In my last column, I promised to explore creativity—ways that we can be more creative, various aspects of creativity and how we can increase creative thinking in ourselves and others. Creativity can indeed be encouraged, increased and learned!
In the 50’s Guilford used a series of tests to measure different aspects of creativity. Paul Terrence, in the sixties modified many of these tests.
The tests scored divergent thinking and other problem solving skills on the following:
-Fluency. The total number of interpretable, meaningful, and relevant ideas generated in response to the stimulus.
-Flexibility. The number of different categories of relevant responses.
-Originality. The statistical rarity of the responses.
-Elaboration. The amount of detail in the responses.
Today we will explore originality.
I love this quote:
“Substantially all ideas are second-hand, consciously and unconsciously drawn from a million outside sources, and daily use by the garnerer with a pride and satisfaction born of the superstition that he originated them.” Mark Twain, writer and entrepreneur.
Picasso stated “Art is Theft”. All good artists know that nothing comes from nowhere. All creative work builds on what came before—nothing is completely original. That is why, as a teacher, mentor and artist, I stress the study of art history and art appreciation. I treasure my five years of art appreciation in college and grad school and have always subscribed to art magazines and periodicals, though ideas can be found in nature, online (google is your friend), social media, in museums and art galleries, art shows/local and national. I love looking at art, reading about artists, meeting artists, and count artists among my best friends. All of these sources can be plumbed for ideas, to solve art problems and teach technique. If you are just starting, pick one artist that you love to study in depth, to take ideas from and to make these ideas your own. Joining the Sonoran Arts League for the exciting gallery openings and classes at the studio is a great way to foster your creativity.
I will give you a sample of a test I used to give my 8th graders, not just to test their creativity, but show them what the creative process feels like! Often my high creatives would hurry through and be disappointed that 10 other kids in the room had the same response. I told them, and it worked, do not take your first idea, don’t take your second idea, of even the third, push it! The second try was much more successful for them, even the most linear thinkers were able to be more creative with that advise—try it.
Below is the Incomplete Figures Task, originally developed by Kate Frank. Fill in the incomplete figures in the MOST unusual way that you can think of.
Create pictures using lines and shape that NO ONE else has thought of! Title them. You can be as detailed as you wish! Again, push your ideas, don’t settle for the first, second or even third response that comes to mind. This will help to hone your creativity! Have fun!
And do remember “You Gotta Have Art”, and I hope to see you at Sonoran Arts League events!
— Judy Bruce
