At the time, I never knew I was having the creative royalty of childhoods, growing up on a King Country farm where the abundance of life and opportunity for adventure were everywhere. My parents were post-war children, and remarkable at ‘living on the smell of an oily rag’, which made for a rich blend of self-sufficiency and creative endeavour.

The house cow, chooks, pigs and the most amazing all year round vegetable garden were the grocery store. My mother was the most incredible seamstress, home maker, interior designer, knitter, quilt maker, chef, handicraft creator and gardener. My father a subtle teacher of all things rural: horse riding, feeding out, shearing, dog handling, animal husbandry, farming, reading, poetry, people and singing. My siblings were ready made companions, competitors, farm and nature adventure seekers and friends.

None of these things at that time were described as creative or artistic – they were deemed essential for running a home, a farm and raising a family. It was a way of life that rural women particularly had back then, when the sharing of produce, recipes, patterns and experiences of raising children was the norm. Outings typically included walks around the gardens of family and friends, with the sharing of cuttings, garden ideas and knowledge about what grew well where and when. It was the most precious creative blueprint imaginable.

Throughout my life, I have sought artistic experiences either by looking through the lens of galleries, exhibitions, gardens, markets and friends’ art, or through attending various art, music and creative classes. For the last 20 years, I have always had a creative place in my home, typically in my home office.

Whilst doing my PhD, I realised the amazing benefits from being creative. Learning to become an academic researcher mid-life was certainly the biggest marathon I had ever attempted and completed to date. There were so many times when I could have stopped. So many times. It was my art and creative self that pulled me through, got me to the end and over the line.

I offer a range of coaching and workshops for individuals and groups looking for ways to ignite their creative selves and bring more happiness and joy into their lives. For some this may include seeking to understand and break through psychological barriers and inner self-messages so as to allow yourself to now be creative.

Check out my website to find out more about me and what is on offer: www.mandylacyconsulting.nz/creativepassion