Creativity in Everyday Life, (and why it matters)

This blog comes from my Wednesday Wondering podcast on YouTube.

Today, I’m musing about creativity—how we all use it, how it's present in our daily lives, and why it should never be reserved for an elite few. The theme for this week's wandering is simply "Creativity in Everyday Life."

Many people think creativity is something only for artists, writers, or composers. But it’s not. It’s for you. Every single person has the ability to create. Sadly, over the years, creativity has been pigeonholed into something exclusive, perhaps partly due to the way our education systems function. How many times have you heard someone say, "I’m not creative" or "I can’t do art"? I hear it all the time, and it couldn’t be further from the truth.

As an art teacher, I meet countless adults who feel a strong need to create but have no idea where to begin. I’m always thrilled when they find me, because guiding people to rediscover their creative selves is one of my biggest passions. For me, creativity is all about play—experimenting with materials, trying new things, and giving yourself permission to let go and enjoy the process. That’s when the magic happens.

Let’s look at creativity in everyday situations. Imagine you're someone who can open the fridge, look at what’s left inside, and whip up an amazing meal without a recipe. That’s creative! You’re not following a script; you’re making something wonderful with what you have. Or maybe you’re a gardener who can transform a dull patch of soil into a beautiful oasis. That too is a form of creativity—knowing what to plant, where to plant it, and nurturing it into something amazing. These are all everyday acts of creation.

Recently, I've been reflecting on the feedback from my art channel on YouTube, which I started earlier this year. I’ve been incredibly moved by the comments, especially from people who have come back to art after decades away. Life, as we know, gets in the way. There are people who have lost loved ones, and through the grieving process, they’ve rediscovered art—doodling, journaling, or simply playing with paint—to help them heal. It’s this connection between creativity and the human experience that fascinates me.

In my real-life art classes, based in Axminster, Devon, we often don’t stick rigidly to art-making. Sometimes we doodle, sometimes we paint, and other times we simply chat. These conversations can be light and silly, or deep and personal. I love that humans can communicate on so many levels, and it’s something I treasure in both my online and offline teaching.

A few years ago, I was commissioned by the Wellcome Collection in London to run a series of creative workshops. If you’ve never been, the Wellcome Collection is an extraordinary place, located on Euston Road, opposite Euston Station. It’s a blend of museum, library, and sanctuary all rolled into one. The Reading Room, where I hosted the workshops, is like a dream library—filled with books, sofas, cozy blankets, and curious artifacts.

Wellcome Collection Crochet Project with Cate Field

The workshops were open to anyone who wandered in. One of the activities we did was inspired by the Collection’s unique artefacts—objects that people had used in rituals, like lucky charms. Using bits of wood, string, beads, and old keys, we created our own trinkets. There were no rules, just conversation and a gentle creative flow. I loved watching people come together, relax, and chat while making something simple with their hands.

Creativity, when given the space to flourish, triggers connection. I saw this firsthand when a group of young men from the London School of Economics came to one of my knitting and crochet sessions. These were students with some spare time before a lecture who decided to give it a go. It was delightful watching them engage with something completely new, guided by a couple of older ladies who joined us. One of them even proudly told his friend over the phone, "I’ll be with you in a moment—I’m just finishing off my crochet!" Another was eager to show his nan what he’d made. It was such a heartwarming experience.

That, to me, is the beauty of creativity. It seeps into all aspects of our lives, connecting us to others and to ourselves. Whether you’re knitting, cooking, gardening, or painting, it’s all creativity, and it’s accessible to everyone.

Thanks for joining me on this week’s Wednesday Wondering. Until next time, keep exploring and keep creating.

Take care, Cate