I’m doing the A to Z Challenge in April using the theme “What to Pack on Your Creative Journey.” Today, we’ll add a little quirkiness to our metaphorical suitcase.

There is only one of you in all time, this expression is unique. ~Martha Graham, The Life and Work of Martha Graham by Agnes de Mille (1991)

Pack your quirkiness on every creative journey you take. Society has a way of making us feel bad about our own weirdness. But, that’s an illusion, because your audience will appreciate your authentic expression more than any technical skill that you bring to your project.

Our quirks are the things that make us different and interesting. The imperfections are what make our creative work relatable. Otherwise, our audience might as well be looking at computer-generated art.

Toy owl, collected by Edward Lovett
During the First World War an exhibition of Lovett’s collections toured London galleries, and he included this set of animals made of shells, bones, seeds and pinecones so “children may learn how to make their own toys”.
© Victoria and Albert Museum, London

Here are two examples of quirkiness that inspired me recently:

Matt Thomspon, a woodworker, makes ridiculous inventions – a couple of which have been acquired by a children’s museum.

An anonymous woman made a YouTube channel at the intersection of Best Actress awards, film history, and feminism: Be Kind Rewind.

What weird and wonderful thing makes your heart sing?