Creativity Summary 2

Kelsey Best

Digital Creativity

Summary #2

What are we talking about?

Summary

           

            This article takes a look at the contributing factors in the meaning of the word creativity as well as pointing out observable processes that are tied to it. The attitude is somewhat critical, claiming that the public definition of the word is more associated with pop culture and commercialization. For instance, one might find a Superbowl commercial creative and witty, yet look right past a work of art as though it blends into the background. It also criticizes the public schooling system, which, after the No Child Left Behind Act, has been more concerned with high test scores than anything else. Cultivating creative thinkers was not part of the act, and it encourages the “only one right answer” mentality. This is problematic because we are becoming a society of creators and empathizers, and if the future generations fail to progress, then we will undoubtedly go backwards as a society. Milbrandt offers three categories for which we can organize creative thought: Domain-Changing, Self-Expression/Search for Meaning, and Creative Problem Solving.

            The first is as it says, any act that changes an existing domain or creates a new one is considered to be creative. These achievements are judged and validated by experts on the subjects, meaning that it is unlikely that a child would ever be deemed creative. It requires in-depth understanding and honed skills that children simply cannot posses. In this circumstance, the value of art can be found in its ability to connect society as a more cohesive entity.

            The Self-Expression and Search for Meaning category claims that all humans have some amount of creative ability, mainly because we develop it out of necessity. It helps us to adapt to a changing world and celebrate the phenomenon of life. Another attribute of this category is that it emphasizes the need to use art in the education of children. Not only does art/creative acts better their understanding of a subject, but it also is a healthy means of self-expression.

            The Creative Problem Solving category suggests many solutions to any given problem. It claims that just because some answers might be better than others, that does not mean that the others are not also valuable. It exalts brainstorming, transformational thinking and analogical thinking as ways of creating novel ideas and bridges the gap between creativity and other subjects aside from art.

            This article concludes by summarizing the three categories listed above, and claims that creative thought continues to evolve, making it difficult to place a finite definition on the word. Milbrandt supports the idea that art teachers are responsible for cultivating creative behavior in their students as well as bridging the gap between other disciplines and creativity.