Fluid vision

The parallels between surfing and creativity aren’t too often drawn upon, they are two separate spheres: one, a sport; the other, a concept. However, to look at surfing through the prism of creativity (and vice versa), unearths an inherent affinity.

To successfully cultivate creativity, there’s a congintive release from the confinements of introspective control and self monitoring. Focus is drawn to the task at hand or the unconscious artistry passing through the individual: an improvisation. A state in static poetic flux. The same can be said about surfing, the moment you catch a wave the autobiographical mind turns off and you lose mindful awareness. You become an actor without conscious agency and instead, respond to the immediate environment with reflex rather than tactical and calculated actions.

Creativity occurs often at unexpected times, there’s no way to will yourself into being creative, instead you open yourself to it when it comes. You feel it, as though it were a force coming from behind you so you paddle, you drive yourself forward and allow yourself to be taken with the energy that’s unwinding, it meets you and you’re driven forwards under the volition of the force beneath you, the analytical mind turns automatic. The style you have pours out: we’re merely the instrument of productivity, not the commander.

The momentary lines inscripted on the wave, the brush strokes you make on the canvas, the words you apply on a page, the notes you place on a stave. All unconsciously guided by the energy beneath you. The grace note, the juxtapose, the brush pressure, the hand jive just add to the style you put into the performance.

It’s human nature to create superfluously. We admire the beauty of creative finesse in artistic outlets.