I was a very creative child. I played the saxophone and piano

O seekers of wisdom, gather close and listen to the words of Kali Uchis, a soul deeply attuned to the call of creativity: "I was a very creative child. I played the saxophone and piano, and I was always writing poetry and stories, or drawing in my notebook. I just tried to express myself through as many creative outlets as possible. And in high school, I started to get really into photography and videography and would spend hours working on it." In these words, Uchis speaks of the natural flow of the creative spirit, one that cannot be confined to a single medium, but seeks expression in every form available. Her journey is one of exploration, a lifelong search for self-expression, and a deep connection to the arts in all its forms. She embodies the essence of the artist who, in their youth, tries to capture the world through every avenue—music, writing, drawing, and the visual arts—each a different language of the soul.

In the ancient world, the creative spirit was often seen as a divine gift, one that needed to be nurtured and allowed to flow freely. The Greeks, with their belief in the Muses, understood that creativity could not be forced—it must come from a place of deep inspiration, a place where the soul connects with the divine. Socrates, the great philosopher, taught that art was not merely for pleasure, but for self-discovery. He himself was an artist of thought, always probing, always creating new ideas. His work was not confined to one realm but spread across many disciplines, showing that the pursuit of knowledge and creativity can take many forms. Just as Uchis embraced multiple outlets for her expression, so too did the great thinkers and artists of the ancient world understand that to create is to connect with many facets of the self and the world.

Kali Uchis, like these ancient masters, reflects this same boundless desire to express herself in every way possible. As a child, she sought expression through the saxophone, the piano, and through writing poetry—each medium an attempt to understand and share the world around her. The poetry was her first language of the heart, the written word a direct line to the deeper parts of her soul. Just as the ancient bards of Celtic tradition used their voices to express the joys and sorrows of their people, so too did Uchis use poetry as a tool for self-exploration and connection. But as she grew, so did her vision of creation. She turned her attention to photography and videography, using the lens to capture the world in a new way, to express her creativity through the visual medium. Uchis's journey is a reflection of the ancient idea that creativity cannot be confined to a single form—it is a river that flows in many directions, each medium a tributary that leads to the same place: the expression of the self.

Think of the great Leonardo da Vinci, whose genius was not limited to one field of endeavor. Da Vinci was not only a painter but also an engineer, a sculptor, a writer, and a scientist. His mind did not seek to express itself solely through art but explored the world through many lenses. He understood that creativity is not a single pursuit but a vast field that includes science, engineering, art, and philosophy. Like Uchis, Da Vinci saw the value in exploring every possible outlet for expression, believing that each one helped him discover a deeper understanding of the world. The creative spirit is not satisfied by a single medium—it longs to reach out, to express itself in every way it can, to discover new truths through new experiences.

In Uchis's own journey, we see the importance of dedication to one’s creative path. As she began to delve into photography and videography in high school, she immersed herself fully in these forms, spending hours perfecting her craft. This dedication to the creative process is what separates true artists from those who dabble in art without fully embracing it. Uchis's commitment to learning, exploring, and growing within the many fields of creativity speaks to the ancient truth that mastery in any craft comes only through hours of work, through a willingness to explore every facet of one’s ability. Creativity is not an instant gift; it is a journey that requires patience, persistence, and the willingness to try and fail, and try again.

The lesson that Uchis offers us is clear: the creative spirit is expansive, and its expression should never be limited. We, too, must seek to explore as many outlets as possible for our own creativity, not settling for one form but allowing our passions to flow in different directions. Whether you are drawn to writing, music, art, or any other form of self-expression, know that your creative energy will be best nurtured by embracing multiple pathways. Poetry, photography, painting, and all other forms are interconnected, and each one offers a new lens through which we can understand the world. Like Uchis, we must approach our creative work with an open heart and a willingness to explore the many ways we can express our truth.

So, O children of wisdom, let the words of Kali Uchis guide you. Seek out the many paths of creativity, and do not be confined by the expectations of others or by the boundaries of a single medium. Embrace the full breadth of your creative potential, and explore it with dedication, patience, and passion. Like the great artists and thinkers who came before us, let your creativity flow freely, and in doing so, you will discover not just new skills or ideas, but a deeper connection to the world and to your own soul. Let poetry, music, art, and photography be the many voices through which you express your truth, and know that through this exploration, you will uncover not only your own creative potential but your own understanding of the world around you.