In Augustin Fuentes' The Creative Spark, an anecdote that has stuck with me was a story of a macaque monkey. While observing a group of macaques, a lone monkey strayed from the group as small family groups of 2-3 formed from a larger group. This lone monkey, named Teardrop due to markings on her face, approached the author and leaned by his leg. Teardrop did this without looking at Fuentes, and remained like this for 10 minutes or so before wandering off. Later, Fuentes learned that Teardrop, unlike the other macaques in this larger social group, could not mate and have young, so she sought a creative way to have her social needs for physical contact met.
This reminded me of Bob Ross, the TV landscape painter, and his relationship with young wild animals. Known for a carefree attitude and love for nature, Ross would occasionally show young animals he was helping to care for before releasing them back into the wild. Baby squirrels, deer, birds, and other young, usually orphaned baby woodland creatures were featured in The Joy Of Painting episodes. Ross' stewardship of these young animals, who likely wouldn't survive in their condition, but then respectful release of these animals is I think very similar to Teardrop the macaque's creative solution. I've liked Bob Ross since I was young, and I really respect him as a creative person who dedicated their efforts to encouraging creativity in others. Bob Ross' friendly demeanor and approachable technique saw many viewers actually follow along with his painting shows, learning an artistic pursuit that many see as something difficult. As an artistic person, it always makes me sad to see people say they "can't" draw or paint, as it's something everybody does as a child, and that people have been doing since we've been people. Whether it be cave painting or crayon on the wall, it seems to be a natural instinct for humans to create. I think a lot of people stop drawing or making art once they think they're "not good" at it, whether it be the judgement of others or the artist judging themselves that creates this wall of anxiety around artistic expression for many people. Bob Ross' no mistakes, just happy accidents attitude definitely inspired me to continue drawing and making art, even if I disliked it or thought it was bad, just for the sake of making something and learning from it. To anyone reading this, Bob Ross' The Joy of Painting episodes are on youtube, and all you need to draw is a pencil/pen and paper. Even if you're not a person who draws often, I suggest you try it out just for fun some time.
What a beautiful connection between Bob Ross and Teardrop the macaque! It is so fascinating how both found unique ways to nurture their social needs and creativity whether it was Teardrop seeking out a moment of physical contact or Bob Ross inviting viewers to embrace the act of creation without fear of judgment. Bob Ross’ ability to make art feel accessible to everyone, regardless of their skill level, is such an inspiring example of how creativity is a fundamental part of being human. Like you mentioned, many people stop creating because they feel as if they are “not good enough,” but Bob Ross taught us that the process itself is just as important as the outcome. It is a wonderful reminder that creativity should be a fun, unpressured activity that anyone can engage in, whether it is painting or simply doodling on a napkin. I am definitely going to revisit some of those episodes on YouTube now!
ReplyDeleteAs another creative person who loves being crafty, I totally agree with you that everyone can and should create! It makes me sad that people tend to stop creating art when they start feeling judged by others and themselves. One of my favorite sayings is, “Make Bad Art.” I love that it releases you from feeling the need to be perfect and allows you to take time out of your day to create something. I agree that artistic expression is so valuable to humans, even for those who feel they are “bad” at art.
ReplyDeleteI am reading the same focus book and I love the connection you were able to make to Bob Ross. The story about the macaque monkey also stood out to me when I read it but I would’ve never made that connection. I love that both a monkey in the wild and a human who makes art have a shared experience coming up with creative solutions to challenges in their lives. Whether it be Bob Ross reframing mistakes as “happy accidents” or Teardrop seeking out physical contact where she can.
Also- like Najiya, I’m going to go check out some Bob Ross art tutorials on YouTube after this!
As someone who is not reading Fuentes's book, I really appreciate you sharing this anecdote about Teardrop through your post. It is so interesting how creativity and social connection is prevalent not just in humanity, but throughout all of nature. I am a fan of Bob Ross's as well. I often listened to his painting tutorials in the background while I was studying in high school, as they would often be on the TV when I got home from school. I remember one instance when he brought on a squirrel, one I now assume is one of the young animals you referred to in this post. I never paid close enough attention to learn about why he had the animals on the show, so thank you for sharing and helping me fill in that gap in my knowledge!
ReplyDeleteI am reading Fuentes's book as my chosen focus book and I also found this part of the text interesting. It reminds me of when people who are not physically capable of certain tasks still find ways to be helpful and beneficial to a larger group, usually in a creative manner. I was able to find ways myself to help around my old theatre department because I was not a great actor. I had to apply my creative abilities in other ways, such as building sets or helping to design and maintain costumes.
ReplyDeleteIt is similar to what the original author said when describing Bob Ross's works. The use of young animals is interesting because these younger animals do not have the full capabilities to contribute. But, similar to human children trying to help around adults, they find ways to be creative still.