Creativity Found: Finding Creativity Later in Life

What happens when a satellite engineer's hands stop working, and how can creativity emerge from constraint? For Florrie de Havilland, a period of debilitating ill health  meant reimagining her entire career and discovering unexpected joy in the delicate art of calligraphy and the mechanical precision of letterpress printing. Having had a successful career in mechanical engineering, including...

Escaping the horrors of 9/11 on foot, and coming to terms with the experiences through poetry. First released in September 2021 What happens when tragedy collides with creativity? Andrea Carter Brown's journey from accountant to acclaimed poet was forever altered by the events of September 11, 2001, when she fled her apartment just one block from the World Trade Center. Growing up in a home w...

Cruise ships, corporate climbing and a creative philosophy From a young age, Tricia Duffy was immersed in the arts, singing and writing poetry. Leaving school at 16 with no qualifications, Tricia found a way to fulfill her dream of going to America by working on cruise ships, where her passion for entertainment blossomed.  On returning to the UK Tricia transitioned into the television industry, wh...

How age and life experiences can reignite artistic passions long buried beneath the weight of societal expectations.  For this episode I had the pleasure of speaking with Sally Fox, a once-aspiring artist turned leadership consultant. After years of letting grades and external validation dictate her creative identity, Sally bravely broke free from the chains of self-doubt. Now in her 70s, she reve...

Turning trauma into art when the ocean closed. First released in December 2021 Leanne’s father took her snorkelling when she was young, and she fell in love with the ocean then. As a teenager that culture became something she pulled away from because of its associations with a traumatic experience, the details of which her brain blocked out to protect her. Even though she was drawn to the ocean, s...

I'm excited to introduce you to the Multispective Podcast, where real people share their stories, much like we do here at Creativity Found.  Hosted by Jennica Sadhwani, Multispective delves into diverse perspectives on society and culture, showcasing personal narratives that tackle life's challenges head-on.  Hear more about what to expect and, if you’re looking for a podcast that gives...

Replacing the rigidity of council architecture with the vibrancy of bespoke hat design. Janice Charles is the CEO of House of Charles, a bespoke hat-design business that thrives on making the seemingly impossibe, possible. Janice's father instilled in her a belief that she could achieve anything she set her mind to, an ethos illustrated by the unique, architectural headwear she now designs fo...

Initially skeptical about pursuing a career in film, Tyler Schwanke's younger, practical self chose to take a journalism course at college. However, his true calling in film and storytelling beckoned, and he tried out a number of programs, before completing his mixed degree. After college, back in his high-school bedroom at his parents' home, Tyler needed to earn some money, and took a s...

Connecting creativity with personal healing.  Samantha Mackay felt the pressure of conforming to traditional art forms in school, and much later in life found her voice in abstract painting.  In this episode Samantha and I discuss how the pressures of societal expectations can stifle artistic expression, as she shares her journey from a legal career to rediscovering her creative passions.  Samanth...

Initially hesitant about public speaking, Liz Drury's journey unfolds with unexpected twists, from her scientific studies to her current role as a voiceover artist.  As an archeological scientist Liz found unexpected fame from her research on 'prehistoric chewing gum', which catapulted her into the media spotlight.  That sparked her interest in the media world, and Liz volunteered a...

Model and content creator Rachel Peru on finding confidence and a creative spark later in life. Despite facing a lack of belief from educators, Rachel’s early experiences in drama studies and theatre laid a foundation for her creative spirit, which would be reignited much later after significant life changes, including a divorce.  From participating in local charity fashion shows to  signing with...

As the first engineer at a pioneering startup specializing in artificial intelligence, John Guiver’s expertise in mathematics and programming laid the groundwork for his technical career. While still working in this field, John began translating the memoirs of survivors of the 1972 Andes flight disaster, which led to the publication of his own book on the subject, entitled To Play the Game .  Writ...

Through art activities given in care homes and community groups, Dementia Arts Trust has been bringing joy to people living with dementia and their carers for nearly a decade. In this episode, as part of Podcasthon, an initiative to raise awareness for charities worldwide, I chat with trust founders Joanne Robinson and Melissa Haddow about how these art activities build self-esteem, evoke memories...

With a rich background in languages and science, creative pursuits were encouraged during Nancy Dillingham Marks' childhood, but not fully embraced by the young Nancy. On leaving school Nancy's professional life was dominated by analytical roles, and she excelled in various corporate positions, including at Sony Pictures. What Nancy didn't realize at the time was that her path to su...

Cindy Ingram's love for art began early, influenced by Disney classics and a desire to become an animator. With a strong academic focus, Cindy pursued an art history degree and aimed to be a museum educator. However, the reality of museum jobs – limited opportunities and low pay – led her to teaching art in schools instead.  Cindy started her own online business to support art teachers with r...

The Creativity Found Collective is a vibrant community where creativity thrives and everyone supports one another. This bonus episode showcases how being part of the Creativity Found Collective can spark inspiration, foster connections and provide valuable support for creative small business owners. With insights from various members, hear about the importance of collaboration and sharing experien...

Nina Lenton is a business coach and mentor with a rich background in marketing and project management, who in this episode shares her insights into the world of creativity and the importance of nurturing it in both personal and professional realms.  Nina discusses her passion for helping business owners rediscover their creative spark, especially when the daily grind threatens to overshadow their...

Preserving the traditional craft of kilt making. Paula Duncan is a bespoke kilt maker and tutor, with over 11 years of teaching experience, who has adapted her classes to an online format, making it easier for busy adults to embrace their creativity while learning a new skill. Paula teaches students from all walks of life, some seeking to create a single kilt while others aspire to turn their newf...

Running a small business can feel isolating, but finding the right support and community can make all the difference when it comes to achieving your dreams. Sheena Whyatt is a business coach with over 23 years of experience, who loves to help creative entrepreneurs navigate the challenges they face. In this chat Sheena and I discuss the common struggles many small business owners – in any field –...

Explore the transformative power of mosaic art as a mindful and enjoyable way to express yourself. Becky Paton teaches mosaic classes for adults of all abilities, and in this episode she is keen to emphasize that anyone, regardless of their perceived creativity, can create beautiful pieces with the right materials and guidance. Becky tells me about her experiences of creating mosaics with children...

How can engaging in creative activities influence an individual's sense of self and overall fulfillment in life? Shawna Curee was a very creative child, who loved drawing, writing, and creating games with her siblings. A nurturing home and school environment allowed her to freely explore her artistic inclinations, until, inspired by the film Free Willy , Shawna decided she wanted to be a mari...

From self-doubting doodler to skilled graphic facilitator, embracing the messiness of creativity can lead to transformative experiences. Societal pressures initially deterred my guest Ashton Rodenhiser from pursuing the arts in higher education. Instead she went to community college and then on to a role working in parenting programs and prenatal support, followed by transitioning to family suppor...

Oksana Kukurudza's deeply personal writing project titled Sunflowers Bend But Rarely Break , explores her parents' harrowing experiences as forced labourers in Nazi Germany during World War II. Oksana's motivation for writing stems not only from her parents' stories but also from the striking parallels she observes between their experiences and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine....

Creativity and community. Mark Clay's transition into the arts began later in life, sparked by his experiences as a father. He initially engaged in creative activities to facilitate his daughters' artistic explorations, which led him to rediscover his own potential for drawing. This rekindling of creativity served as a form of 'occupational therapy', allowing him to refill his...

Processing the personal struggles through words. A negative experience in a college creative writing class derailed Mary Adkin's writing ambitions for nearly a decade, and sent her on a whole different path than the one she had planned. Mary studied public policy and went to law school, but when it came to working in the legal profession, Mary quickly realized that being a lawyer was not her...