My creative spirit and process began on November 29th, 2017, when a friend invited me to a JAY-Z 4:44 concert in Washington, DC. Anyone who has spoken to me about concerts and artists' performances, I bring up this moment because I left that concert questioning myself about "what am I doing with my life?" I felt so inspired to become more creative and think outside the box of what my creative philosophy and ideas were. Since that moment, my life has never been the same. Fast forward to today, I feel like I am one of the most creative individuals of this generation. I would also add academically from fashion to film, television, and other pieces of the entertainment industry. When it comes to bringing creativity into the field of academia - I feel I do that very well.

When reading, Making is Connecting: the social power of creativity, from craft and knitting to digital everything - I wanted to speak to the "Philosophies of Craft," and immediately, this chapter stood out to me due to several points being made as to what it means for someone to be a creative or artists indeed. 

First, the term 'craft' being separated or shoved out of place by an artist is one thing I thought heavily about because I never thought about it. I am reminded of our first reading by Wabi-Sabi, "for Artists, Designers, Philosophers & Poets," and how Wabi-Sabi is someone who highly inspires craftsmen, especially those in home design and decor. For example, when Kanye West was interviewed by David Letterman and part of Kanye West as a creative was his appreciation for architecture. Although Kanye West is known as a music artist and fashion designer, when one is thoroughly creative, they have a fondness and find artistry in most crafts. In conclusion, things that require creatives to work with their hands are not solely appreciated by those who create in this digital age.

I love the quote, "craft becomes a process of making personal self-identity and citizenship." Lately, this has been the process of where I am as a creative, finding my identity and brand in my work. In my process, I am always thinking about how this product or concept connects with me as a person and whether I will find myself in this craft. When I think about the philosophy of skill, that is my philosophy. I want to become one with the art, and when someone sees my craft or feels it, I want them to think of me as the director or creative director. For me, when it comes to fashion, that makes someone like Jerry Lorenzo's fashion brand "Fear of God" so beautiful and unique. He started this trend of browns, and now when you think of it - you think of him and his brand. Ultimately, as a creative craftsman(woman), artists - you find yourself in that art.

Lastly, "...Morris understood 'genuine art' to be 'the expression of man's pleasure". In all honesty, I couldn't agree more. Earlier this year, I sat down and had one of my favorite interviews where I could discuss my creative process, the nature of my crafts, and how connected to my soul, body, and spirit. Everything I have created is an expression of things I naturally find pleasure in. Very seldom is that something people can do is find joy and essentially make the connection.