the mail. 

I am also fortunate to have a fellow lefty for an older sister, and I’m forever grateful for the knitting, crocheting and sewing lessons she gave me. They have given me much joy over many a winter’s night, occupying hands that had an instinctive need to create. I put those sewing skills to use in the fashion industry during my twenties.

In my thirties I finally discovered a passion for the visual arts whilst living in Cairns and have etched out a career that has provided me with many opportunities including being part of the ABC documentary series ‘Painting Australia. Today I work as a creative arts teacher and I do my best to encourage my students to follow their creative instincts. You just never know where they might lead you.

Which brings me to here, writing for you in the Women’s Village. I’ve come full circle. I’m nurturing the inner child in me who started writing for that local newspaper all those years ago. Apparently, at 58 I’m still following my creative spirit.

What is your creative spirit whispering to you? 

Maybe you’re already listening to it. Or maybe there’s something new you’d like to have a go at. I say, be brave, throw caution to the wind. I’d love to hear about your creative spirit. You can find me in the Virtual Women’s Village where I’m surrounded by many beautiful souls who feel safe and inspired to explore their stirring creative spirit.

Much love,

Sonia Olsen
Artist, Teacher and member of the Virtual Women’s Village