The power of taking in some fresh air and fresh art!

By Jan Gutowski, Creativity Coach
January 24, 2021

After a long and VERY tiring week at my day job, I had made no other plan today than to just sleep in and get my head back into a high-vibe space. Instead of being a recluse and calling it a jammy day, I forced myself to get out and visit Epcot at Walt Disney World. Getting out of the house would serve two very important things that I’ve been desperately in need of: A chance to get some much-needed exercise, and a chance to get energized through others’ creativity.

The Taste of Epcot International Festival of the Arts is a beautiful showcase of artwork from various artists, much of it Disney-themed. (There are also some great food samplings!) I typically gravitate toward the pop & stylized pieces; but the artists who depict realism in their works are simply stunning! I’ve always been a huge fan of James Coleman, who is often featured; and I was SO incredibly happy to see William Silvers, who I have had the pleasure to work with during my career with Walt Disney Feature Animation from 1995 through 2004. And, so many others.

My first feeling when I see artwork by the masters such as these is that “I wish I was that good!”; but by the time I absorb the work they have showcased, I remind myself that creative expression is unique to the individual. Sure, I will never paint like James or Bill, and they will never paint like me. The point is, whether it is James, or Bill, or even Jan… we should NEVER stop painting. (or dancing, or singing, or sculpting, etc.) We all have a creative style that is our own; and as Andy Warhol once said, “Don’t think about making art, just get it done. Let everyone else decide if it’s good or bad, whether they love it or hate it. While they are deciding, make even more art.”

So, that being said, I am going to go make more art! Have a creative week!

-jg