The Creativity Gene with Matt Gabler
The Creativity Gene Pre-Release Interviews
Over the next few posts, you will discover different creative worlds from a variety of fields. As we progress through these realms, I will be sharing each person’s interpretation of creativity and how it has become part of their life, no matter how big or small. As the book is released, you will be able to take these stories and understand how creativity is a customized skill. I am SO PUMPED to share these messages of creativity with you and look forward to working towards the tools to hone your own creativity!
The Creativity Gene with Matt Gabler
Firstly, today is Matt’s birthday! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BROTHER! Wishing you all the happiness in the world.
Now, onto business, I think it’s safe to say when someone is closer to us, we don’t always pick up on the daily expressions of their creative selves because it just seems to be who they are. This was exactly the case through my interview with Matt. I felt as if I knew him well enough to guess a lot of these answers, but that wasn’t the case. Matt’s creative mindset is so open and inclusive that I was so happy to learn about his perspectives and find out more information about my brother.
I love how this conversation sparked an even deeper interest in the people I interact with daily. There is always something to learn about others, whether you think you know everything about them or not. It is an exciting and humbling experience to know you are trusted with their thoughts, interpretations, and more.
I have actually felt this way through all of these interviews, but it especially hit hard while I was reviewing this specific interaction.
Okay, if you’re familiar with my family you know that we are all creatives in one way or another. This next interview was with my brother, Matt! He expresses himself creatively in many ways, but lately, he has been focusing his creative goals to align with his painting, while he is dabbling through creative translations in poetry. (He’s a poet?! I didn’t even know it!)
I had to know more about the connection between these expressions, so I dug a little deeper and I’ll let Matt share his thoughts.
You used to be writing all of the time, and now you’re also painting! Why the transition?
Matt: Writing down your thoughts can only go so far, so there was a need to express them with paintings to display to others visually what I was feeling.
And what is your favorite topic to contemplate through your art?
Matt: I prefer to focus on love and sadness because those topics anyone and everyone can relate to.
Who is someone you look up to creatively?
Matt: Pablo Picasso is the man I look up to when I need to find a new style or change things up so that painting doesn’t get boring.
How do you get into your flow or zone?
Matt: I get into my flow by getting out of the way of the art. Let the natural movements take over. Instead of thinking and painting and editing/perfecting, I simply walk up to the canvas and let what must happen.
How do you overcome the challenges you face in balancing these expressions?
Matt: I take breaks in between paintings. instead of getting frustrated, I wait a few days, weeks, or months so when I go back to painting it's rewarding.
What is one tool you can’t live without to express yourself?
Matt: Confidence. That is the one and only tool that makes or breaks an artist. I can paint with my hands if I have no brushes, but I wouldn't paint at all if I didn't believe in myself.
For those who have always wanted to paint, but haven’t done so yet, what would you recommend to them?
Matt: I’d tell them to grab a canvas and some paints and take your emotions out on the canvas. Let the creativity flow. Let the painting come alive, don’t edit, don’t stop, and don’t think about anything. Just keep going until you’re satisfied.
How do you want your expressions to impact others?
Matt: I want others to feel comfort from the fact that people understand what they're going through in their life.
To see more about Matt’s artwork and his creative philosophy check out his website here!
Find out more stories like this from Matt and some other amazing creators over the next few weeks in preparation for the release of my new book: The Creativity Gene: 5 Universal Traits to Spark Success!