It's a nightmare! It's a curse to have so many creative passions and talents. No it's a blessing, but one that needs an individual approach to make it work. In this video I talk about mine that helps me to do all of them justice and to stay sane. How are you doing it? Let me know in the comments! Lots of love, Romana xx
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Hey lovelies, I hope this finds you well and you're holding up! As I was researching for an online lockdown session I’m going to hold in a few days for Raindance, on the 12th of May, on writing compelling dialogues to support what I am going to share about my own approach and my experience in this area. There was a passage in one of the books I read on that topic that said that no one wants to be vulnerable and neither does anyone want to see vulnerable people. I totally disagree with that. The characters I find most compelling, whether it is on screen, on the page or on stage are the ones who are vulnerable. One of the actresses I find most interesting to watch is Marion Cotilliard, because, whatever role she is playing, she allows to let some vulnerability shine through and this is exactly what makes them so multi-dimensional and engaging. I think vulnerability is very important and it is what allows real deep connection. In life, naturally, and of course also in our creativity. When we create it comes from a very personal place. Sometimes more, sometimes less, but it’s not detachable from who we really are. That’s why it can be so scary to share our work with others. What if they don’t like it? What if they don’t get me? Why is vulnerability so vital for our creativity? Because it is essential for the authenticity of our work. It is what makes our work unique. It is what makes it different and new. Does that mean everybody will have to admire this? No. Not everybody will get it. Not everyone will be able to connect with your creative work. That is not the point, though. You’re creating art first for yourself and second for others. You do it to express something you want to say or share. You will find your audience. Does being vulnerable mean I will always show exactly how I feel. No! That would get you into trouble ;) I wouldn’t feel comfortable and honestly, I struggle with emotions I really don’t want others to see in me, but creativity can be a very healthy outlet for those emotions. On the page, in front of the camera, on the dance floor is a lot of space to give your emotions room to do their thing. It can be rough, but in vulnerability lies a truthfulness that is immensely beautiful! So, coming back to what inspired this video today. I think that vulnerability is essential for your creativity! Practice it in an area where you feel safe enough. For me the dancefloor is a pretty good place for that. But so is the page. What do you think about this topic? Let me know in the comments under the video. Lots of love, Romana xx P.S.: Here are the links to mentioned Lockdown Sessions: 12 Mai 2020: Writing compelling dialogue 19 Mai 2020: Working with actors 26 Mai 2020: Working with children
Hey loves,
Stanford study Why is walking so powerful when it comes to our creativity? Besides the health benefits, walking is another immensely potent tool to boost creativity and focus. In this Stanford study they have found out that "creative thinking improves while a person is walking and shortly thereafter, according to a study co-authored by Marily Oppezzo, a Stanford doctoral graduate in educational psychology, and Daniel Schwartz, a professor at Stanford Graduate School of Education. The study found that walking indoors or outdoors similarly boosted creative inspiration. The act of walking itself, and not the environment, was the main factor. Across the board, creativity levels were consistently and significantly higher for those walking compared to those sitting." Under „normal circumstances“ I go for a half hour walk right after I have dropped of my little one at kindergarten, and afterwards I feel how my brain is ready for any task, in particular any creative task. Whenever I get stuck with my creative work a brief walk will help to unravel whatever is blocking to process. Whenever I work on characters, whether it is as an actor or as a writer, walking helps to dive deeper into them and to discover what I need to get them to the next level. I call this „walking pregnant with my characters“. It also is amazing when I feel challenged with a situation, whether it is because I‘m stressed by something or confused. A brisk walk will help me calm and or find a solution Even though I‘m not checking my phone or taking phone calls during those walks I need it with me to record the ideas that pop up. I have so many recordings of dialogues or scene elements on my phone just from those walks. This is immensely helpful when I return to my desk and I can just type whatever I have come up with right away. There are endless other benefits, but I challenge you to just try it out. Go for a walk. Start with 15-20 Minutes. If you can‘t go outside, the study mentioned above states that it is equally beneficial to walk indoors as it is about the movement. Okay I rather walk outside in nature, but if that isn‘t an option I think it‘s worth trying however it is possible. Let me know how it works for you! Lots of love, Romana xx
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Do you write morning pages or diary?
What's your experience with it? Have a lovely Sunday! Lots of love, Romana xxx
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Hey lovelies :) Today I'm going to share some tools with you that help me find inspiration and also a way to "storage" those little sparks until I can do something with them. The secret is my Inspiration journal. Be inspired. Be creative. And stay healthy! Lots of love, Romana xx Hey lovelies, There is this dreaded topic of feedback. I don't know how you're dealing with it. I tend to be really scared when I receive it. At the same time I appreciate the value of constructive feedback, but does that make it easier when someone isn't agreeing about everything you have created? Today I'm talking about my strategy that helps me to deal with feedback so that I get the most out of it and it will help me improve my work. I also discuss how feedback has to be approached differently depending on your level of experience in that field and at what stage your work is. Enjoy and feel free to share with anyone who might benefit from this! Lots of love, Romana xx Hey everyone, What if someone is telling you that you're should stick to your day job? Even though you've only just begun? Should you give up? N O !!! In this video I'm talking about all those people who think they are entitled to judge you and your work and how you can deal with them. Stay creative. Stay healthy. Stay joyful. Romana xx
Hi my loves,
This is the second part of my thoughts on accepting and loving your inner artist. I'm sharing more ideas on how to plan your artist's date taking our current situation into consideration. Here is the link to the DIY play do(ug)h recipe. Lots of love, Romana xx
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Hey there!
Most of us have heard one or another negative believe about artists. These impact us and the way we look at ourselves as creatives. Besides introducing some powerful tools that have helped me to learn to love and accept myself as an artist I also offer some ideas about what you can do to nourish your inner artist while you are stuck at home. The recipe for my DIY Play-Do(ug)h is underneath the video. Lots of love, Romana xx
DIY PLAY DO(UG)H
Ingredients: 200g plain flower 100g salt 2 Tbsp citric acid 3 Tbsp neutral oil (e.g. sunflower oil) 3-4 different food colours (gel colours!) Put all ingredients except the food colours in a big mixing bowl and knead them either with your hands or with a hand mixer (with dough hook attachment) until you have a play do(ug)h like consistency. Then divide the dough in 3-4 equal pieces and add a few drops of food colour to one of these dough balls. Knead the colour in. Start with only a few drops and add more if you wish a more intense color. Repeat with with the other colours and the left over dough balls. The play dough will keep fresh up to 6 months if stored in airtight containers. Book mentioned in the video: The Artists Way
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In today's video I'm talking about the question whether it is possible to be successfully active in more than one creative area? Do you have to decide for one area or are you sacrificing "perfection" if you are not focusing on just one? Be inspired * Be joyful * Be creative Romana xx |
AuthorRomana Carén is an actress, film and theater maker (writer & director), and singing instructor sharing her experience with juggling all her creative interests, the struggle to feel that you have to decide to be good at one of them, to constantly feel the drive to learn more, learn something new and how this inner artist can be set free to express itself in a healthy and fruitful way. ArchivesCategories |
Romana Carén | THE VERSATILE ARTIST |
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