Creative Coach and Writer | Mckella Sawyer

I love the smell of lilac flowers. It reminds me of leaving for school on spring mornings when I was a kid. It makes me feel so hopeful after a long Utah winter.

What does “being creative” mean to you?

To me, it means returning to our natural state. We’re all born with creativity, but over time it becomes clouded with fear, judgement, and expectations.

What is the one myth surrounding creativity you would like to change?

That only a few special people are creative. We’re ALL creative, even if our creativity is expressed differently.

What is your idea of happiness?

Knowing my values and priorities and honoring those by how I live. Being who I am and doing what I love, and not caring what others think.

What scent is most evocative for you? What memories does it bring back?

I love the smell of lilac flowers. It reminds me of leaving for school on spring mornings when I was a kid. It makes me feel so hopeful after a long Utah winter. The smell of fresh tomatoes on the vine reminds me of summer

If you could own one piece of art, what/which one would it be?

This might be cliche, but I LOVE Starry Night by Vincent van Gogh. I love the way he saw the world.

What book is on your bed side table?

I have a stack! Right now, I have Bag of Bones by Stephen King, The Casual Vacancy by JK Rowling, and Change Your Brain, Change Your Body by Daniel Amen.

What is your most precious possession?

This is a tough one because the only things I have that are irreplaceable are my artworks, but I sell those and give them away all the time! I try not to hold on too tightly to anything I own or create because I like to make plenty of room for something new.

It’s cold and rainy and you’re home alone – how do you spend your day?

That kind of weather makes me feel really gloomy, so I’d probably stay in bed with a book, my cat, and a chocolate bar within reach!

Which 3 artists/poets/writers would you most like to have tea with and why?

Jim Henson and JK Rowling because their work shaped my childhood and the person I am today, and probably Leonie Dawson, because she’d be a freaking hoot to have tea with, and her work has influenced my productivity and creative process soooooo much.

If you had the chance to live during a different artistic movement other than now, which one would you choose?

I honestly think that NOW is the greatest time to be a creator, but I think the original Renaissance would be really interesting if I were in the class that had the luxury of creating. How amazing would it be to see the first run of a new Shakespeare play?!

McKella Sawyer is an artist and creative coach. She blends the spiritual and the practical into simple, doable steps to bust through your creative blocks and craft a creative lifestyle that supports your unique expression. To work with her, please visit her website  http://www.mckellasawyer.com

Paintings by McKella Sawyer