Artists are the skydivers of creativity. It is an adrenalin rush to create! Like masonry masters enjoy building homes of brick, artists create works of art though the written word, music, dance and more. It is especially nice to work as a team of dedicated artists that prove over and over again that with like minds of respect and integrity, we can accomplish amazing entertainment for our communities on the Plateau as Stage Door Productions did performing “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat.” I am humbled by the sacrifices the leaders, cast members and families made to bring this production to fruition. I also cannot say enough to praise the merchants that supported the production. You all prove that in the toughest of economical times, the human spirit can still give rise to the passion of performing arts.

What drives an artist to create? Is it the need for expression that is stimulated by something experienced by the senses? Where does creativity come from? Who reading this has been inspired by an adult as a child to start drawing or painting? Where do the people on the Plateau get their desire to act in a play, sing, draw or create a piece of beautiful pottery? Our community overflows with talented people.

When I want to entertain the thought of singing in my first soprano range, the physical urge to take in a singer’s breath, correct my posture and prepare my thoughts for the sound I want to come out of my throat is so spontaneous that it’s hard to control at times. I do my best to contain myself at work and often sing all the way home in the privacy of my car. I’m sure my co-workers appreciate that! May the truth be known, I often start my day singing all the way to work, too. It’s better than coffee some mornings and always helps if I’m rehearsing for a musical I’ve been cast in.

I love to talk to people who share how they first came to love the art they are active in. There is something bonding between artists when it comes to creating. That’s why we have quilting clubs, choral organizations, theater groups and dance studios. We simply must express ourselves though the passion of our creativity.

I am so compelled to write no matter how late at night the clock indicates, I find myself sitting at the computer typing words that have no other place to be expressed than on paper. Expression must be freed. How do we arrive to the conclusion that we need to express ourselves through art? Are we taught this or are we born with this drive? Whether the need to dance, draw, play an instrument, write, sing or act; artists fall within a specific group of people that breathe a special spirit into communities. Art bonds us. Art takes us to a special place no other mammal on this earth can go.

When I’m in photographer mode my eyes automatically seek out the beauty in colors, shadows and lighting. I love the macro option on my camera. The detailed close ups we can take in macro can capture breathtaking images. How many times have fellow photographers wanted to kick themselves when coming across an extraordinary visual subject just to realize they’ve left their camera behind? Artists want to recreate something special and expressive to share with others all the time.

Since last year I’ve discovered great enjoyment painting in water colors. I keep finding new creativity like this that catches me by surprise. I have often thought, “What took me so long to give this a try?” Painting is less intense for me and in fact truly relaxes me. My suggestion to those art procrastinators is don’t waste time wishing to try something. Get out there and do it! We have this one life to make it as rich and rewarding as we can.

Doing something artistically is not selfish. You are fulfilling a natural calling that should be addressed.

I want to live it all, do it all and experience the rich taste that artistic creativity can thrill me and others with. We live in a community that embraces art. We are the art. Take in a deep breath, stand tall and step out with creative passion.