Last week I was thinking a lot about what it means to be a 'creative’, an artist or a writer, creating an identity as writer/creative/artist, the conflict of art and income and passion versus pragmatism. I have no profound insights or conclusions on any of the above, except to say it’s an emerging theme, perhaps a reckoning of someone (me) who has not been particularly outwardly expressive in their creativity in recent years except on Instagram, a place that can feel both prescriptive and performative.
I wonder how much art we miss out on, the creative or artistic potential of friends, family and strangers, who for whatever reason prefer not to share their work, or for whom social media is not the place to share it. On the one hand, social media, in particular, visual platforms like Instagram can be a space to share insights, creations, thoughts and inspiration. People who want community but perhaps don’t want the in-person experience of classes, launches and exhibitions can thrive on social media. Conversely, social media is not suitable for art which relies on physical interaction, community, collaboration and discourse. Social media not the place to see visual art/installations, live music or theatre for example.
I recently created an in-person course for ‘quiet creatives’. This term seemed altogether straightforward to me, as a self-confessed quiet creative. But I realise now, it’s not a colloquial term but rather a term thats familiar to me and perhaps me alone. Susan Cain’s book “Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that Can’t Stop Talking”, was a revelatory read for me as an introvert. In the book, Susan Cain explores the notion that extroverts are favoured in today's culture across almost all sectors. She references research by psychologists Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi and Gregory Feist which found that the most creative people across various fields are typically introverts. The notion that solitude is essential for creativity is certainly not novel, but what does it mean to be a 'quiet creative'?
First, it might help to understand introversion. Psychiatrist, psychoanalyst and founder of analytical psychology Carl Jung came up with the theory of introversion and extroversion as personality traits. It was never intended as a binary, but rather, a spectrum, leaning towards one or the other more distinctly. In his definition he said, “introverts prefer minimally stimulating environments, and they need time alone to recharge”. I think it’s also fair to say that there are some misconceptions about introverts, one is that they are shy, the other is that they are anti-social. Shyness is an emotional response, and introversion is a trait, so it’s possible to be neither or both. However introverts do tend prefer smaller groups, meaningful interactions and avoid small talk. Introverts are typically intrinsically motivated, which is important when it comes to creativity.
‘Quiet creativity’ is about people who consider themselves introverted and for whom there is an innate need for creative expression and exploration that is not tied to external validation. Quiet creatives have been around forever, but as Susan Cain attests, our culture favours extroverted expression. When I consider the term ‘quiet creative’ I think of Georgia O’Keefe, she seems to me to be the poster woman for introspective art and creative expression. O’Keefe was famously reclusive and ruthlessly dedicated to her art. Despite efforts to become a working artist in her early years, it wasn’t until a friend secretly promoted her art that she attracted attention in the art world and slowly grew an audience.
Georgia O’Keeffe is perhaps an imposing example of a quiet creative, given she is one of the world's most recognised female artists. I gravitate towards her because her art and lifestyle are so emblematic of an era of growth in modern (and nature-inspired) abstract art. She is also strong female icon of creative expression in an era of art which was dominated by men, she was forthright and unapologetic in her art and resisted the interpretations and the sexualisation of her art by others. “I have already settled it for myself so flattery and criticism go down the same drain and I am quite free”.
Celebrated artists aside, every day people are quietly creating work, writing books, taking photographs, crafting, drawing, knitting, baking and making all the time. On or off social media, without recognition people are happily immersed in their creative pursuits whether they are working in creative fields or passionate hobbyists. In a world where bigger, bolder, louder expression is not only celebrated but pushed by algorithms it's easy to forget or simply overlook incredible works of creative imagination and mastery that don’t conform or align with clickable clips and clickbait headings.
While the incessant scrolling, socialising and the general noise of our modern lives can be like kryptonite for creativity, being a naturally introverted creative means that being able to withdraw from the din and into your quiet cocoon is your superpower. Whether you choose to share your art, or not, making time, and space and protecting your boundaries so that you can do your creative work is important. I’m taking my own advice today, after a busy weekend doing nothing in particular but neglecting my creative outlets and nature time. Today has been spent (mostly) alone, inside while it's grey and raining reading, researching, writing and drawing. Perfect.
I’m no clearer on notions of identity as a creative, but I do like another of Georgia O’Keeffe’s quotes which might tattoo across my forehead, “Someone else’s vision will never be as good as your own vision of your self.” In the meantime I’m wholeheartedly embracing the idea of quiet creativity. There is self-compassion in creating imperfectly. Practising your art without an outside gaze or critique, experimenting, exploring and failing is essential. Take joy in the process instead of focusing on the endpoint. Create in solitude without the pressure of sharing because self-worth is not attached to what you create or who sees it.
Natures notes is proudly written on and inspired by Dharawal Country.
I recognise the Dharawal & Wodi Wodi custodians and ancestors who have an enduring connection to land, water and skies. I give thanks for reciprocity and acknoledge that this Always Was and Always Will be Aboriginal Land.
Another inspiring piece Anna