Aric Liljegren - Creativity Coach - Cultivating Creativity

For me, creativity is more than a tool for self-expression; it is more than the ability to create a fortunately composed piece of art, perform a well-crafted piece of music or present a monologue with meaning and understanding; it is more than the wellspring for all innovation, scientific discovery and social advancement; and it goes beyond the underpinnings for every mythological construct and spiritual revelation. Creativity is at the very heart of the human experience and absolutely essential to being a well-rounded human being. Our creativity tells the world who we are, gives our life meaning and allows us to leave our mark.

The difference between those who consider themselves to be creative and those who do not often comes down to the amount of exposure they have had to the arts and whether they have given themselves the opportunity to explore this aspect of their humanity.

Raw "talent" is something you are born with (and I firmly believe that nearly everyone has some form of raw creative talent since it is one of the basic ingredients for being human), but skills need to be developed in order to realize one's full creative potential.

Impulses to create (a desire to paint or play music for instance) usually serve as reliable indicators that point to areas of concentrated talent. Once a creative impulse has been identified, it's simply a matter of skill development. Take lessons, get a degree, or engage a mentor and see where it leads.

I believe at my core that the best teacher is one who has not stopped learning himself. I am continuously studying and honing my creativity - currently I am focusing on sculptural/relief casting, digital art, directing and acting.

Born into a family of artists, it is difficult to imagine how I could have taken any other path in my life. With a painter and set designer for a mother, an industrial designer for a father, piano teacher for a grandmother and a music teacher and performer for a grandfather, my life's work seemed destined at an early age. I feel so fortunate to be leading an authentic life - following my bliss and pursuing my own passion for the arts even as I help others find and explore their own creativity.

The breakthrough moments when someone realizes a talent they never knew they had or experiences joy in expressing themselves in some new way fills my soul and reminds me why I do what I do. For all the people who have shared those moments with me at their side, I will borrow a line from my favorite bard and simply say "I can no other answer make but thanks, and thanks, and forever thanks..."

Yours in the arts,
Aric Liljegren

Explore. Share. Grow.

Contact Creativity Coach Aric Liljegren by
phone at (517) 545-0181 or send an email today!