Creativity is, simply put, the ability to create something as a means of further analysis or inquiry of the world. It is the avenue through which novel ideas travel into reality. Artistically speaking, creativity is the specific ability to either do that which has never been done, or to change that which has already been done in a profound way. Similarly to the idea of invention, one can either invent a new object or find a different use for a preexisting object. Creativity is liberation. Having said this, creativity is not the same as intelligence and it is not the same as artistic. A person can be all of these things, as they often go hand in hand with each other. However, an intelligent person is not necessarily creative just as an artistic person is not necessarily creative. Similarities exist between them, but several differences exist as well.
Am I creative? How can creativity be learned?
I do consider myself to be a creative person. However, creativity was not innate for me. It was a long, gradual process that is still under construction. Creativity is learned by first studying people who are already recognized as being creative and learning about the methods they used to either change or manifest a new idea. One must also learn to be observant and take note of things that are often overlooked, as profound truths about the world are everywhere. Taking the information learned about the history of creativity and it's methods, one can then apply it to the modern world so that it makes sense in the present context.
Why is creativity especially important now?
Creativity is crucial now more than ever because we are living in the era of rapid societal change. New technologies and advances in science demand that we keep up in order to function, and realizing that there is more than one solution to every problem is an important first step to a creative approach. As a future art educator, I personally feel that creativity is crucial for optimum mental health. Creativity is one of many healthy outlets for extreme thoughts and emotions, and it can be used as a means of communication. It acts as a translator between people who may not speak the same language, whether literally or figuratively.
How can technology be used to enhance creativity in learning through the visual art?
Technology is a great tool to use in the quest for creativity. Like uncorking a wine bottle, technology taps into people who may not have technical painting skills or the means to make a bronze sculpture. It opens up the exclusive Creativity Club, so to speak, to a wider range of people. Great visual arts can be produced digitally, broadening our educations with this new medium.
www.cleareditorial.co.uk
