Hands down “STORY” is one of the most creative, challenging and all around most exciting conferences out there. The theme for 2011 is IMAGINE NATION which speaks to the power of spiritual imagination. In Exodus 35, the artist of Israel came together to build a dwelling place for God. They carved poles, fashioned gold, and constructed curtains “with cherubim woven into them by expert hands.” The job of these artists was to envision the Kindgom and use their gifts to heighten peoples spiritual imaginations. An Imagine Nation.
Join a tribe of creative artists attempting to learn more about their craft, story telling, and imagination. One of the story tellers at STORY this year is NY Times best-selling author Ted Dekker. Dekker’s novels have sold over 5 million copies worldwide and I’m excited to share this interview we did with Ted.
1. What is your best personal definition of a STORY?
A story is an exploration, a clawing at the cracked earth of my experiences in search of a well of life that’s buried somewhere below the surface.
2. What is one way you have found to grow or engage your imagination?
Experiences. I write to explore and discover so I go in search of life. I immerse myself in living because it’s out of that that story emerges.
3. In your experience what is the best nontraditional form or STORY telling you have seen, heard, or experienced?
I don’t know if it’s non-traditional, but I would say dance. No doubt about it. It is one of the purest forms of expression that can communicate humanity in truly unexpected ways. It moves me like nothing else can.
4. If you could encourage a creative person with one tip on being imaginative what would you tell them?
Be fully awake and pay attention. The most imaginative people in the world simply observe life more closely than everyone else and are willing to ask honest questions.
5. What is one thing you are excited about sharing with the tribes attending STORY 2011?
I’m most excited about encouraging them to discover life through their art by telling the truth. A lot of art created today, particularly by people of faith, borders on propaganda. It’s created with an agenda in mind other than telling the truth.
If you’re a writer, filmmaker, artist, performer, entrepreneur, church leader, communicator, or other type of creative, you won’t want to miss STORY 2011.To register, visit HERE or if you need a little more information visit the STORY site.
So we asked this question to Ted but I would love to get your thoughts…
If you could encourage a creative person with one tip what would it be?
My tip would be to read material that is outside of your skill set. If you’re a photographer, read a book about design. If you’re a musician, read something about painting. Bottom line: Continually absorb creative material that is outside of your own comfort zone.
That’s probably some of the best advice anyone could ever give.
Love that Jay! Great idea.
Feeling like a failure isn’t necessarily a failure. Keep going and never look back.
(sidebar) I love Ted Dekker. Read all his books….. My first advise it you have to let go of all the things you think others like and reach deep down and express yourself in the mode that moves you the most. One of my favorite sayings is “dance like no ones watching” Thats what I would be advising.
Be honest. Create from the heart! For art to speak it must be from the heart.
Oooh. So good, Pete. Thanks for helping out!
I would advise creatives to remain in the failure of a project (or perceived failure) only long enough to learn from the experience and move on fast! I stare at what I didn’t accomplish WAY too long sometimes!
Pete – what day is Ted speaking? He’s my daughter’s favorite author and she will be performing at the after party! Thanks!
I would say stay true to who you are and don’t let circumstances or people take your uniqueness away. Keep looking for the good and my biggest thing is keep your heart soft…..guard it and don’t give up on people. See the beauty around you and appreciate it, let it move you and then find ways to express it.
Just looked at his Facebook page. Promoting creativity is one thing, but I saw no merit in what he is apparently writing. No, I have never read any of his work nor will I. We are to be careful what we feed our mind. I would classify his novels in the same category as “The Shack”.
I definitely agree with Ted about dance, as I think it can be the most expressive of art forms — and I’m a musician. (I guess that goes hand in hand, since dance usually needs music.)
I like that he says to pay attention. I firmly believe that. We miss out on a lot because we’re a distracted generation.