Embracing Destructive Failure: Finding Creativity in Mistakes and Setbacks

My creativity is fueled by three methods: Memory, using past memories and nostalgia to create meaningful experiences and lasting memories. Obsession, the act of obsessing over an idea until a solution or creation is achieved, although it can be unhealthy. And Failure, the experience of learning from mistakes and turning them into works of art. Mundane tasks and unexpected failures can also spark moments of creativity.

Destructive Failure

When learning something new we often struggle to deal with the failures and also struggle to progress past certain points. One thing I do when trying something new e.g a new ceramic form, is plan to make or create 10 things, the number doesn't matter it could 4 or 9 just what ever suits. Before I start, I commit 100% to destroying everything I make, no exceptions. Even if its the perfect creation, the perfect piece, destroy it. The pressure needs to be off 100% no questions asked. 

The point in this is to remove the pressure, you get the chance to make with no rules, no expectations and nothing too dwell on. Create, destroy and move on. You can do this with anything, a new graphic design, room idea, painting, recipe, just create, destroy and move on. 

Failure is an inevitable part of life, and it's something that we all have to face sooner or later. It can be a dark and discouraging moment, one that can easily make us want to give up and throw in the towel. But it's important to remember that failure is not the end, but rather a new beginning.

In fact, failure can be a powerful source of creativity. When we fail, we're forced to think outside the box, to come up with new solutions and ideas that we might not have considered otherwise. It's in these moments of adversity that we often find our greatest creativity, as we're forced to think differently and explore new possibilities.

We are told to embrace failure, but it's not always that easy. Let's be honest, failure sucks, and no positive yoga move will change that, so instead of embracing it allow your self the chance to be a bit pissed off. It's ok to be upset, the key is letting it go and moving on, fast. Appreciate that something are hard, and get yourself into the right frame of mind. Pick one thing you hate about your failure, this helps you let go and pick one thing you love or learnt, this helps to move forward. 

Failure is not something to be feared or avoided, but rather an opportunity to learn, grow, and create something even better than before. With every failure comes the chance to improve and come back stronger, armed with new insights and a renewed sense of determination.

Remember, failure is not the end, but rather the beginning of a new and exciting journey. Learn from it, and use it to fuel your creativity and drive your success.

Van Gogh was a Dutch post-impressionist painter who struggled to gain recognition during his lifetime. He faced numerous failures, including rejection from art galleries and critics, financial struggles, and mental health issues. In 1888, he suffered a nervous breakdown and was admitted to a mental hospital in Arles, France.

During his time in the hospital, van Gogh continued to paint and create, but he was deeply unhappy with the results. He felt that his work lacked the vitality and energy that he had been striving for. One day, in a fit of frustration, he attacked one of his paintings with a knife, cutting it into pieces.

But rather than giving up in despair, van Gogh saw the potential in the destroyed painting. He took the pieces and rearranged them into a new composition, one that was more vibrant and dynamic than the original. The result was his masterpiece, "Starry Night," a swirling, luminous painting that captures the essence of the night sky.

"Starry Night" has become one of van Gogh's most beloved works, and it's a testament to the power of failure to inspire and transform. In van Gogh's darkest moment, he found a new way to create, and the world is all the richer for it.

We are not all Van Gogh, some ideas and creations are just failures and that’s ok too. The important thing or message here is to learn from our failures, use them, build on them, understand them.