Ian concludes: “I have discovered that most people do not
know what they love. When creatives begin to synthesize their
heart energy, there is an abundant resource for overcoming
creative blocks and for building portfolios, which energize and
motivate others. This is the true core of the Hearstorming
experience.”
Ian has developed a specific process, one that is described
below. It is one that you too can utilize.THE HEART OF HEARTSTORMINGThe first step is to manifest love.
According to Ian, when we think of the concept of love, we
often remember an experience of romance. There’s that per-
son across the room. Magic happens. Energy is exchanged. We
fall in love. Consequently, we take on the belief that love is
something we fall into. We see it as a response to someone or
something or another. Something happens to us. Therefore the
love is a response and not the cause.
Love can be created not just found. It is this truth about love
that Ian encourages photographers to focus on. “When you are
creating, it is the act of creation, the process, that you love, not
the form it needs to take. You don’t need to love a specific image
or visual idea. Holding the love for the act of creating, as a sepa-
rate piece in and of itself, is the first step in moving past blocks.”
Ian continues, “Love is generative rather than responsive.
The finished object of your love does not yet exist. Quite often
it isn’t even established in your mind. A creator is able to love
something that doesn’t yet exist—even in the imagination—
and bring it into existence. From the notion of the love, some-
thing is formed.”
Ian’s goal is to move the photographer from his mind back
into his heart. He tells us, “Your vision will become clear only
when you look into your heart.” This exercise moves you from
your focus on “creating the product” (mind related) and
centers your attention on being aware of your love of the
creative process (heart centered).
Ian reminds us: “Remember to tell yourself: The reason
I create is simple; I want the creation to exist. In fact, I love thePART5 / PERSISTENCEChapter 24.qxd 6/25/07 7:24 AM Page 156