31: Using Creative and Sustainable Technology to Solve 21st Century Problems with Mark Dorfman

The natural world is filled with so much creative inspiration. Artists and designers often look to nature when deciding the shape and form of their creative works, but have you stopped to consider how we might mimic how the natural world functions? Biomimicry is the study of how nature is already solving some of the toughest problems facing mankind. These scientists, designers, and engineers are using creativity in a truly fascinating and innovative way. I know you are going to enjoy learning about this vast topic with my guest, Mark Dorfman.
Mark Dorfman is a Chemist working for Biomimicry 3.8, a consulting firm focused on making the planet more sustainable through innovative design and creative problem-solving. Mark understand that there is so much humans have to learn from the natural processes going on around us. We can then mimic the processes and methods nature employs to innovate and imagine a cleaner, more efficient, and definitely more beautiful world.
Today, we are talking about why innovation can be daunting, but why it is such an opportunity for humanity to grow. We will be pushing the limits, solving the world’s problems, and seeing why failure can actually be fun! All of this and much more will be waiting for you in today’s episode. I know you are really going to enjoy Mark’s unique perspective on creativity!
More in this episode:

• How Biomimicry 3.8 is trying to shape the world through creative innovations.
• Using chemistry to solve pollution problems.
• Understanding color by studying some of the most beautiful organisms on the earth!
• We can look to the ecosystems to turn waste into byproducts that can be repurposed.
• Mark dreams of factories that improve the environment, rather than degrade them.
• Hear how the wings of a butterfly might change the way we make glitter!
• How Biomimicry 3.8 tackles the tough problems.
• Mark shares some of his favorite forms to study in nature.
• Why Mark first became interested in Biomimicry.
• We have the power to change the markets if we demand life-friendly substances.
• Hear all of Mark’s thoughts on creative problem-solving.
• It is so fun to create!

Links:
Mark Dorfman
Biomimicry 3.8

Check out this episode!

Getting busy around here!

 I'm getting excited about Creativation in Phoenix in a week and a Deconstructed Workshop with Jen Cushman for Charity Wings in 2 weeks. Will I have the energy for BlogHer Health in NYC after that? We'll see.

Podfest in Orlando, FL is coming up soon, too. The annual AMWA meeting in Philadelphia will be held in March, and then I think no more conferences nor travel until the summer. As I contemplate my trips, Cal has been looking at brochures for ocean cruises. I think I like the idea of another river cruise better. Maybe even one here in the USA? I believe that a lot of travel this year will be just too much.

I'm going to take a style class in journalism at a local junior college, too. There are some sticking points of grammar I need to work on, and I need to understand AP style requirements. I remind myself that more writing is always a helpful thing every time I write a blog post or prepare scripts for A Creative Approach Podcast. Getting a critique in a class on ones writing is a little nerve-wracking, but it is an excellent way to learn.

I'm just not finding time for art. I may need to enroll in a class later this year to get me going on projects I want to do but have not made time for them. I am creating, though. I entered the Lilypad's month of challenges, where one creates a scrapbook page a day that meets specific criteria. I may not stay the course with so much happening this month. Here are my first Baker's dozen entries. Details about the layouts can be found on my Facebook page. You'll notice that I've repeated a few templates. These designs have proved versatile and it's interesting to see how they adapt to different photos and themes.

Love,

Karen🐞

30: The Unlimited Creativity of Online and Offline Scrap-booking with Jill Sprott

Creativity is allowed to grow and flourish in a community. We see it in just about every art or craft. Thanks to the internet, we are more connected to fellow crafters than ever before, and the results are stunning. Together, we can share stories, draw inspiration, and give perspective. The more connections we make, the deeper our wellspring of creativity seems to run. My guest today, Jill Sprott, knows that all too well. She is using her creativity to celebrate the diverse collection of artists that have joined together over scrapbooking and storytelling. Today, she is going to show us how the two go hand-in-hand.
Born and raised in Hawaii, Jill was encouraged by her mother and teachers to stretch her creative muscles. For a long time, Jill only expressed her creativity through writing. She found poetry and journaling to be the best medium to share her stories, but many times she found herself drawn to visual images as the best means of communication. After becoming an English teacher, Jill was introduced to Scrapbooking. Though at first she only thought of it as “pictures and stickers,” Jill realized that a scrapbook might be an excellent storytelling device.
Just like poetry can give form to our most personal stories, scrapbooks offer the same kind of form and structure. It is a blank canvas and a chance to make your mark. For Jill, taking part of the online scrapbooking community opened the door to the rest of the world. Now, she is giving back by teaching online classes and sharing her creative inspiration through writing. I know you will enjoy hearing how Jill has married writing and scrapbooking. She has made some incredible pieces, and I can’t wait for you to hear all about it. The creative community is a wonderful place to be, and I am so happy you are here with me.
More in this episode:

• Jill tells us all about the many things she is interested in.
• Learn where you can find Jill’s scrapbooking endeavors.
• The online scrapbooking community is somewhat of a lifeline.
• Creativity is a kind of sanctuary from fear.
• Writing and visual art can go hand-in-hand.
• Jill was more reluctant to start scrapbooking, but she quickly found her niche.
• We want to celebrate the diversity in the community.
• Jill shares what it is like to grow up in Hawaii.
• Mothers and teachers can be the most inspiring cultivators of creativity.
• The various challenges of online v. in-person classes.

Links and Resources
Jill’s blog: Word Play Word Work
Get It Scrapped: Debbie Hodge

Check out this episode!

Capture!

My "word" for 2018 is Capture. I want to take more intentional photographs, "seize the day," and document more stories in scrapbook pages, blog posts and on my podcast, A Creative Approach.
I have been reflecting on how there is so little time in each day, it rushes by so quickly as we get older. Now, that is not all bad. Some days, weeks, months and even years are best when they are ended rapidly. Still, one thing about being in the latter part of one's existence is the sense of privilege and gratitude we have that life has given us so much. Some of it too painful for words; that is true. Yet, many do not have such good fortune to make it through. There are opportunities in the days ahead, no matter how short, for those of us still here.
I picked Capture because it has a sense of action and purpose. I look forward to new adventures. I want to tell stories of past, present, and future.
Let's be hopeful for an incredible year ahead as we enter 2018.
May it be a creative time. My wishes are that we will be brave and capture as much experience, learning, and joy as we can.

Here are just a few pages I've been creating recently -

Page details and supplies can be found on my Facebook page.

I have been working on a few scrapbook templates that I will share soon. I hope many of you found 12 days to document in this Advent/Christmas season. If you need more time, remember that Eastern Orthodox Christmas (Ukranian Christmas to me) doesn't even begin until January 7!

Love,

Karen🐞