We caught up with the brilliant and insightful David Ruffin a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
David, appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?
As a lyricist and poet, I try to write something every day. That’s often a challenge. So I stay observant. Observant of nature, of history, of people, and of life in general. When something catches my eye, even if I can’t stop and develop a piece, I write a note and come back to it as I have a moment. That means, there is always something marinating in my mind.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
My father was an historian. My mother taught English Literature. I became a singing pirate, of course. I also have spent time in front of classes and on stage. A visit to a renaissance faire started my journey to piracy and that got me writing lyrics for pirate music. I still perform regularly with Pair of Pirates and now specialize in interactive shows for children and adults. I have begun to write poetry again on a wider range of subjects and share those works as opportunity arises. I also create beaded art that I call Swagg. Swaggman, as I call the new endeavor will bring that art to shows in the area. I have also created some more historical characters that I use to present history lessons for civic organizations. So with shows already booked months ahead I tell people I cant quit as long as I have a show.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
I think I’ve had what success I’ve had because I was always willing to try something new. I also know how to research an idea to discover what it takes to do it and what it needs from myself. The best advise I know of has been used in several situations. Someone once said if I write a poem a day I will write some terrible ones. The answer was Sure! but there will be some good ones in there as well. So, keep on, keeping on.
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
The love of my life, Sarah has been my strength and inspiration. She has given me support and the freedom to pursue my strange avocation and has always been there on this crazy road.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://theswaggman.com
- Instagram: [email protected]
- Facebook: [email protected]
- Linkedin: [email protected]
- Other: [email protected]
Image Credits
all images are mine.
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
