Creativity is not a noun or even a verb—it is a place, a space, a gathering, a union a where—wherein the Divine powers of creativity and the human power of imagination join forces. – Matthew Fox
In its original format, Creating Space was envisioned and brought to life by Karen Hurley Kuchar, our late board president. She hosted online interviews and discussions of creativity and the intersection with spirituality. By hearing from and interacting with active artists about their creative practice and its relationship to their spirituality, we inspire, cultivate and expand the creative impulse within each of us. We invite you to view the recorded interviews and be inspired.
Dorothy Bury Shaw, poet and artist, was the Creating Space guest on February 5, 2023. It was an inspiring hour enjoying the detailed beauty of her artwork along side the poems that expanded our engagement. You can see the full video here.
The best selling author of Remarkably Bright Creatures, Shelby Van Pelt, was the Creating Space guest on November 13, 2022. To learn more about her writing process as well as the journey to the new York Times Best Seller List, see the full video here.
Singer, songwriter, poet and “prairie mystic,” Carrie Newcomer, was the Creating Space guest on March 20, 2022. In the interview Carrie reflects on how she has used her love of “making something” and asking important questions to cultivate a life in music and poetry. See the full interview here.
On January 23, 2022, singer, composer and activist Kathy Sherman was the guest on Creating Space to talk about her creative process and the ways she has used music to foster community. We invite you to watch the video here.
Internationally acclaimed artist, Mary Southard joined Creating Space on October 24, 2021. Her work and her life reflect a dedication to the sacred mysteries and to learning from and caring for the earth. You can see the full interview here.
Glass artist, Robert Lee Fritz was the Creating Space guest on June 13, 2021. He shared his artistic journey and the ways that he uses his art to tell stories, both his own and those of others. You can see the interview here.
Singer, songwriter and activist, Holly Near was the Creating Space guest on May 16, 2021. She talked about her 50 plus years of telling stories and inspiring action through her songs. You can see the full interview here.
On April 18, 2021, Susan Daily joined us from Melbourne Australia to talk about her extensive and varied artistic journey as well as her work mentoring in some of the Aboriginal art centres in Australia. We invite you to view the full video here.
Rose E DeSloover was the Creating Space guest on March 21, 2021. Rose is a conceptual artist whose work challenges you to see art in the everyday items around you. If you missed the event, you can see the video here.
On January 17, 2021, Karen Hurley Kuchar hosted a conversation with Award-Winning Poet and Imagination Activist Glenis Redmond. You can see the full video as well as excerpts with a few of her poems here.
The first Creating Space interview was with Marge Nykaza, the founder of Harmony, Hope & Healing.
It was held on December 6, 2020. If you missed the event, you can see the video here.
Guiding Thoughts
John O’Donahue
The intuition, passion and luminosity of the individual imagination are infused with the urgency of the divine. Thus when we enter into our creativity, we are in the rhythm of the divine creator
Elizabeth Gilbert
The universe buries strange jewels deep within us all, and then stands back to see if we can find them. The hunt to uncover those jewels—that’s creative living.
Jane Hirshfield
Being a poet is a fundamental state of being that is not superficial or distracted, it is inhabiting one’s life and keeping your eyes and ears open.
I don’t make poems, I listen for them
I hope to get back to this spiritually gifted group. Peace and love to you all.