52 Weeks, 52 Activities | A Year of Connection and Growth | Week 5 | Unleash Your Inner Artists: Creating Together, Connecting Deeper

In our daily routines, we often neglect the creative spark within us. Yet, engaging in artistic activities with your spouse can be a surprisingly powerful way to connect, communicate, and grow closer. "Unleash Your Inner Artists" isn't about becoming master painters or sculptors; it's about embracing the creative process, having fun, and discovering new facets of yourselves and your relationship. This post explores how engaging in artistic endeavors can strengthen your bond and even connect you to the creative spirit described in the Hebrew Scriptures.

Why Artistic Activities Strengthen Your Bond

Sharing creative experiences offers a unique set of benefits:

• Enhances Communication: Collaborating on a project requires communication, compromise, and shared decision-making, strengthening your ability to work as a team.
• Sparks New Conversations: The creative process can lead to unexpected conversations, revealing new perspectives and shared interests.
• Reduces Stress and Promotes Relaxation: Engaging in artistic activities can be calming and meditative, offering a welcome escape from daily stressors.
• Creates Shared Memories: The memories you create while working on a project together will become cherished moments in your relationship's history. You can look back on a piece of art that you made together: a painting you both worked on, or a bowl you both made in pottery class, remembering the fun you had together.
• Boosts Self-Esteem and Confidence: Completing a creative project can boost your self-esteem and confidence, both individually and as a couple.

Biblical Inspiration for Creativity

The Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament) highlights GOD as the ultimate Creator, inspiring us to explore our own creative potential:

• Genesis 1:1: "In the beginning Elohim created the heavens and the earth." This foundational verse establishes GOD as the source of all creation, inspiring us to recognize the creative impulse within us as a reflection of His image.
• Exodus 31:1-5: “Then YAH said to Moses, ‘See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and I have filled him with the Spirit of GOD, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills - to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of artistic crafts.’” These verses illustrate GOD’S active involvement in inspiring artistic skill and craftsmanship. It emphasizes the divine origin of creativity, which is Elohim.
• Exodus 35:30-35: These verses further details the skills and abilities given by GOD for artistic endeavors to Bezalel, son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, specifically for building the tabernacle. It highlights the importance of craftsmanship and the value GOD places on creative work.

These scriptures remind us that creativity is a gift, a reflection of GOD’S own creative nature. Engaging in artistic activities can be a way to connect with this spiritual aspect within ourselves.

Ideas to Get Your Creative Juices Flowing

Here are some creative activities you can enjoy together:

1. Painting:

• Canvas Painting: Set up easels, paints, and brushes, and let your creativity flow. Consider a theme, abstract painting, or even portraits of each other.
• Paint and Sip: Many studios offer these classes, combining painting with socializing and enjoying a beverage.
• Pottery Painting: Visit a pottery studio and personalize your own ceramic pieces.

2. Drawing:

• Sketching: Use pencils and sketchbooks to draw each other, your surroundings, or objects you find interesting.
• Doodling: Even simple doodling can be a relaxing and fun activity.
• Collaborative Drawing: Take turns adding to a single drawing, creating a unique and unexpected piece.

3. Sculpting:

• Clay Sculpting: Working with clay is a tactile and therapeutic experience. Try sculpting small figurines or abstract shapes.
• DIY Playdough or Modeling Clay: A playful and nostalgic activity that can bring out your inner child.

4. Music:

• Learn an Instrument Together: Choose an instrument you both find interesting and take lessons together.
• Write a Song: Even without musical expertise, you can collaborate on lyrics or a simple melody.
• Create a Shared Playlist: Curate a playlist of songs that are meaningful to your relationship.

5. Game Night:

• Pictionary: It helps you understand how your spouse interprets and expresses ideas, even when words fail.  
• “Emotion Pictionary” with a Twist: Instead of just drawing objects, couples draw abstract representations of emotions or memories related to your relationship. For example, "our first date," "the best anniversary" or "a shared goal." This adds a layer of emotional depth to the classic Pictionary game, fostering deeper understanding and emotional connection.

6. Other Creative Activities:

• Photography: Go on a photo walk and capture interesting scenes or details. 
• A Photo Shoot: Set up a makeshift photography studio and capture each other’s best moments. Be creative; add props, studio lighting, backgrounds, etc.
• Creative Writing: Try writing a short story, poem, or even a play together.
• DIY Crafts: Explore crafts like knitting, crocheting, or jewelry making.
• Upcycling Projects: Transform old items into something new and creative. Restain or paint a piece of furniture or accessory, giving them a new look, and a new purpose.

Tips for a Successful Creative Date

• Focus on the Process, Not the Product: The goal is connection and enjoyment, not perfection.
• Create a Relaxing Atmosphere: Set the mood with music, candles, or snacks.
• Be Open to Experimentation: Don't be afraid to try new things and step outside your comfort zone.
• Communicate and Collaborate: Talk about your ideas and be willing to compromise.
• Celebrate Your Creations: Appreciate what you've created together, regardless of the outcome.

By unleashing your inner artists, you can discover new ways to connect with your partner, strengthen your bond, and even find a deeper appreciation for the creative spirit within you, a spirit that echoes the very act of creation described in the Hebrew Scriptures.

I hope this blog post has been helpful. If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment below. Shalom