Chasing the Creative High
Beckley, WV workshop
Recently, I had the wonderful opportunity to return to my hometown of Beckley, West Virginia, to teach the very first Adventure Retreat Urban Sketching workshop. I also served as a consultant, helping Beckley launch their own chapter. Both experiences were exciting and rewarding, but what truly stands out is the exhilarating high of being in your creative element, surrounded by fellow artists. The exchange of creative energy is euphoric, better than any cup of coffee or energy drink. After a day spent making art with others, I find myself riding an energy rollercoaster. When I look back at my drawings, I relive the joy of sketching and connecting, and I feel incredibly grateful for these moments. It becomes addictive, like any drug, and should probably come with a warning label. I also attended another urban sketching weekend, and as always, when sketching in public, curious creatives or aspiring hobbyists stop to ask questions. Now, I end my invitation with a lighthearted warning: join us as soon as you can, but be warned, it’s addicting!
It’s not just visual artists who experience this creative high; it’s shared across all the arts. Musicians, actors, and anyone who performs or creates with others seem to step into another dimension for a while before returning to everyday life. I encourage everyone to find their tribe! And if you haven’t found yours yet, urban sketching is a wonderful place to start.
I wrote the following poem about chasing that creative high. I hope it resonates with you. Feel free to share it with your creative community.
Your Art Buddy,
Julie
Chasing the High
by Julie Kukreja
Chasing the high,
The creative rush,
New subject blooms,
More vibrant and lush.
Clean page awaits,
Ideas begin to surge,
The sketch unfolds,
An image will emerge.
Swish, swish, the brush sweeps,
Each stroke of paint speaks,
To my soul,
Where passion grows deep.
Chasing the high,
The creative rush,
Layers of thought,
Guiding the brush.
Imagination ignites,
My hands find their flow,
I must create more,
Before the energy slows.
Swish, swish, the brush sweeps,
A stroke of paint speaks,
To my soul,
Where visions explode.
Chasing the high,
The creative rush,
I’m fully alive,
In this vibrant hush.
Now I’ve reached
That ultimate place,
Out of body,
In art's warm embrace.
Swish, swish, the brush sweeps,
A stroke of paint speaks,
To my soul,
Where euphoria flows.