I’m going on holiday for two weeks in August. I am due. July was a massive sprint for work, and now, free of some pesky deadlines, I am relaxing into the idea that I do not have to worry for the two weeks that I will be away. Incidentally, that work thing is why I fell off a little at the end of June and didn’t do #LoveMakeShare creative prompts at all in July. There just wasn’t enough time or brain to go around.
I’m also eager to change my environment. Ontario has had a long history with cottaging, with leaving the cities to be inspired by nature. We are fortunate to have a place in the family we can get away to. Leaving the suburbs and the city to disconnect from technology and reconnect with nature is very exciting. I love the cozy home we’ve made for our family, but I am equally eager for a change of environment. It’s so needed for a reset in perspective and attitude.
In a canoe, on the lake, has always been my happy place. Cedar and canvas under me, a paddle in my hand, and water all around. Coming off the water and settling in to do some creative work is one of the best feelings. As much as I am trying to share some creative prompts here, every element at the cottage acts as its own prompt.
But there are so many amazing built environments too. I love cities, I love fascinating architecture, I love watching the flow of people and things through the places we’ve chosen to develop. I am regularly awed by things we take for granted, like bridges and roadways – the sheer amount of planning and engineering and labour that goes into making the everyday possible.
So the theme for this month’s creative prompts is “environments” – a celebration of the built environments that serve as everyday monuments to human ingenuity and the natural environments that we enjoy, respect, and protect.
August #LoveMakeShare Creative Prompts
1. This month’s theme is “environments.” What immediately comes to mind when you consider that word?
2. How much do natural environments factor into your creative work?
3. In Canada, today is Colonel By Day. The Rideau Canal in Ottawa significantly changed how people and goods moved through the environment. Are there features like this that inform or feature in your work?
4. In the US, today is National Coast Guard Day. Do oceans and coastlines feature in your creative work? If so, how? If not, why not?
5. Do you have any creative plans or priorities for the month?
6. Tell us about a favourite environment in media – books, movies, comics, etc. Why is it special to you?
7. Tell us about an environment that doesn’t work for you in a work you otherwise enjoy. Why does it miss?
8. How much do built environments feature in your creative work?
9. Of natural and built environments, which do you prefer including in your creative work?
10. If you could explore any place you’ve never been, in depth, where would it be and why?
11. Is there anything about the history of a nearby place or environment that fascinates you?
12. It’s the UN’s National Youth Day. Is there an environment from your youth that you have some longing for?
13. What natural material do you like working with the most?
14. What synthetic or manufactured material do you like working with the most?
15. Share a macro or close-up photo of something from your natural environment.
16. We’re in the back half of the month now. How are you doing on your creative goals?
17. It’s National Thrift Shop Day. I find thrift and pawn shops fascinating. Share a favourite thrifted or pawnshop find.
18. Share something that inspired you this month. Doesn’t have to be an environment.
19. Describe a tiny element of your environment in deep physical detail.
20. Describe a broad view of your environment, but emotionally, not physically.
21. What’s the most challenging environment you’ve been in? Has it inspired you creatively?
22. Describe a natural or built environment in one of your creative works that you wish you could visit.
23. Are there themes of environmentalism in your work?
24. Lakes, rivers, seas, or oceans? Explain.
25. If you could spend a year on a creative retreat in a different environment, where would it be?
26. Share something you learned this month.
27. It’s somehow National Burger Day in the UK! Burgers are products of fairgrounds. Are there any environments that lend themselves to particular foods, in your work or in your life?
28. What’s your favourite natural or built environment you’ve been in this month?
29. Are there any environments you hope to spend more time in next month?
30. How do you feel about your progress towards your creative goals this month?
31. Pick something in your environment that is grounding or inspiring you as we move into September.
