Creative Fuel with Anna Brones

Creative Fuel with Anna Brones is a newsletter exploring the role of creativity in daily life, emphasizing the cyclical nature of creative energy, personal reflection, and the importance of pausing and presence. It offers insights into embracing seasonal rhythms, connecting deeply with nature, and valuing creativity as a fundamental aspect of identity and well-being.

Creativity and Daily Life Seasonal Rhythms and Reflection Nature and Well-being Personal Identity and Creativity Digital Retreats and Advent Calendars Artistic Inspiration and Process Cultural and Seasonal Observations Sustainable and Mindful Living Memory and Sense of Place

The hottest Substack posts of Creative Fuel with Anna Brones

And their main takeaways

We All Need Recess

1415 implied HN points • 09 Sep 23
  1. Creativity is about the process over the product.
  2. Don't take your creative work too seriously.
  3. Tap into your inner child for more play and experimentation.

A (Digital) Midsummer Creative Retreat

2358 implied HN points • 16 Jun 23
  1. Join a digital midsummer creative retreat from June 21-25 for prompts and reflections.
  2. The retreat is virtual, offering a space for creativity and imagination without needing a physical island.
  3. No specific projects to complete, just encouragement to be in the process and explore creativity.

"Surrender to your mediocrity."

805 implied HN points • 11 Nov 23
  1. Embrace your imperfections and accept mediocrity in your creative endeavors.
  2. Resetting high expectations can sometimes prevent you from completing a project.
  3. It's better to create something that may be mediocre than to not create at all.

The Return to Everyday Life

1336 implied HN points • 01 Sep 23
  1. September marks a transition back to a different pace of life for most adults.
  2. September is a time of new beginnings and fresh energy, akin to a second spring.
  3. Embrace the opportunity for a blank slate, new routines, and habits to maintain that sense of lightness and returning to the everyday.

Pockets of Beauty

1592 implied HN points • 07 Jul 23
  1. Unexpected changes, even if anticipated, can still be alarming.
  2. Daily, small creative acts help combat fear and despair.
  3. Beauty can be found in the ordinary and expected.
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The Harmony of Opposites: A Creative Workshop Series

294 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
  1. Join 'The Harmony of Opposites' creative workshop series by Creative Fuel and Seven Senses for a balance in creative practice.
  2. The workshop will explore the themes of Light & Shadow and Movement & Stillness to understand each duality's benefits.
  3. Attend workshops on Zoom, even if you miss it, recordings will be available for registered participants.

Create vs. Consume

452 implied HN points • 25 Nov 23
  1. This post compares creating and consuming during the holiday season.
  2. Reflect on your relationship to consumption, not just of material things, but of the world around you.
  3. Find balance in your creative process by both taking things in and producing creative output.

Weekend Prompt: We Carry Our Studios With Us

1238 implied HN points • 15 Jul 23
  1. Our creative practice is not defined by tools or mediums, but by us.
  2. Creativity doesn't solely exist within physical boundaries like a studio.
  3. A studio is a state of being that evolves, not just a physical space.

Midsummer Creative Retreat: Day 1

1316 implied HN points • 21 Jun 23
  1. The Midsummer Creative Retreat featured a special creative reflection from Katherine May.
  2. The retreat emphasized experimentation as a key element in creativity.
  3. Readers can access the full post archives with a 7-day free trial subscription to Creative Fuel with Anna Brones.

Do What You Want

471 implied HN points • 04 Nov 23
  1. Find the balance between play and professionalism in your creative work.
  2. Don't pressure your creativity to earn money; it's like scaring away a cat.
  3. Allow yourself the freedom to create without the burden of needing it to financially support you.

Let Ideas "Churn Below the Threshold of Consciousness"

393 implied HN points • 18 Nov 23
  1. Curiosity leads to noticing things everywhere.
  2. Consider what you're passionate about and stay interested.
  3. Keep a list of things that spark your curiosity for further investigation.

Tend the Light

1356 implied HN points • 07 Apr 23
  1. Tend to the light by nurturing both darkness and lightness in life and art.
  2. Art can be a source of solace, community, and emotional support during difficult times.
  3. Creating and appreciating art is essential for building connections, fostering empathy, and shaping a better future.

An Inhale and An Exhale

668 implied HN points • 26 Aug 23
  1. The final days of August mark the end of the summer season.
  2. August can be a time for reflection and receptivity, rather than production.
  3. Taking in inspiration from the world is essential for the creative process.

Advent Calendar Basics

294 implied HN points • 30 Nov 23
  1. The Advent Calendar is a seasonal offering for paid subscribers.
  2. The calendar includes reflective and creative prompts, poems, quotes, and art for each day.
  3. If you can't afford a subscription but want the calendar, you can email for a free subscription.

Wild Creativity at the Intersection of Art and Fishing

530 implied HN points • 15 Sep 23
  1. Creativity is seasonal with periods of inspiration, production, and rest.
  2. Fishing and art intersect naturally, especially in the context of seasonality.
  3. Living seasonally and embracing the beauty of every opportunity are keys to creativity.

Stretching the Adventure Muscles

982 implied HN points • 02 Jun 23
  1. An hour of waiting can be a time to just be present without distractions.
  2. Adventure is about being in the moment and stepping out of comfort zones, not just reaching goals.
  3. To stay connected to your adventurous side, create space for curiosity, play, and awe in everyday life.

Midsummer Creative Retreat: Day 5

845 implied HN points • 25 Jun 23
  1. Final day of a digital midsummer creative retreat
  2. Exploring the Isles of Curiosity and Wonder
  3. Opportunity for a creative retreat at Process Point

Midsummer Creative Retreat: Day 2

845 implied HN points • 22 Jun 23
  1. The post is about a Midsummer Creative Retreat on Day 2.
  2. The theme is exploring the Bay of the Subconscious for a classic summer energy.
  3. The post mentions an offer for a 7-day free trial to access full post archives.

The Movement Unblocks

963 implied HN points • 05 May 23
  1. Creativity requires movement, both physical and mental.
  2. To overcome creative blocks, embrace incremental and gradual movement.
  3. Finding movement in stillness is essential for creative practice.

Midsummer Creative Retreat: Day 3

805 implied HN points • 23 Jun 23
  1. The post is about a Midsummer Creative Retreat on Day 3.
  2. The retreat celebrates Swedish midsommar at Impermanence Sound.
  3. Readers can subscribe for a 7-day free trial to access more content.

Midsummer Creative Retreat: Day 4

727 implied HN points • 24 Jun 23
  1. The post is about the Midsummer Creative Retreat Day 4.
  2. The retreat focuses on abiding by the ebb and flow of inspiration.
  3. The post also mentions learning about the tides as a defining aspect.

What Are We Connected To?

314 implied HN points • 14 Oct 23
  1. Biological diversity is connected to cultural and language diversity.
  2. Areas with many languages and rich cultures often have rich environmental ecosystems.
  3. Consider shifting our relationship with the land from taking to participating in reciprocity.

Step Into the Unknown

687 implied HN points • 10 Jun 23
  1. Venturing into the unknown can be uncomfortable, but it fosters growth and creativity.
  2. Letting go of guidelines and structure allows for more experimentation and resilience.
  3. Embracing the unexpected in creative work can lead to personal growth and the ability to navigate uncertainties in life.

A Series of Small Celebrations

353 implied HN points • 23 Sep 23
  1. The post discusses celebrating small moments and milestones in life.
  2. It mentions the importance of taking time to pause, reassess, and move forward in a new way during these moments.
  3. There is a reflection on how to hold onto the joy and celebration of completing a project for a longer period.

What if We Were a Little More Analog?

727 implied HN points • 29 Apr 23
  1. Analog methods of creating can offer a different level of focus and immersion than digital tools.
  2. Engaging in tactile, analog activities like writing, drawing, and cutting by hand can lead to unique creative outcomes.
  3. Balancing digital and analog approaches can help prevent creative overload and allow for a more intentional creative process.

The Language of the Layers

314 implied HN points • 30 Sep 23
  1. The concept of layers can be interpreted in many ways, including physical, emotional, and digital layers.
  2. Layers can tell stories and convey depth, such as layers of identity or layers in nature.
  3. Observing layers in everyday life can lead to moments of connection and inspiration.

The Best Creative Constraints Are the Oblique Ones

648 implied HN points • 15 Apr 23
  1. Creativity thrives in spaces of questions and unknowing
  2. Constraints are essential for sparking creativity and focus in a world of distractions
  3. A good creative prompt sparks a process, inviting a shift in perspective for exploration

Art, Prints, and Cards from the Isles of Curiosity and Wonder

471 implied HN points • 11 Jul 23
  1. Art, prints, and cards from the Isles of Curiosity and Wonder are available for purchase.
  2. The shop will be closing for a summer break on July 19, so it's a good time to order.
  3. The Midsummer Creative Retreat content will only be available to paid subscribers after July 18.

Help Make Creative Fuel Podcast Season 2

294 implied HN points • 21 Sep 23
  1. Help shape Creative Fuel Podcast Season 2 by providing feedback through a survey.
  2. Listen to Creative Fuel Season 1 on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any podcast platform.
  3. Consider supporting the podcast by becoming a paid subscriber or sponsor.

Creativity is Collective and Collaborative

589 implied HN points • 03 Mar 23
  1. Creativity thrives in collective and collaborative environments.
  2. Creative cycles include highs and lows, and it's normal to experience both.
  3. Artistic expression is a powerful form of resistance and collective action.

"Art is real and money is fake"

530 implied HN points • 19 May 23
  1. Art is real and money is fake - art should be a vehicle for change.
  2. The intersection of art and money is full of contradictions and uncertainties.
  3. Being a working artist involves finding a balance between creative work that sustains you and work that pays the bills.

The Schedule of Now

216 implied HN points • 07 Oct 23
  1. The author enjoys unplanned creative moments.
  2. Power outages can lead to unexpected but meaningful outcomes.
  3. We are heavily reliant on electricity in modern life.

Putting Summer in a Bottle

275 implied HN points • 02 Sep 23
  1. The post is about 'Putting Summer in a Bottle.'
  2. It includes a creative prompt for summer weekends.
  3. Access to the full post requires a subscription.

Looser Constraints

334 implied HN points • 29 Jul 23
  1. The post discusses the concept of looser constraints in creative prompts.
  2. It mentions a break from weekly prompts for the summer period.
  3. Readers need to be paid subscribers to access the full content and archives.

Exploring the Shadows

491 implied HN points • 13 May 23
  1. The changing seasons bring a shift in light and mood, impacting creativity.
  2. Shadows are not just darkness, they reveal the presence of light.
  3. Exploring shadows can inspire creativity by focusing on the interplay of light and dark.

An Investigation into Color

452 implied HN points • 04 Mar 23
  1. The post explores the theme of color and its significance in creativity.
  2. The author expresses a love for working with color and its joy.
  3. Professional work is in black and white, but personal creative practice involves experimentation with color, seen as radical and indulgent.

Creativity Needs Time to Gently Unfurl

452 implied HN points • 20 Mar 23
  1. Creativity needs time to slowly develop and unfurl like plants in spring.
  2. Our creative energy is cyclical and needs to be nurtured gradually.
  3. The spring season invites reflection, joy, and embracing a slower pace in our creative pursuits.

Weekend Prompt: What We Add and What We Remove

353 implied HN points • 01 Jul 23
  1. The post is about a creative prompt to consider what to add and remove.
  2. Paid subscribers have full access to the archive of prompts.
  3. The post mentions new items in the author's shop.

Clearing Out the Clutter

216 implied HN points • 16 Sep 23
  1. Taking time to declutter your mind by writing things down can help you feel more focused and clear.
  2. Using a simple to-do list on paper can be more effective than fancy productivity apps.
  3. Visiting a library and disconnecting from distractions can provide a space for creativity and idea generation.

How are We Paying Attention?

432 implied HN points • 17 Feb 23
  1. In the modern world, we are constantly battling distractions and struggling to focus our attention.
  2. Our creativity can help us be more observant and present in the world around us.
  3. Practicing curiosity and engaging in nature journaling can enhance our attentional capacity.