One of the most sought characteristics across diverse professions is adaptability. It’s one key for success in business & innovation. It’s an essential in survivor training.
Creatively adapting tools, methods, concepts and problem solving can become an efficient process. Experts say those who thrive, spend less energy and precious time debating lost effort, instead they quickly move forward focusing on new solutions.
Handy in relationships, changing occupation or locations, adaptability has a place in the arts, too.
“I am trying impressionist painting, but cannot break free of the detail work I am used to”, a medical illustrator asked. Did she wear reading glasses? I asked. “Yes”, she said. I promptly suggested she remove them while painting. “You won’t focus on detail if you cannot see it.” I said.
Another artist wanted solutions for her ‘tight wrist’ issues, desiring elongated brushstrokes. I suggested she wear cumbersome mitts while painting.
Creative techniques & tool possibilities are endless. Why wouldn’t a kitchen spatula be awesome for applying paint? Having an open mind for exploration avoids limitation.
A bronze sculptor may switch to watercolour because the physical demands are too great, not because of lack of stimuli. I see this often in fine arts. The general public may be led to believe the artist becomes bored within their genre, but it’s often not the case. The reason may be health, material access related, or lack of demand in their genre.
Being honest about self- motivation is an asset to professional happiness.
Her amazing educator inspired her to be a teacher, only to discover, she disliked teaching. Eventually, she went back to school to be a doctor. “I was focused on who, not what, inspired me. I am late in life starting my medical practice, but I couldn’t be happier.” She said.
Curiosity sparks motivation to explore ideas without being shackled by fear of failure.
“Always great to dabble outside of the comfort zone a bit. I broke a string on my Martin (guitar) and haven’t bothered replacing it for the past month because it’s been fun to try and work around it.” my nephew reported.
We observe, problem solve, communicate, perceive, and explore under the influence of creative thought.
Adapting to change in life eases stress, inspires growth, and new vision.
Leaving an art career returning to a 9-5’er may be seen as failure. The pressure of working art full time can change how a creator feels about art. It may no longer be fun or rewarding becoming enormously stressful. In truth, instead of failure, one discovers contentment in this decision.
Our culture demands pursue passions at all cost. Knock relentlessly at the closed door until it opens.
Pounding bleeding fists focused on the closed door before us, we are blind to the open one behind us, or the one down the hall worth exploring.
Life is very fluid, when we adapt to change it will feel flowing like a river, rather than swimming against the current.
“So shall we come to look at the world with new eyes”. Ralph Waldo Emerson
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Note: Training with the Search & Rescue unit was extensive & diverse. During one large- scale mock disaster, our team was divided & paired with other departments. My ‘new’ team included members of the coast guard, armed forces & police.
My skills were applied to shoring passages in a caved in cellar, site recon and rescue, using many materials found onsite.
Among the many lessons in the exercise was learning teamwork with unfamiliar people with varying protocol.
Rescue unit follow up concluded with our Captain’s address.
“When disaster happens, chances are you won’t see one another. You may be commuting to work, or asleep in your beds. You may not have access to the ‘house’ (our Unit’s base). You will have to be leaders in your own neighborhoods. You will have to adapt. Your community will be counting on you.”
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All new work is available for purchase, please email me for details dawn@dawnbanning.com
“Bright Sun” 5ft x3ft – viewed best in warm light.
“Roses” 14×18 – a FIRST for me! :0)