We recently connected with Iain Watson and have shared our conversation below.
Iain, so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.
The way I keep my creativity alive is through redirecting my focus to other creative outlets. My main artistic discipline is poetry, so I mainly put my creative energy into writing, but lately I have hit a bit of a wall. This happens from time to time and it can be frustrating, but I believe the most useful tool I hold is being able to pivot my creative energy into other outlets. I experienced a lot of writers block during Covid so I turned to music production (mainly hip-hop beats) and eventually it motivated me to start writing again. I was mainly writing raps to the music I was making and eventually that got me back to writing poetry. I have embraced a few new creative hobbies in the last couple years such as photography and DJing. I have found a great deal of enjoyment taking photos in a variety of different settings such as city events and shows or simply hiking in nature. Photography allows me to be creative in a visual way; I am able to tell stories or conjure up emotional responses through what I’m able to capture. DJing is another way I have kept my creativity alive. I love sharing music and creating an experience that makes people want to dance or just vibe out. I love surrounding myself around creative communities and having somewhat of a multifaceted skill set, I am able to experience different scenes that keep me inspired and motivated to create. I’ve learned that we all need to embrace periods of rest and art should never be forced. I’ve always considered creativity a big part of who I am and it will always be there, I am just thankful I’ve found different ways to express myself.
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?
I am a fifth generation Nevadan and currently live in Reno with my wife and two cats. I work as a third grade teacher for the Washoe County School District. I have taught elementary school children for almost 20 years, both as a substitute teacher and licensed educator.
About the time I started substituting, I started organizing poetry events and open mics which eventually led into starting my organization, Spoken Views Collective (SVC). We provide platforms and workshops centered around spoken word poetic expression. I would have never imagined what this little endeavor would turn into and all the opportunities it would create for me and my community. I have performed along side some legends in the poetry world and have made some great friendships through my involvement in national poetry community. The best thing about this journey is being able to create spaces for others to enjoy and take part in poetic expression. Aside from my involvement in the poetry scene, I sit as a commissioner on the Reno Arts and Culture Commission which has allowed me to be a voice and participant in the greater local arts community.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
The three most impactful qualities on my journey have been what I call the three P’s: perseverance, purpose and passion.
The advice I’d give to anyone early in their journey is to accept failure but to not give up because of it; persevering though the tough times will only make you stronger and give you the right tools to navigate through those rough patches in a simpler way. It’s easy to succumb to stress and difficult life events, but if you can picture the end result and the benefits, it will keep you focused. Second, be purposeful and/or know what your purpose is. Why is what you’re doing important? Who does it benefit? How does it serve you? It’s important to check in with yourself and ask those questions.
Last, approach what you’re doing with passion. Love what you do and put every ounce of your being into the process – be your most authentic self.
Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?
The number one challenge I am currently facing is finding myself bogged down by a lot of responsibilities and commitments that can become overwhelming at times. Teaching alone is a stressful line of work and on top of that, I am also in a caretaker role for my father who suffered a stroke about 6-7 years ago. I am newly married and know the importance of being present and supportive to my wife. I give a lot of myself to others and keep my plate full. I am lucky that my poetry organization is filled with motivated individuals who are keeping operations going and allowing me to step back.
One of the best things I have done is to focus more on my lifestyle habits and health. I haven’t drank alcohol in 15 months and I have a developed a consistent workout routine. I try and carve out a little “me” time each day and have a good therapist in the case I need to process impactful life events. I am learning to say no more often and am aware of how much I can commit to. Though most of the commitments are fulfilling and enjoyable, I also understand not to feel guilty if I need to take things off my plate when it becomes too much.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://Spokenviews.org
- Instagram: @amethyst_noir
- Soundcloud: Amethyst Noir Music
Image Credits
Jesse James Ziegler
Shaughn Richardson
Camilla Downs
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
