I was inspired to read Austin Kleon's latest book, Don't Call It Art, after reading a review that resonated with my own feelings of stagnation and a lack of spark in my life. As a child, I was full of energy and creativity, but as an adult, I've found myself in a rut, with a predictable routine and a sense of dullness. I knew I needed a boost, and Kleon's book seemed like the perfect solution. Kleon's approach to creativity is refreshing and unique. He emphasizes the importance of play and experimentation, rather than following a structured plan or overthinking. His advice is to become a beginner again, to make time for play, and to create with your hands. I was particularly drawn to his idea of 'daily playtime', where I could sit down with pens, paper, and craft supplies, and just see what happened. I was hesitant at first, feeling self-conscious and silly, but Kleon's encouragement to embrace the silliness was refreshing. He suggests wearing something that makes you feel silly, like an apron, to signal to your brain that it's playtime. I decided to try Kleon's 'blackout poetry' exercise, where I took a newspaper and covered up some words with a permanent marker, leaving others exposed and transforming their sense. It was surprisingly engaging and relaxing, a welcome break from my usual screen-based work. I found myself making time for play and creating with my hands, even if it was just a simple thank you card or a drawing of a scene I saw on a temple wall. Kleon's advice to find what you really, really like and invest in your passions was also eye-opening. He encourages us to follow our curiosity and not be afraid to explore our interests, no matter how unusual they may seem. I decided to get into ancient Egypt, a childlike special interest that felt like discovering a room I didn't know I had. I realized that sometimes, all we need to do is zag, rather than zig, and that's okay. Kleon's message is clear: play is not a frivolous thing, it's essential for keeping our spirit alive. He encourages us to be our own parents, to meet our own needs, and to prioritize playtime, even if it's just for a few minutes a day. I found it difficult to prioritize playtime, even with a dedicated 'play area' in my home. I made excuses and struggled to sit down and create, but Kleon's advice to make tiny experiments and changes in routine helped me realize that even small steps can make a big difference. I'm excited to continue exploring my creativity and embracing the spirit of play, even if it's just for a few minutes a day. I highly recommend Don't Call It Art to anyone feeling stuck or lacking inspiration. Kleon's approach is refreshing and accessible, and his message is one of empowerment and joy. I'm grateful for the spark he's helped me rekindle, and I look forward to continuing my creative journey.
