Creating Community

Creativity can be a lonely business. You're either in your office or studio, writing, painting or practicing -- alone -- or sending out pictures and resumes or query letters in hopes that they won't represent another set of rejections. You need social contact, and you need support. In other words, you need a life outside your work.

Creating community is particularly important these days. Few of us have a tightly knit family unit or neighborhood anymore. In fact, the families of many artists would rather see them in a three-piece suit climbing the corporate ladder and aren't very supportive of their creative work. In their love and concern for you, they may unintentionally undermine your confidence.

Community serves two important functions. First, we need support. As inspired and engrossed as you may be when you're creating your art, the rejection you face when you're trying to sell it can be devastating. And those who are not artists per se may have to face yet another grueling board meeting or another cold sales call. You need someone you can go to for encouragement, for a shoulder to lean on during discouraging times, and to celebrate with you when you succeed.

You also need to spend time with people socially. No matter how much you love your work, you need to take a break from it sometime. Create a social community that you can just hang out with and have fun. They may be colleagues, friends, family, neighbors. Or join a group around a common interest, something *different* from the work you do. That could be some type of spiritual community, a hobby group or a bowling league.

If you feel that community is lacking in your life, get out, literally or virtually. Join a special interest group. Take a class. Take part in an on-line community or forum. Make conversation with people at the gym. Go out for a drink with friends or co-workers.

As the old saying goes, no man (or woman) is an island. Spending time with people will replenish your creative juices and enrich you as a person, which will ultimately enrich your art and your life.