Category: creativity

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.

creativity

Wonder: Do what you can where you are

Christa Avampato
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A short distance ahead

“We can only see a short distance ahead, but we can see plenty there that needs to be done.” ~Alan Turing

We can now see further than at any other time in history. Social media, virtual reality, and a news industry that reports in real time through rich media can take us to any corner of the world with a few clicks.

In terms of time, we can only see and know this moment. We can only forecast and hypothesize about later today, tomorrow, next month, and next year. We’ll know how it all shakes out once we get there. For now, let’s just make the most of what we have and know and can do right now, from wherever we are, using whatever we have. If we can all do that, we’ll be able to build a better world together. It all adds up.

creativity

Wonder: Journey to who you are

Christa Avampato
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Rapper DDm at Renwick Gallery for Creative Mornings Washington, D.C.

“You find who you are by seeing it. It takes a journey to develop your voice.” ~Rapper DDm at Creative Mornings Washington, D.C.

I was blown away by the Creative Mornings event with DDm about the power of language. He redefined language as our entire presence – what we say, what we do, and how we look. Hundreds of creative people sat enraptured at 8:30am in the main room at the Renwick Gallery on Friday. We laughed and we learned, together. Language conveys who we are. To learn who we are, we need to explore.

So get out there, way out there. Leave your comfort zone. Try new things. Meet new people. Put yourself in a place that inspires you. Be around people who are proud of who they are, and who celebrate your unique perspective. Learn something that you’ve always been curious about. Create something beautiful. Be shiny. Do something that makes you smile for the joy it brings you. Find your voice, and use it.

 

creativity

Wonder: Born to live

Christa Avampato

Do-more-than-just-exist“The purpose of this glorious life is not simply to endure it, but to soar, stumble, and flourish as you learn to fall in love with existence. We were born to live my dear not to merely exist.” ~Becca Lee

I’ve spent the last few days taking in the sky. I walk to work, and during the blizzard this weekend I went outside very little. For the past couple of days I’ve been walking the same route I’ve been taking since May, but it looks different now. It’s not just the snow. It’s me. I’ve missed this route, the time to walk, think, and notice the world. The sky is open and soothing. The winter sun has this pure, cool light that’s calming and rejuvenating. I realized this morning as I walked through Rock Creek Park that everything really is going to be okay. It’s not okay now. It won’t be okay today. But eventually, it’s going to be fine. I just have to keep showing up, taking care of people, and doing my best to make my corner of the world a little bit better than it was yesterday. And that’s my way of really living.

creativity

Wonder: Getting to work in Washington, D.C.

Christa Avampato
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Rock Creek Park, January 2016

My neighborhood is still buried in snow four days after the blizzard. The Federal government and school were closed on Tuesday, but my office was opened so off I went. The buses aren’t running and the metro had significant delays so I hoofed it. 2.5 miles over snowbanks and through the woods, across snow-packed streets, and through puddles of slush. It was fun, actually. The people I saw along the way (on the mostly deserted streets) smiled wide and said good morning. We stopped to let traffic go by and made bets about how long it would take for these snowbanks to melt. The view was worth it. I finally found a river I could skate away on, in Rock Creek Park. Joni Mitchell would be proud.

creativity

Wonder: You’ve got to set and meet your standards

Christa Avampato

iStock_000001171305checklistThis week I’m dealing with people challenging my gut. I know the right thing to do. I know the standards I have to hold – for myself and for others. Of course high standards are frightening for those who don’t want to be held accountable and don’t have a strong work ethic. I have to push ahead in spite of people who are like this. I know what I need to do and I know how to get it done. The standards that you set for yourself are the ones you have to live by.