Creativity Found: finding creativity later in life

Explore the transformative power of mosaic art as a mindful and enjoyable way to express yourself.
Becky Paton teaches mosaic classes for adults of all abilities, and in this episode she is keen to emphasize that anyone, regardless of their perceived creativity, can create beautiful pieces with the right materials and guidance.
Becky tells me about her experiences of creating mosaics with children and families in hospital...

How can engaging in creative activities influence an individual's sense of self and overall fulfillment in life?
Shawna Curee was a very creative child, who loved drawing, writing, and creating games with her siblings. A nurturing home and school environment allowed her to freely explore her artistic inclinations, until, inspired by the film Free Willy, Shawna decided she wanted to be a marine biologist instead of followin...

From self-doubting doodler to skilled graphic facilitator, embracing the messiness of creativity can lead to transformative experiences.
Societal pressures initially deterred my guest Ashton Rodenhiser from pursuing the arts in higher education. Instead she went to community college and then on to a role working in parenting programs and prenatal support, followed by transitioning to family support, a facilitation role that As...

Oksana Kukurudza is currently immersed in a deeply personal writing project titled Sunflowers Bend But Rarely Break, which explores her parents' harrowing experiences as forced labourers in Nazi Germany during World War II. Oksana's motivation for writing stems not only from her parents' stories but also from the striking parallels she observes between their experiences and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Born a...

Creativity and community
Mark Clay's transition into the arts began later in life, sparked by his experiences as a father. He initially engaged in creative activities to facilitate his daughters' artistic explorations, which led him to rediscover his own potential for drawing. This rekindling of creativity served as a form of 'occupational therapy', allowing him to refill his emotional cup during a stressful...

Processing the personal struggles through words.
A negative experience in a college creative writing class derailed Mary Adkin's writing ambitions for nearly a decade, and sent her on a whole different path than the one she had planned.
Mary studied public policy and went to law school, but when it came to working in the legal profession, Mary quickly realized that being a lawyer was not her true calling, and she made...

There is energy in everything.
In this episode my guest Tina Wells chats about her journey to finding emotional relief and mental wellbeing, along the way showcasing various practices and creative outlets that foster joy and reduce stress.
Tina has always had a deep appreciation for nature and science – including a fascination with energy bonds, organic matter and the interconnectedness of living organisms – leading to a c...

Dealing with personal loss, embarking on a nomadic lifestyle, and ultimately finding solace and purpose through writing.
For author Douglas Robbins the journey to creativity was anything but conventional.
In this episode I chat with Douglas about his early creative influences, including his mother's theatrical background and his own musical experiences, and the cathartic nature of Douglas' travels across the Unit...

How creativity can fit into the seasons of your life
Gina Farrar has embraced many facets of her own creativity in midlife, and loves to share how doing so can be a great tool for self-discovery and expression.
In this episode I talk with Gina about her desire to and experiences of homeschooling her two girls, and how those same girls were pivotal in Gina's rediscovery of and explorations in watercolour and acrylic pa...

At one time or another we all have our inner critics, undermining our confidence, but how do we deal with them?
My guest, Ela Wassell of Truly Boldly You, advocates for acknowledging them, since it is though understanding these voices that we can manage them, an approach that can empower individuals to embrace their authentic selves, free from perfectionism and people-pleasing tendencies.
In this episode Ela also encourage...

Making websites empathetic can improve your search engine rankings and discoverability.
In this episode I chat with Creativity Found Collective member and expert in search engine optimisation (SEO) Kelly Drewett, about the ways that business owners can improve the usability and accessibility of their websites, which in turn will enhance that site's performance on search engines such as Google.
We consider the different...

Sewing up a storm.
In this episode of the Mother of All Solutions podcast, Laura Broderick chats with Great British Sewing Bee contestants Lauren Tedstone and Vicki Reid who discuss their careers before entering the Sewing Bee, plus their work, family and sewing lives now.

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From corporate communications to embracing personal creativity through writing, coaching, and more, Amy L. Bernstein illustrates in this episode that
owning your identity and being true to yourself can lead to a sense of empowerment and fulfillment.
Amy shares how she transitioned from high-paying corporate communications' jobs to pursuing more personally creative endeavours.
Amy's turning point came when s...

Crafting inspired by nature and gardens
The creative workshops offered at Sussex Garden School range from garden design to pressing flowers, fused glass art, natural dyeing and rag weaving, all in a supportive and encouraging environment where adults can explore their creativity and unlock a sense of wonder and playfulness often lost in adulthood.
In this chat, Creativity Found Collective member Juliet Sargeant highlights t...

Buying an embroidery kit is a great way to get started with this craft, and Mary Broddle creates modern kits using traditional methods, as well as teaching online and in person. In this chat, Creativity Found Collective member Mary discusses how embroidery engages the brain's reward centre, reduces stress and offers a productive way to relax. She also discusses her personal experience with chronic pain and fatigue due to Ehler...

Creativity Found is 100 episodes old, something I never could have imagined when I started the show with a secondhand microphone and a good idea.
In this celebratory episode find out the whys, hows and whos of the show so far, including highlights from some of my guests.
And if you haven't listened to all 100 episodes, you'd better get started!!

Guests featured, in order of appearance:
Karen Joy
G...

Growing up, Joanne Robinson was creatively encouraged in primary school and loved to draw for hours at home. However, her passion for art was dampened when she entered secondary school and was told by an art teacher that she wasn't very good. This negative feedback led Joanne to believe that she didn't have a talent for art, and she abandoned her artistic pursuits.
Joanne joined the Royal Air Force and years later, w...

Adventures with yarn, needles and hook
Delve into the colourful world of crochet with my guest Jane Crowfoot, also known as Janie Crow, as she shares her journey from average student to renowned crochet designer, author and the founder of her own brand.
Jane opens up about her early creative experiences, her education in textiles, and the pivotal moments that led her to discover her passion for crochet. She discusses the ch...

Portraying and valuing everyday family life
As a film photographer Rachel Larsen Weaver captures authentic and imperfect moments, particularly highlighting the nuances of motherhood and family life. Her work showcases the real and raw aspects of these experiences, steering away from the facade of perfection often portrayed in mainstream media and on social platforms.
In this episode Rachel talks about her journey from bein...