The Why of Creative Endeavours

I wake up every morning and wonder why I still do what I do. Why that need to create. Some people may think “creating for the sake of creating.”

I’m reminded of a quote by Ludwig van Beethoven who wrote a stunning letter to his brothers after completing his Second Symphony. I quote: “Ah, how could I possibly quit the world before bringing forth all that I felt was my vocation to produce?”

Few things limit us more profoundly than our own beliefs about what we deserve, what we can or can’t do. The stories we tell ourselves about what we are worthy or unworthy of are the stories that shape our lives.

Have you ever been asked “What are you going to do with that?” and felt the need to justify your creations: the papers you paint, the fabrics you monoprint, the blocks you get started, the fabric you purchase. What most people do not understand, is that every time you create something – be it a piece of paper, a doodle, a quilt, a block – you learn something. About the materials, the technique, your own way of working. Even if you think “I’ll never do that again”, there’s important knowledge in that statement. At some point, down the road, you may think back on that technique you did not enjoy at the time as a way to turn a dream into reality.

Creating purely for the sake of creation taps into our intrinsic motivation. It’s about the joy of expressing ourselves without the pressure of external validation. Each brushstroke, note, or stitch becomes an act of liberation, allowing us to immerse ourselves in our thoughts and feelings. When we embrace the idea of making without justification, we get granted the freedom to explore which may lead to unexpected discoveries.

Each piece we produce, regardless of its outcome, represents a part of a journey. It’s an opportunity to experiment, make mistakes (those I call exploration opportunities) and to learn. Many artists find that once they detach from the outcome, their art becomes more authentic. It’s good to remember that we create not to impress others but to express what lies within us.

In the act of creating for the sake of creating, we embrace imperfection. Each piece, no matter how it turns out, contributes to our growth and our understanding. We then create a place for ourselves. A safe place; a space that invites self-expression and exploration.

Ultimately, the act of making can be a celebration in itself. It engages us with the present moment, savouring the experience and allowing our creativity to flow naturally. That’s the beauty and the magic of creating for creation’s sake.

To that end, I started a new textile book. I cut the pages, and pinned trim, patches and lace to them. Just before my sprained wrist, I managed to finish the prep work, and now they are ready to take with me when I travel next.

One of the hidden joys of bringing hand work along on trips is that the world around you often provides unexpected inspiration. Whether you’re sitting on a bus, strolling through a market, or relaxing in a café, the things you see can spark creative ideas that end up being stitched into your work. This makes the experience of stitching while traveling not just a pastime, but a way to document the journey itself.

What if I already made a textile book not so long ago? By the way, that one is spoken for. I still have it, but it’s going to someone who loved it and told me that “when you don’t need it anymore, I’d love to have it.” Best compliment ever! So yes, I’m making another one. Today, for the sake of making another one. And to make it more “unique” and a bit “different” I altered the size of the pages.

I’m off to Portugal, so I am thinking that I will add some of the vessel shapes I love so much. We’ll see. There’s so much to experiment and see when travelling. And sometimes, these projects evolve during the trip itself. As you move from one location to another, the stitching adapts to new sights and inspirations. What begins as one design might end up layered with travel influences—vegetation, vessels, or even street markings from the places visited—making the finished piece a patchwork of memories.

One of the comforting aspects of preparing hand work for a trip is knowing that you have it with you, even if it sometimes returns in the same state as when you left. There’s a certain calmness in the simple act of packing the materials—it’s a form of readiness, like carrying an umbrella on a cloudy day, just in case.

Beethoven’s words—“Ah, how could I possibly quit the world before bringing forth all that I felt was my vocation to produce?” – remind us that the act of creation is often about fulfilling an inner calling, not about producing for external validation or a predetermined purpose. Just as Beethoven felt compelled to bring his music into the world, artists and makers create not because they have to, but because they are driven by something deeper—a need to express, explore, and connect with their own sense of purpose. When we create for the sake of creating, we honour this instinct, allowing our work to flow freely, without the constraints of expectation, and in doing so, we find meaning and joy in the process itself.

I’m off to create for the sake of it. Until I write again, enjoy your explorations,

Ana

Answering questions … bringing clarity