Month: February 2016

creativity

Wonder: The power of reaching out to people you admire

Christa Avampato

writingI’m a big fan of reaching out to people I admire – authors, activists, business leaders, politicians, and anyone doing a passion project that I find interesting. I write cards, email, use Twitter – whatever method seems best suited to them.

Every time I’ve gotten a reply, it’s been a wonderful honor. Sometimes it’s just a lovely exchange. Other times it’s led to conversations that have then led to job offers, joint projects, and mentorship. I never go into these points of connection wanting anything except to thank them, to say how much I admire the work the person is doing and how it’s impacted my life.

So if there’s someone you admire, someone who’s work has really been of value to you, reach out. Tell them. Let them know that what they’re doing matters to you. We all need a little encouragement. We all need to know that what we’re doing is making the world better in some way. Be that person who helps someone continue to do the work they love to do.

creativity

Wonder: Find your tribe – A lesson from Teach for America

Christa Avampato
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At the main event for Teach for America’s 25th anniversary summit

There are so many things that I will say in the coming days and weeks about this weekend celebrating Teach for America’s 25th anniversary summit. I feel more hopeful – for the world, our children, and myself – than I have in a very long time. I also feel an urgency to speak up, show up, and never give up on the causes that matter most to me. One of those causes in ensuring that all children – particularly those like me who are low income and high potential – have an equal shot at building a life they love through obtaining a high-quality education. I spent the weekend surrounded by 15,000 people who have this same passion and drive, and it was nothing short of exhilarating to talk to them, hear from them, and be united with them.

My education saved my life. I am not unique in that. Education saves children all over this country every day. And it also loses them. It falls short and disappoints them. Significant gains have been made, especially here in D.C. which is the fastest improving urban school system in the country, but they are not enough. We still have so much to do.

We are only part of the way through our climb. This weekend I found people who can help me keep climbing, and whom I can assist in their climb. Find your tribe. Together we rise.

creativity

Wonder: Spend some time alone

Christa Avampato
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Artist at work

“Without great solitude, no serious work is possible.” ~ Picasso

I’m an extrovert by nature and I love to be around people. However, I do my best creative work alone. My alone time allows me to focus and let my imagination run wild. My mind, spirit, and heart need that time on my own to reflect, and that reflection is crucial to my personal growth as a person and as an artist.

I relish the solitude when I can get it. I use the time alone to build something beautiful purely for the joy of using my imagination. If we let it, creativity will fill every moment.

creativity

Wonder: Teach for America Turns 25

Christa Avampato

1445010500“The whole purpose of education is to turn mirrors into windows.” ~Sydney J. Harris

Starting today, I’ll be spending the weekend celebrating the 25th birthday of Teach for America (TFA) at their summit here in D.C. I’m attending the summit for my own professional development and to spend the weekend with 17,000 other people (literally) who are as passionate about education as I am. I could use a healthy dose of inspiration (couldn’t we all?!), and I’m sure it will be around every corner this weekend. I’ll let you know what I find. Bring on the windows. Happy 25th, TFA!

creativity

Wonder: Find utility in everything

Christa Avampato
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Dance!

“Be patient and strong, for someday this pain will be useful to you.” ~Ovid

Here’s what I’ve learned: good, bad, or indifferent, every experience we have, person we encounter, and place we go is useful. It shapes us into who we are and who we will become. The good times and the tough times are all necessary. So if you’re having a good time, dance. And if you’re having a tough time, dance. Dance because what happening to you right now is contributing to the wonder that is you, and you are wonderful.

creativity

Wonder: Love is an art

Christa Avampato

AAEAAQAAAAAAAAOGAAAAJGJmMTg4ZmE3LWQwMjMtNDBhMC1hZGY1LTFmZGFkMzViMGE2Yg“There is nothing more truly artistic than to love people.” ~Vincent van Gogh

Taking care of people is the most noble work we can do. It takes effort and energy, and I’ve always found it be my favorite work in my personal and professional life. I’m beyond lucky to have so many people from so many areas of my life who mean the world to me. They’re my greatest gifts, and every day I’m grateful for them. They make this whole wild ride of life worthwhile.

creativity

Wonder: You can be everything

Christa Avampato
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Collage amalgamation tribute to Steve Jobs by artist Charis Tsevis

“You don’t have to just be this or that. You can be all of it. You can be an amalgamation.” ~Rapper DDm at Creative Mornings DC at Renwick Gallery

I’m still thinking about Rapper DDm’s presentation about language and identity at the Creative Mornings DC talk. I’m still energized and inspired by his words, his decision, and his encouragement to be everything that we are. From Diana Ross to Li’l Kim to the influences of ancient fashion from the Moors to the rough streets of West Baltimore, DDm put all of that inspiration into a mixing bowl to invent himself, his look, his language, and his art. And he continues to reinvent, learn, grow, evolve, and experiment. The only thing he sets in stone is his right to be exactly who is in every moment on his terms.

That’s a right we all have—to joyfully be who we are, to make the decisions that are right for us, and to live the lives we want to live. Embrace your own unique brand of madness. Surround yourself with people who support that journey. Have the confidence to be exactly who you are and to become all that you want to become.

 

creativity

Wonder: Black History Photo Archive Discovered at The New York Times

Christa Avampato
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George Tames/The New York Times

In honor of Black History Month, The New York Times is publishing never-before-seen photographs that depict powerful moments in black history. It’s unclear why the negatives of these photographs were buried for so long in yellowed aging envelopes in its archives. I hope that story eventually comes to light. In the meantime, the Times will add new photos to this website as it curates a deep, provocative exploration of race, an exploration that is long overdue.