Why MacGyver is a Creative Genius

Often times, when I am in conversation with folks about my being an artist, they share with me how they wish they could be painters, but they are simply not creative. Some then go on to say, that they enjoyed making things and arts and crafts as a child, but then they lost it along the way and realized as adults that they just didn't have any creativity. I am more of the belief that creativity is a muscle we exercise, rather than something that you either have or don't have. I believe it is something innate to us as human beings, but that we just need to work it out, make it stronger, practice it daily and nurture our abilities. 

People aren't born Olympic athletes, though they may be born with certain advantages that may give them the push they need to begin their journey. But that is only the beginning. Then they dedicate their lives to the training portion. This involves focus, a daily regimen, a plan, coaching, training buddies and a specialized diet. Creativity is the same, we've got to use it to have it and work it to grow and strengthen that part of ourselves. Sometimes, after we start getting bogged down with jobs and responsibilities, we let that stuff we used to really like, that used to really connect us to ourselves, we just let it fall by the wayside and atrophy

I also don't believe that creativity is limited to the realm of what we call "fine art", painting, music, theatre, writing, etc. These are examples of creativity, but not the only ones. I see creativity in scientists who approach research, looking at a problem from all angles and testing it again and again, to solve a real world dilemma. I see creativity in the resourcefulness of parents, seeking to educate and raise their children to be healthy and happy. A business person in a suit jacket, just because they are not wearing paint covered clothing and living a bohemian lifestyle doesn't mean they are not creative. These people are often times thinking up ways of working within their companies that can save the day or provide better service to their customers. I even see creativity and ingenuity in those crazy As Seen On TV inventions! Some of those things really work! 

This is why I believe MacGyver is a creative genius. Because he had ingenuity. He was able to see what was in front of him, synthesize all of the information and use the things around him in new ways to save the day every time! This is why MacGyver is awesome.

I say all of this to encourage and inspire those who would venture to find their art and nurture it well. That creativity is not limited to the realm of the mythological artist, nor is it merely defined as "brand new thoughts". It involves ingenuity and resourcefulness, a synthesizing of available options, more than just "A or B" thinking but instead looking for the "and" solution, as one of my favorite authors, Dan Miller says. We do all have the ability to do this thing we call life with more passion, fervor and dedication. I would like to call this living life with the approach of an artist....

... just like MacGyver.

My studio mate, using some creative thought to close a window where the latch was too far to reach. He just lassoed it using a spare cord. Keep your eyes peeled for this kind of thing in your everyday life, it is evidence that you are... ... CREATIVE!

Creativity gets a thumbs up!

Anyhow, I hope you took a moment to watch that MacGyver clip, what that guy can do with seemingly nothing, is amazing! It seems his knowledge of physics, chemistry, bad guys and bomb diffusion is never ending. Mix that in with a little bit of logical street smarts and you have an unlikely hero with some awesome hair! 

I hope you are able to join me Monday, January 30th (yes, this Monday!) from 7:30-8:00 for my online class "Top 5 Benefits of Nurturing Your Creativity". You can click here or go to the  URL below to reserve your spot for art nurture's first online class! www.bigmarker.com/courtmccracken/artnurture

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