Creativity Found: Finding Creativity Later in Life

Adventures with yarn, needles and hook
Delve into the colourful world of crochet with my guest Jane Crowfoot, also known as Janie Crow, as she shares her journey from average student to renowned crochet designer, author and the founder of her own brand.
Jane opens up about her early creative experiences, her education in textiles, and the pivotal moments that led her to discover her passion for crochet. She discusses the challenges she faced in her career, including a stressful managerial role that stifled her creativity, and how she overcame them to find her true calling.
From machine knitting swatch designs for fashion houses to consultant roles with Rowan yarns, creating patterns and crochet alongs and her deep connection to the arts and crafts movement, Jane's designs are not just about creating beautiful pieces; they're about pushing the boundaries of crochet and providing a rich, historical context that resonates with her audience.

Buy Jane's book here

CreativityFound.co.uk
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Researched, edited and produced by Claire Waite Brown
Music: Day Trips by Ketsa Undercover / Ketsa Creative Commons License Free Music Archive - Ketsa - Day Trips
Artworks: Emily Portnoi emilyportnoi.co.uk
Photo: Ella Pallet

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Podcast recorded with Riverside and hosted by Buzzsprout

Portraying and valuing everyday family life 

As a film photographer Rachel Larsen Weaver captures authentic and imperfect moments, particularly highlighting the nuances of motherhood and family life. Her work showcases the real and raw aspects of these experiences, steering away from the facade of perfection often portrayed in mainstream media and on social platforms.

In this episode Rachel talks about her journey from being academically focused to embracing her creative side amidst the chaos of raising a family.

Rachel's creative pursuits began as a personal necessity, a way to connect with her life and tell her story through the lens of a camera, which she found more manageable than writing in the noisy environment of a growing family. She has since developed a unique approach to photography, conducting long-form sessions where she spends 24 hours with her subjects, capturing the essence of their everyday lives.

In addition to photography, Rachel has rekindled her love for writing, particularly through her weekly newsletter, which has become an integral part of her creative expression and business marketing. She also hosts a writing workshop, emphasizing the accessibility of writing as a creative practice that can fit into the corners of one's life.

CreativityFound.co.uk

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Researched, edited and produced by Claire Waite Brown

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Podcast recorded with Riverside and hosted by Buzzsprout

Helping everyone to find their sparkle
From a young age, Jessie Elliott struggled with the idea of being her authentic self, feeling the pressure to conform to certain preconceived roles and expectations. She felt the need to shrink herself in order to fit in, stifling her creativity and inner voice.
After the tragic loss of her father, Jessie took a bold step to move from Australia to Scotland, seeking a fresh start where no one knew her past, a period of her life marked by numbing her emotions and avoiding the pain of her loss.
Returning home, Jessie found herself slipping back into old patterns of seeking external validation. It wasn't until she faced postnatal depression following the birth of her first child that she realized the importance of focusing on her own joy and well-being. This realization was the catalyst for her creative reawakening.
Jessie's creative outlet, writing, became a powerful tool for her to process her emotions and connect with others. She has co-authored a picture book titled The Mum Who Found Her Sparkle, inspired by her own experiences and the desire to help others find their joy. The book challenges stereotypes around motherhood, aging, and gender roles, and emphasizes the importance of community and support.

If you found value in this episode and would like to show your appreciation, consider supporting the podcast through the Support the Show link, or by sending a boostagram, for example in the Fountain app.

CreativityFound.co.uk
Instagram: @creativityfoundpodcast
Facebook: @creativityfoundpodcast and Creativity Found group
YouTube @creativityfoundpodcast
Pinterest: @creativityfound

Researched, edited and produced by Claire Waite Brown
Music: Day Trips by Ketsa Undercover / Ketsa Creative Commons License Free Music Archive - Ketsa - Day Trips
Artworks: Emily Portnoi emilyportnoi.co.uk
Photo: Ella Pallet

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Podcast recorded with Riverside and hosted by Buzzsprout

Corrie Legge was following Julia Cameron’s The Artist’s Way, and during reading deprivation week – which she expanded to include other external distractions such as TV and social media – was at a bit of a loose end, having put the children to bed at her babysitting job. This period of quiet reflection resulted in a flurry of writing, something that Corrie hadn’t done for many years, having been put off by other people’s comments in her school years.
Despite her creative inclinations as a child, Corrie found the pressure to achieve high grades often stifled her willingness to take risks in her writing.
Corrie studied biology at college, for some time with thoughts of entering the medical field, only to realize through an EMT ridealong that her sensitivity to others’ emotions made this not a good career choice. Instead, she found a unique way to merge her interests in acting and medicine by working as a standardized patient, helping to train a new generation of empathetic doctors.
The onset of the pandemic and the birth of her first child led Corrie to a full-time job that, while seemingly perfect on paper, left her creatively unfulfilled and emotionally drained. It was through revisiting The Artist’s Way once again – in particular Cameron’s thoughts on anger – that Corrie found the clarity and courage to leave her job and return to her true passions.
Today, Corrie balances her creative pursuits with family life, finding joy in screenwriting, exploring the world of children's books, and nurturing her acting career. 

CreativityFound.co.uk
Instagram: @creativityfoundpodcast
Facebook: @creativityfoundpodcast and Creativity Found group
YouTube @creativityfoundpodcast
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Twitter: @creativityfoun

Researched, edited and produced by Claire Waite Brown
Music: Day Trips by Ketsa Undercover / Ketsa Creative Commons License Free Music Archive - Ketsa - Day Trips
Artworks: Emily Portnoi emilyportnoi.co.uk
Photo: Ella Pallet

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Podcast recorded with Riverside and hosted by Buzzsprout

Navigating life's ups and downs by embracing creativity. 
In this episode Gaelle Jolly shares her journey from feeling unfulfilled in her job and struggling to find her place in a competitive sector, to discovering a passion for creativity that provided solace during difficult times.
Despite previously not seeing herself as creative, Gaelle has found an outlet in hobbies including photography and calligraphy, which eventually turned into a small business. We talk about Gaelle's love for paper, stationery, words and the art of bookbinding, which led to the creation of her own line of notebooks and other paper products. She touches on the therapeutic aspect of her creative work, which became a source of meaning and escape as she faced an emotionally challenging future.
We also discuss the balance between doing something for oneself and turning it into a business, and how she maintains the joy of creating while managing the pressures of entrepreneurship.
Gaelle's experiences remind us that creativity can be a powerful tool for healing and self-discovery, no matter where life takes us.

"I think a lot of what I do actually does go back to childhood in some way, and it's about getting lost in an imaginary world."

If you found value in this episode and would like to show your appreciation, consider supporting the podcast through the Support the Show link, or by sending a boostagram , for example in the Fountain app.
Your contributions will help me continue to share inspiring stories of creativity and resilience.

CreativityFound.co.uk
Instagram: @creativityfoundpodcast
Facebook: @creativityfoundpodcast and Creativity Found group
YouTube @creativityfoundpodcast
Pinterest: @creativityfound
Twitter: @creativityfoun

Researched, edited and produced by Claire Waite Brown
Music: Day Trips by Ketsa Undercover / Ketsa Creative Commons License Free Music Archive - Ketsa - Day Trips
Artworks: Emily Portnoi emilyportnoi.co.uk
Photo: Ella Pallet

Join Pepli, the all-in-one app for creatives to monetize, build community and grow.

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Follow @CreativityFoundPodcast on Instagram

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Podcast recorded with Riverside and hosted by Buzzsprout

Perseverance through practice and imperfection
As a child Bianca Giarola loved drawing, partly influenced by her aunt – who encouraged her and her siblings to explore their creativity – and encouraged by her father – who would buy her those wonderful big colouring sets. However, as she entered elementary school she found that art was not particularly valued by her teachers and society in general, and she eventually stopped drawing altogether.
Writing was a passion for Bianca – she always wanted to write a book – and journalism seemed the right path, followed by digital marketing. However, Bianca found herself struggling with mental health issues while working in her high-stress corporate job in Milan, and it was during this time that she stumbled upon a YouTube video about using calligraphy as a tool for improving mental health. Yet it is not calligraphy that Bianca is known for now, but beautiful botanical drawing. 
Find out how Bianca learned to draw and why she believes that through practice and consistency anyone can learn, just like she did. To that effect, Bianca has also now fulfilled her dream of writing a book that proves her philosophy.

Buy Bianca's book here

CreativityFound.co.uk
Instagram: @creativityfoundpodcast
Facebook: @creativityfoundpodcast and Creativity Found group
YouTube @creativityfoundpodcast
Pinterest: @creativityfound

Researched, edited and produced by Claire Waite Brown
Music: Day Trips by Ketsa Undercover / Ketsa Creative Commons License Free Music Archive - Ketsa - Day Trips
Artworks: Emily Portnoi emilyportnoi.co.uk
Photo: Ella Pallet

Join Pepli, the all-in-one app for creatives to monetize, build community and grow.

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Podcast recorded with Riverside and hosted by Buzzsprout

From selling sweets to Cyndi Lauper to being questioned by the US Secret Service, Shirley Novack has lots of stories to tell, but when her father died she came across the story that she wanted to write down.

As a child, Shirley's Eastern European parents’ conventional beliefs were not to her satisfaction, so she worked tirelessly, pursuing education and working alongside pioneers of fetal surgery, despite only holding an associate's degree.

She later shifted gears, bringing life to rooms as an interior designer and capturing the hearts and minds of students as an educator. Each career pivot reflects her multifaceted interests and her ability to adapt and thrive in various professional landscapes. 

The most compelling turn in Shirley's life came after the passing of her father, which uncovered a family history ripe with hardship and survival. His hidden past became the spark for her foray into the literary world, blending the lines between truth and fiction in her writing. 

In this episode Shirley also shares her insight into the challenges and triumphs of publishing and self-promotion, her journey through the publishing industry is an encouraging tale for aspiring writers, emphasizing that with dedication and a bit of luck, the dream of seeing one's work in print can become a reality.

CreativityFound.co.uk
Instagram: @creativityfoundpodcast
Facebook: @creativityfoundpodcast and Creativity Found group
YouTube @creativityfoundpodcast
Pinterest: @creativityfound

Researched, edited and produced by Claire Waite Brown
Music: Day Trips by Ketsa Undercover / Ketsa Creative Commons License Free Music Archive - Ketsa - Day Trips
Artworks: Emily Portnoi emilyportnoi.co.uk
Photo: Ella Pallet

Join Pepli, the all-in-one app for creatives to monetize, build community and grow.

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Podcast recorded with Riverside and hosted by Buzzsprout

2023 Great Pottery Throw Down contestant Rebecca Norris tells me how she reignited her creative flame through pottery while navigating the demands of a teaching career.
Rebecca was brought up in Northern England, where working-class values often overshadowed her artistic ambitions. She recounts finding solace in art during her school years and the subsequent pressure to prioritize a pragmatic career over her creative interests. Yet, despite these challenges, Rebecca's story is a beacon of inspiration, showcasing her ability to weave creativity into her life, teaching pottery workshops, crafting her own pieces, and imparting her knowledge at a local art school.
Rebecca studied politics and English, although she didn’t get along with ‘traditional’ university, so changed to home study instead, and emigrated from the UK to Australia with her husband and son.
While working in teaching, and after a significant health struggle, Rebecca made the decision to try as many craft disciplines as she could, and began reconnecting with her artistic side.
And for those with a penchant for behind-the-scenes insights, Rebecca takes us through the labyrinth of emotions that came with her stint on the Great Pottery Throw Down. From the initial nerves of the application process to the empowering environment of the show, Rebecca's experience as a contestant reveals the deep connection between creativity and emotional well-being.
Finally, as we discuss the complexities of pursuing a creative path post-show, Rebecca candidly discusses her future aspirations and the community support that sustains her.
 
CreativityFound.co.uk
Instagram: @creativityfoundpodcast
Facebook: @creativityfoundpodcast and Creativity Found group
YouTube @creativityfoundpodcast
Pinterest: @creativityfound
Twitter: @creativityfoun

Researched, edited and produced by Claire Waite Brown
Music: Day Trips by Ketsa Undercover / Ketsa Creative Commons License Free Music Archive - Ketsa - Day Trips
Artworks: Emily Portnoi emilyportnoi.co.uk
Photo: Ella Pallet

Join Pepli, the all-in-one app for creatives to monetize, build community and grow.

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Podcast recorded with Riverside and hosted by Buzzsprout

How a group of senior ex-servicemen and women experience the calming and therapeutic facets of pottery, and through that explore human connection, creativity, and the sheer joy of crafting.
I was invited by Emily Chilvers to Royal Hospital Chelsea to find out more about the pottery sessions she runs there, to meet and chat with some of the pensioners that enjoy spending time in the pottery studio and, of course, to see what they’ve been making.
The benefits of pottery extend far beyond the act of moulding clay. For many of the residents partaking in the sessions, pottery is a form of self-expression and a source of joy, a weekly process that helps them to navigate personal challenges and discover new aspects of themselves. This episode delves into the therapeutic benefits of pottery, and how the tactile nature of working with clay provides a tangible connection, a sense of identity, and an avenue for creativity. For those who may lack physical touch, moulding clay becomes a comforting and sensory experience.
Moreover, the pottery sessions offer an opportunity for social interaction. The pensioners involved in the classes at Royal Hospital Chelsea have formed a supportive community. They share experiences, learn from each other, and celebrate each other's creations.
In this episode with Emily and some of the potting pensioners, I learn that pottery can be a medium of therapy, self-expression, and connection. 
You can also see the potters' work featured on our YouTube channel, Creativity Found Podcast.

If you found value in this episode and would like to show your appreciation, consider supporting the podcast through the Support the Show link, or by sending a boostagram , for example in the Fountain app.

CreativityFound.co.uk
Instagram: @creativityfoundpodcast
Facebook: @creativityfoundpodcast and Creativity Found group
YouTube @creativityfoundpodcast
Pinterest: @creativityfound
Twitter: @creativityfoun

Researched, edited and produced by Claire Waite Brown
Music: Day Trips by Ketsa Undercover / Ketsa Creative Commons License Free Music Archive - Ketsa - Day Trips
Artworks: Emily Portnoi emilyportnoi.co.uk
Photo: Ella Pallet

Join Pepli, the all-in-one app for creatives to monetize, build community and grow.

Support the show

Follow @CreativityFoundPodcast on Instagram

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Podcast recorded with Riverside and hosted by Buzzsprout

Remember the joy of finger painting as a child or the thrill of your first dance recital? As adults, we often lose touch with these creative pursuits, trading them in for routine and productivity. In this episode of the Feminine Roadmap podcast, Claire Waite Brown (that's me!), the creative mind behind Creativity Found, is here to challenge this notion. She shares her personal journey of reconnecting with her love for the arts, culminating in the formation of an online community for creative learners and educators.
 Claire and host, Gina Farrar, dive deep into the topic of creativity, exploring its diverse forms and debunking some of its misconceptions. We discuss how creativity is not only confined to traditional art forms, but can be expressed in our everyday lives. We share insights on how to overcome the fear of judgement, the pressure of perfection, and the power of embracing our unique creative expressions. We also highlight lessons from Claire's dance and drama classes, illuminating the beauty of being present in the moment and the joy of free expression.
 In the final part of the conversation, Claire touches upon the opportunities of midlife, a period ripe for personal growth and self-discovery. She provides strategies to navigate this stage, urging listeners to step out of their comfort zones and embrace new experiences.
 Claire talks about the myriad creative activities to be found at her website creativityfound.co.uk, and the added benefits she gleans from supporting small businesses who want to reintroduce the joy and playfulness of creativity into our adult lives.
So, why not take a leap and tune in to explore your creative side? You might just surprise yourself!

CreativityFound.co.uk
Instagram: @creativityfoundpodcast
Facebook: @creativityfoundpodcast and Creativity Found group
YouTube @creativityfoundpodcast
Pinterest: @creativityfound
Twitter: @creativityfoun

Researched, edited and produced by Claire Waite Brown
Music: Day Trips by Ketsa Undercover / Ketsa Creative Commons License Free Music Archive - Ketsa - Day Trips
Artworks: Emily Portnoi emilyportnoi.co.uk
Photo: Ella Pallet

Join Pepli, the all-in-one app for creatives to monetize, build community and grow.

Support the show

Follow @CreativityFoundPodcast on Instagram

Want to be a guest on Creativity Found? Send me a message on PodMatch, here

Podcast recorded with Riverside and hosted by Buzzsprout