The power of creativity is critical in many fields for more reasons than I can list. Only a curious person can dare to explore their capability to create and to discover.
Working with many talented students at the Jewelry Studio at Dartmouth College taught me the power of using a creative outlet as a healing tool — healing for whatever it is one must endure, the good and the bad.
Constraints
Working without constraints is overwhelming; seemingly unlimited time, ideas, and possibilities kill creativity. I set goals and a date for when I plan to have something done. It prevents my overactive mind and imagination from finding a million different distractions.
I blame my short attention for a lot of my procrastination — but I also credit it with a lot of my brightest thoughts. It is simply hard to conform, which has been instrumental throughout my life. Like me, your brain might always be on even when you do not want it to be. I have accepted myself this way — it is not a weakness but a strength.
Designing and creating jewelry allows me to hyperfocus my nervous, unfocused and chaotic energy and convert it into something I am proud to show. I am in complete control of creating something new and fascinating using my unique skills and creativity.
Goals
My goal is to be the best in whatever I am doing and push myself to create beautiful and fascinating work. All that matters is that I am using my strengths and gifts to the best of my ability. I see my work as a result of every experience and every atom I have ever come across.
I also avoid comparing my successes or failures against others whose stories I do not know well. What matters to me is my progress, long-term goals, and what I am doing to live life and do the things I wish. The path is not always linear — but I never expected it to be.
The process
Recently I designed a beautiful set of gold necklaces with gold granulation for a friend inspired by Picasso. I had no idea where to start. The idea came to me at 2am one night. I remembered Picasso's work and his face paintings; I pondered about it for a few days. The next thing I remember is a clear vision of two designs. I sketched them and then planned how to make them in my studio.
I accepted the idea as a gift — sketched it and made it to the best of my ability. I see it as a complete success. I cannot imagine it a different way. It makes me proud to know it will live a world of its own.
Latest Ancient Greek Gold Granulation piece, inspired by Pablo Picasso — an original design by Nelly