Creativity...what is it?

[marshall_payne]

jtglover  pointed me toward this post by susansbeeswax  on defining creativity. HERE. She has a series of questions which she'd like folks to answer. I opted to encapsulate my thoughts by answering the first question: How do you define creativity?

To me, creativity can be summed up in the ability to think outside of the box. To make giant (or small) leaps in the dark

Comments

[neoguardian]

I'll go with Einstein here and say it's a stylish way to hide your sources.

[marshall_payne]

*hee* Good answer!

Since I put this up I've gone to grab a short nap in my easy chair to supplement my fairly good night's sleep. I find a good night's sleep conducive to creativity. Though I can produce when under the gun, when there's no looming deadline, feeling fresh certainly helps.

[bogwitch64]

Creativity is the ability to dream when you are not sleeping, then make those dreams visible to others in some way, shape or form.

[marshall_payne]

That's a great way of describing it!

I don't get all that many ideas from dreams. A few. But I've gotten a few that sprung to my mind when I awake and am lying there pondering getting up. Discipline comes in with getting up and writing it, as opposed to just putting it on my ever-growing list of ideas I'll get to someday.

[jeanhuets]

As they used to say to us when we asked weird questions in catechism: It's a mystery, my child.

It is, really. I have some kind of memory block when I try to trace how an idea rises to expression. I guess that's your "leap in the dark." External sources (like artwork, photos, documentaries, other stories) mix into my psyche in some peculiar way that creates something. Maybe it could be considered a mix of a human psyche's outgoing and incoming.

[marshall_payne]

Yes, that's why I only had the one short statement on the matter. This is a subject that fascinates me, but I don't think there are any answers. It's like the Nike ad: Just do it. Life isn't fair, however, and some people are more creative than others. Though I do think you can teach yourself to think outside of the box.

[susansbeeswax]

Naps are the best!

I don't think there are any answers only every individual's approach -- that's what I find so fascinating. It's all tremendously subjective. Thank you for taking the time to answer! :)

[marshall_payne]

Certainly, Susan. :-)