Maintaining “curious” and open is a trick when you grow up. What a shame we have to grow up and lose some of this gift. It is a joy to watch a young art student get pleasure out of watching the color bleed in the watercolor tray. They stop and marvel at the simple thing of what happens when the water and color mix. This is why it is so important to let them go, let them go to experiment with the materials. Let them discover on their own. We can’t teach them the discovery, that has to be done on their own.

Its great fun to give these curious little kiddos a multi-layered assignment to let them problem solve, experiment, and create. They don’t mind the baby steps as long as you see the opportunity, and let them go. It’s like being a good parent, there has to be a time to let go and let live.

If you feel there is a serious lacking in your own curiosity, there are probably some things you can do to step that up. Losing that curiosity gift is not unusual because of tight and demanding work, family, and other schedules. It kills the time to wonder and be curious about things.

One of the best things you can do for yourself is set aside a time for you, a time that you have to really look around, think, and react to things. We as artist type folks need that. Sometimes it helps to visit a gallery, museum, or high end store that carries really beautiful and unique merchandise. This may spur curiosity that will set off creativity.

Another tip would be to read a high-level book full of science, history, career or trade specific related language. A book that makes you really study those words, that challenge you to decipher in what you are reading. The mere fact you have to slow down and take note may kick up your curiosity to learn more about those “foreign” words that are a challenge.

Don’t let curiosity leave you. You had it once, don’t let it escape.