How can the beneficial aspects of being creative be shared and expressed?
Today’s challenges with the COVID19 pandemic highlight the need for connection to community. What better way to engage in being creative than coming together with a group of people in person or virtually with the same interests?
Local Benalla musician Lindsay Thomson is one such person who crosses over several forms of creativity with her art and music. Below is an interview with Lindsay that draws us closer to understanding a true creative spirit!
Here is a YouTube link to hear a sample of Lindsay Thomson's creative musical skill.
Lindsay, who inspired you to make music? I certainly can’t put my finger on what exactly motivates me to make music. Although I remember vividly being offered violin lessons aged 7 through my primary school, and the prospect of being like my idol at the time (Sharon Corr of The Corrs) was simply too good an opportunity to pass up.
How would you describe the music that you typically play? Traditional Scottish music makes up the bulk of my repertoire. Though in recent times I’ve been picking up a lot more Irish tunes by way of playing with the vibrant Celtic music scene in NE Victoria. More recently than that I’ve been involved in a couple of bands that could be described as a bit more on the country side, and even a touch of pop!
Do you sing in the shower? What songs I sure do! I’m not much of singer, though it’s not for a lack of trying. Most recently I sang ‘Pretty Fair Maid’ by Tim O’Brien, which I’m having to commit to memory for a gig….shower practice is very effective!
What is your favourite song to perform? Aah that’s really difficult. I’ve recently learnt the fiddle part to “Fisherman’s Blues” by the Waterboys and that’s pretty addictive so Il say that.
Do you see or feel shapes and colours when you play music? No, is that called Synaesthesia? I wish I did though, apparently people who can are naturally just great at music. I find if I close my eyes and block out everything I can both play better and remember tunes more accurately.
Do you have other avenues of creative expression? Well I’m a bit of a textile-o-phile like yourself Maggie! I sew, knit and dye.
Can you imagine a life without music? Yes, but I don’t think it would be very good!
Do you ever improvise when you play music? It’s a great way to cover up a mistake that’s for sure. It’s something that I struggle to do, I would much rather practice something a lot in the privacy of home than be exposed like that.
What do you enjoy most about being a musician? I enjoy meeting other musicians, its been a great way to make friends since I’ve lived here, and local music groups really bring people out of the woodwork who you wouldn’t otherwise have met. Playing with others is certainly the highlight.
What advice would you give someone looking to become more self-expressive? Taking up an instrument would certainly help, or a paintbrush. Surround yourself with people who share your interests, or at least have interests! There’s a lot of Nay-sayers out there who have never dared to branch out.
If you would like to contact Lindsay to find out where and when she is next performing please use the contact form on this page or follow Lindsay on Instagram.com/inskeinia
Thankyou for sharing your insights Lindsay!