For some time, I’ve been posting about creativity—that God is the source and reason for our creativity, that we are all creative, that there are ways to enhance our creativity, and most recently a series on maintaining our creativity through community, finding time and space in which to create, the right kinds of rest, curiosity and research, creative pauses, and perseverance. You can find all of these under the tag Creativity on the Write2Ignite blog page.

Now as 2023 comes to an end, and we pause to reflect on and learn from the year’s accomplishments—as well as its disappointments—let me encourage you to see that Creativity is a Journey of Discovery—about ourselves, our interests and abilities, and our dreams.

There are lots of questions we can ask ourselves as we reflect on a year, but praying through 3 particular questions, as well as looking at the lives of other creative people, have been especially helpful for me. Those 3 questions and the life of American genre (paintings of every day people and scenes) artist, Henry Ossawa Tanner (1859-1937), may help you on your journey of discovery this year.

Question 1: What went well?

Henry Tanner came from a family that valued education and encouraged him to follow his dream of becoming an artist. Though they weren’t wealthy they gave him money to buy his first paints and brushes, and Henry enjoyed learning to draw and paint on his own. Then when he was 20, he enrolled in the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts and studied under Thomas Eakins, a realist painter. Tanner was making positive steps on his journey to become an artist.

What went well for you this past year? What positive steps did you make in your journey towards your goal/s? Here are some suggestions to get you thinking: Did you . . .

• Find enjoyment in your creative work?
• Find a consistent time or place to work?
• Finish the outline for a story?
• Submit an article to a periodical?
• Join a critique group in your genre?
• Attend a conference—online or in person, big or small?
• See God working in your writing?
• Experience anything that surprised or delighted you about your work?

For these blessings, both big and small, thank the Lord, “. . . who is able to do immeasurably more than all we can ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen, Ephesians 3:20, NIV).

Question 2:  What do I need to work on?

At the Philadelphia School of Art Tanner was learning the skills he needed to become a better artist, but in his book, Rembrandt Is in the Wind, Russ Ramsey tells of a time when Tanner became discouraged as he worked on studies for his first genre painting. He hired models and spent much time on those studies, but came to believe he didn’t have the needed skills. Thomas Eakins encouraged Tanner that it wasn’t the time to quit, but an opportunity to learn.

Have you found this year that you lack a needed skill in order to continue on your creative journey? Here are some ideas to get you thinking:

• Is there anything that disappointed you about your level of skill?
• Do you need to attend a conference—there are many opportunities for these—big and small, in person and online—to attend workshops and learn from the experts?
• Do you need to read one of the many fine books on the craft of writing a story arc, characters with depth, the form of a devotion, etc.?
• Do you need to study up on how to write a query to a magazine?

None of us likes to admit we don’t know something, but take your disappointment to the Lord in prayer. He hears our every sigh and counts our tears, “Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy, (Psalm 126:5 NIV). Instead of quitting, allow the experience of disappointment to spur you on to greater humility and learning.

Question 3:  What needs outside help?

Tanner overcame his disappointment and went on to become one of Eakin’s best students. But something Tanner couldn’t overcome on his own was the prejudice he encountered as an African American artist in the 1800s. When he left the academy he opened a studio in Atlanta. It wasn’t successful, but Tanner’s skill and perseverance caught the eye of a minister in the Methodist church. He and his wife helped Tanner find a job teaching art at Clark University and hold a show of his artwork. This financial assistance allowed Tanner to travel to Paris where he found a place where he was accepted, and his work drew fame.

Have you discovered that you need outside help with some particular problem or challenge and a class or a book just hasn’t been enough? Here are some ideas to think about:

• Is it hard for you to stick to a consistent writing schedule? There are mini writing retreats and groups that meet in person or online to write together.

• Is there an aspect of social media/newsletter/website building that causes your tummy to clench every time you think about it? There are people, called virtual assistants, who can help with these—either guiding you one-on-one or doing some of the work for you. Costs for this assistance vary.

• Do you need to talk to someone further along in the writing journey for insights on your particular challenge? If you know the person, most writers are friendly and helpful in these situations. And depending on your budget, you can also hire mentors and coaches for long-term guidance.

When you do need outside help, it’s important to ask God to help you find the right person or resource, “The Lord will guide you always, (Isaiah 58:11a NIV). Ask other writers for recommendations.

The creative journey of discovery doesn't end

Tanner’s journey of discovery didn’t end with some success in Paris. He painted more genre paintings of Black Americans and of French peasants—both types receiving some acclaim. But he also tried a few religious subjects, and an American businessman seeing great promise in these, financed an extended sketching and painting trip for Tanner to the Holy Land. From then on, Tanner focused on scenes of the life of Christ that were informed by his Christian faith and his knowledge of the Holy Land. Today these paintings are some of Tanner’s most well-known and loved. He called his work, “preaching with his brush.”

As you pray and reflect on these 3 questions and the creative journey of Henry Ossawa Tanner, imagine what you will discover on your own journey that will help you in the new year. And remember, the Good Shepherd will guide you all along the way!

Kathy O’Neill grew up in Maine. She loves the Lord and His gifts of family, pets, and walks on the beach when storms send waves crashing against the rocks. As a teacher, writer, and speaker, she enjoys engaging children’s and adult’s hearts and hands to discover God and their own creativity through art, history, and nature. Kathy has written for The Quiet Hour, Light from the Word, Refresh Bible Study Magazine, Highlights, DevoKids, Clubhouse Jr., Starlight, and Appleseeds. Visit her website http://www.kathy-oneill.com/ to discover fun activities and workshops and links to her blog and newsletter.