Madelyn Mulvaney, a.k.a. couragemylove, is a writer and photographer who lives in a house by the sea, with open windows filled with art and music, a boy and a girl, a bunny named Pancakes and a dog named Roxy. She loves morning coffee, film, poetry, vinyl records, old movie theaters, cobalt blue and peonies, Guinness beer and chips, scribbling in notebooks, and wandering and wondering.
And hats. She loves hats.
“Obsessed with the making…”
“If a poet is anybody, he is somebody to whom things ‘made’ matter very little — somebody who is obsessed with the Making. Like all obsessions, the Making has advantages: for instance, my only interest in making money would be to make it. Fortunately, however, I should prefer to make almost anything else, including locomotives and roses. It is with locomotives, not to mention acrobats, spring electricity, Coney Island, the 4th of July, the eyes of mice and Niagara Falls that my poems are competing. They are also competing with each other, with elephants and El Greco.”
— e. e. cummings
Photo by Darlene Kreutzer
When I am in the midst of “the making,” my soul literally vibrates, time is timeless and I have not a thought nor a dream of the “sky-aiming” outcome. I am so in the moment and I am here, I am present in a way that is so beautifully alive and beguiling for, oh, all sorts of reasons. Really, even when I have the most stunning photo or lyrical piece of writing as proof of my creative outburst, it can never replace the wonder of creation. After all, my makings also compete with each other, elephants and El Greco.
Creativity for me is a foray of wandering, wondering, gathering and bringing home different things — my ways of beholding the invisible dragons or chimera around me. It is intensely spiritual, and my rooted connection to nature (where would I be without the sea?) is a vast wellspring of poetic figments and inspiration.
Photo by Madelyn Mulvaney
Each evening at twilight I walk along the crescent-shaped beach where I live by the sea. At a beautiful curve of land near the old pier is a home, large and opulent in its design — often filled with people when I glimpse through the windows. Outside this home on its property facing the sea, is a small one room glass studio. Inside is a piano, a large comfortable chair, stacks of records, books and CDs on an old oak desk. Often I glimpse by the solitary glow of a very faint lamp in this room, a man playing the piano in a reverie of solitude while his large opulent house buzzes with generous activity close by.
Make room, I am reminded, make space, gather time for yourself and your art. It is necessary.
Photo by Madelyn Mulvaney
“Contradictions.”
I have a newfound passion for Polaroid film, and my foray into this old fashioned analog expression is changing my photography as I transition into a closer resemblance of the poetry I wish to express. I have never been happier with my work, and yet, these images are less popular with viewers than my previous work. I feel art is a dialogue once it has been birthed, and we all desire affirmation and love for our work as well as ourselves. So how do I reconcile these polarities of feeling? Art is to be shared, there is room enough in the universe for all of us to support and give one another our time and assistance. I believe with all my heart and soul that every single person alive on this planet is an artist, whether they realize this or not. We all have a story to share, an intimate and beautifully unique way of seeing. I have discovered it is so true that when you teach, you learn.
A final thought: The heart is what matters most of all — creativity is an act of love. Amen.
Visit Maddie’s personal website, Persisting Stars, to learn more about her story and her beautiful work.
What inspires your creativity? How do you balance following your creative impulse versus what others seem to respond to in your work? Tell us in the comments!
76 comments
Sign in to add your ownvintagebutterfly94 says:
In order to make beautiful things, I have to be surrounded with beautiful things. I recently removed everything I didn't love from my shop and have been refreshing the feel of my house. I haven't made anything in awhile, but I can feel the creativity coming to me. Thank you for this lovely post.
2 years ago
adrienneaudrey says:
this video made me miss my old home. 5 mins from the beach. A quiet walk near the ocean is so peaceful.
2 years ago
VirtuoSew says:
Beautiful and inspiring!
2 years ago
RuthBleakley says:
I have unsettling dreams that I've moved to Kansas and suddenly I'm looking around and realize I can't see the ocean anymore! I loved the artist's descriptions of the people living in the "big house"
2 years ago
VerreDesign says:
How inspiring. Thank you:)
2 years ago
laurelinsailor says:
Inspiring. Thank you for sharing!
2 years ago
PrettySnug says:
This is so beautiful, thank you.
2 years ago
sherrytruitt says:
how beautiful and inspiring is this? one day I'm going to be "all at sea" thanks xo
2 years ago
HeartsofTrees says:
Aw I hope to someday live by the sea. This whole post was so inspiring and wonderful.
2 years ago
LoveOwlEyes says:
Beautiful and inspiring. Thank you for sharing.
2 years ago
MagicMarkingsArt says:
Simplicity at its best - your Polaroids and your blog are simply gorgeous. I absolutely love the video art show by the sea.
2 years ago
cozymemories says:
wonderfully beautiful I really enjoyed :) thanks for sharing !
2 years ago
IlluminatedPerfume says:
This is fab, love the artists visions and what she shares. Thank you Etsy!
2 years ago
nanouke says:
I get inspiration from everyday little details. I even realized that I knit with plain wire when I'm calm and relaxed, and use color a lot. When I'm stressed or sad I tend to use beads (more chaotic I guess) and pick up the darker wire colors... I agree with vintagebutterfly94, "In order to make beautiful things, I have to be surrounded with beautiful things." Beautifully said. And beautiful work too!
2 years ago
ArtisticIntentions says:
Beautiful! Great items - ah to live by the sea!
2 years ago
candacejean says:
Such LOVELY work! I really like Madelyn's description of creativity. As far as what inspires my creativity? When/IF I can ever find time for art I'm inspired by nature; flora and fauna, historic fashion and old European artists. I really love the Persisting Stars journal!! Thank you for a very pretty read to brighten my snowy, tired day!
2 years ago
littlecreekboutique says:
I love it! Yes, the sea would be lovely!
2 years ago
bylynnkrestel says:
kansas prairies are there own ocean of sorts... as a kansas born girl living by the ocean...there is lots to love of both!!
2 years ago
elemegibere says:
Inspiring. Thank you for sharing!
2 years ago
trivialpursuit says:
brings to mind, for me, the very first paragraph of Moby Dick...
2 years ago
papercutworks says:
Amen! I love love love polaroid photography too. I use a polaroid theme on my blog PaperCutWorks{InProgress} http://papercutworks.blogspot.com/ but would really like to get my hands on a real camera. Thank you for sharing your inspiring perspective of creating!
2 years ago
shopKCQ says:
interesting comment from vintagebutterfly - i also think it's easier for me to create in an environment where my surroundings can fuel the creativity. If i had a tub, you'd bet that tub caddy would be in my washroom!!
2 years ago
RogueTheory says:
So beautiful...
2 years ago
2TrickPony says:
"creativity is an act of love" I agree, and that must be why it makes us feel so damn good. and obsessed.
2 years ago
manvsgeorge says:
Gorgeous photos! Those would make gorgeous book covers. Publishers, take note!
2 years ago
genisepark says:
Very inspiring. I love idea that everyone is creative and a the need to be surrounded by beauty. Beautiful thoughts on being creative. Thanks
2 years ago
maggiemaevintage says:
beautifully stated!
2 years ago
nowonder says:
beautful! Thank you for shearing, it looks like a lot of work.
2 years ago
greencouchdesign says:
It doesn't get any better than the freedom to create!
2 years ago
meteor says:
those little cute voice of the water...so inspiring :)
2 years ago
EphemeraAndMore says:
Beautiful and nostalgic...Thank you! VintageButterfly, I so agree with you!
2 years ago
afiori says:
I have to create with my heart, soul and according to my vision the entire time. It's as if I NEED to do something and I do it. I obey. Very few times I have tried to create something I thought would be popular, just for the sake of attention and money - I mean, this IS what I do, I have to make a living. BUT - I find that customers actually respond more to the pieces which are really important to me. I ended up taking away those which weren't. The thing I do, though, is to renew certain items more frequently. I know that whenever I renew this collage, for instance: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=40993365 I get new hearts. Same is true with some of my photographs. Then I sneak the new ones in between :)
2 years ago
shannonbatescreates says:
Lovely! Thanks so much for sharing... :)
2 years ago
gmone86 says:
I WANT YOUR CAMERA!
2 years ago
seragun says:
Great items
2 years ago
restlessthings says:
'I have never been happier with my work, and yet, these images are less popular with viewers than my previous work.' I completely identify with this part, it's good to just be brave with your need to create and just make what you need to make regardless of its popularity. I really enjoyed this article - thanks for mentioning my book!
2 years ago
aisle3studio says:
sweet pics! sad polaroid isn't making anymore daylab film to make prints with. that was some funness!
2 years ago
AlmaStoller says:
great! thanks for sharing. Alma
2 years ago
suvarna says:
oh yes, amen, creativity is most certainly an act of love! Beautiful!
2 years ago
ClementinesJewelry says:
So inspiring
2 years ago
CositasSeriasVintage says:
love it!
2 years ago
THINGMAJIG says:
What a way of writing Madelyn has! I feel privileged to have read this article just because it is written so beautifully, let alone the entire idea of inspiration.
2 years ago
poetryjewelry says:
Beautiful article. Very well written and very inspirational.
2 years ago
sparklesandangels says:
"The heart is what matters most of all — creativity is an act of love." How beautiful and true!
2 years ago
1AEON says:
btw love the photos on top!
2 years ago
Iammie says:
Beautiful.
2 years ago
wildcatdesigns says:
Some heartfelt, beautiful and inspiring thoughts. Thanks for sharing :)
2 years ago
MagicLace says:
It is beautiful - thank you so much for sharing!
2 years ago
animalsandicons says:
The mystery of the Poloroid endures. Intriguing artist filled with the creative spark.
2 years ago
Ebrown2503 says:
This article gives new meaning to the term 'Keep in touch'...with yourself. Reading it was like drinking a cozy cup of tea on a cold rainy day. Thanks.
2 years ago
mythunderstood says:
Really beautiful and - yay! - Polaroid is back!
2 years ago
mazuli83 says:
I love it :) Madelyn Mulvaney really know how to use a camera.
2 years ago
paramountvintage says:
i love the short video. the girl's dress and hat look straight out of my closet!!!
2 years ago
imaginebelievecreate says:
a moving piece!
2 years ago
LANCERIKA says:
Wonderfully inspiring! ..to go back in time..
2 years ago
antique says:
Spending time in nature awakens the true self and creates space. Creativity is awakened when space is created in the mind. Honor nature, honor your creativity!
2 years ago
antique says:
honor nature, honor your creativity
2 years ago
BrookeSchmidt says:
I find it interesting that her passion for Polaroid is not echoed by her readers: that, in fact, what brought them to her site - her writing, her thoughts, her expressions - are not in a manner now familiar or embraced by them. So many times we express ourselves with passion, feeling a pure, right connection with our work, and get little or no positive feedback. When that happens with me...hmmm...I guess I just keep listening to my gut and my heart telling me how right this is for me, right now, this way. When I make more of the art that makes people happy, but I don't feel *my* heart really in it, that doesn't feel like the right thing to continue doing.
2 years ago
gogobadger says:
Thank you for this article. It takes me back and reminds me of the "where, when and how" that was my life when I discovered my creativity. It has gotten a bit faded by "doing the business", rather than "living the art".
2 years ago
RobinMariaPedrero says:
You are insightfully poetic, in thoughts, words, and actions..thank you for sharing with all of us!
1 year ago
NotYoMommasHandbag says:
Beautiful....smiles
1 year ago
angelasantos says:
Such LOVELY work!
1 year ago
Natureswildlife says:
You can tell your passion for art and creativity is reflected in everything that you do. Thanks for sharing such a lovely blog.
1 year ago
KathrynGreenwald says:
What a beautiful piece. I know the feeling you describe of being in the now. I just get taken to another place when I'm making art. What a blessing to have this experience.I too feel every person is an artist if they allow it. Thank you.
1 year ago
RiverRed says:
Beautiful photographs. Artistic and creative. You can see the love of art in every one.
1 year ago
RiverRed says:
Very very nice. The love of art shows.
1 year ago
jennyandpearl says:
Beautifully said. Time to reflect and the creative act itself inspire me. Pressures - financial, emotional, physical -squelch my creativity. I have to jump into the process to get it back. Needing to jump right now. This post has inspired me to do just that! www.jennyandpearl.blogspot.com
1 year ago
TheRoyalDetails says:
Some great inspiration, thanks!
1 year ago
ImagineThatCustDesig says:
Thanks Madelyn!!I Love your work!!Thank You For sharing your life pleasures, and the things that inspire you. Most recently I am inspired by my 6 yr. old Granddaughter, I make time to play Hopskotch and four square with her.It keeps me young at heart and connected. Thanks again, Tammy
1 year ago
jnorvelle says:
Beautiful and inspirational, creating is definitely a spiritual connection for me.
1 year ago
MemoryBeanDesigns says:
Inspiring! I wish I could live on the water . . . lol. My inspiration: coffee, a girly movie or some good soulful music, colors, fun frilly girly things, etc.
1 year ago
Lillypicadilly says:
Gentle sweet pictures and writing thank you.
1 year ago
aistheta says:
Thanks for sharing. I especially love the statement..."We all have a story to share, an intimate and beautifully unique way of seeing." This is why I love see other artists work... and hearing there philosophies.
1 year ago
soulfuse says:
Your words resound with me! Thank you for sharing!
1 year ago
LaneyButler says:
You are so lovely, Maddie! xoxo
1 year ago
couragemylove says:
thank you everyone for all your warmth and kind comments ~ for taking the time to leave me feeling all warm and fuzzy
1 year ago