Friday, November 30, 2007

Creative Process

I recently finished a creative project for a friend and presented it to her last weekend. Letting go of this creation was difficult, as I'd spent the last several weeks working on it.

This all got me to thinking about the creative process and how each of us has our own style for completing projects.

Typically, the creative process is defined as follows:

  1. Preparation (defining what you will create, researching and studying possibilities)

  2. Incubation (stepping away from your project and letting your mind rest)

  3. Illumination (when the idea explosion occurs)

  4. Verification (testing the final product)
But like so many prescriptions for creativity, there is no set way that the process must flow. Some of us may spend all of our time on the preparation while others may still be waiting for illumination.
  • What's your creative process?

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

Creativity Cure 10


  • Start an inspiration wall. Whenever you see something that strikes you, from a quote to a scenic view or even a new product, put it up on a bulletin board. Before you know it you will have an entire collection of inspiration.

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

More New Collage



Here are more collages from my recent series. This one is my favorite, so far. The background turned out really well. And the rooster juxtaposed on the chair creates a dreamy quality.



This one has an interesting linear background and the best quote I think so far, "the future has arrived."

  • If you created an art series, what would be the theme?

Sunday, November 18, 2007

Are You the Office Flake?

This is the question posed in an article about creatives in the workplace. But are all creative people flaky? The article assumes that if you excelled in the arts as a student then you must not be able to prioritize or meet deadlines as an adult, ultimately hurting your career and future success.

On the flip side, this post from Applied Imagination points to research that those who studied music while growing up were more likely to pursue advanced degrees and even succeed as college presidents and CEOs. That doesn't sound flaky to me.
  • What do you think?

Thursday, November 15, 2007

Cardinals = Creativity



Did you know cardinals represent creativity? They are associated with the guiding forces of expression and intuition. Think about this the next time one crosses your path. It may be time to invest in a creative project.

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

Writer's Quote

“Develop your interest in life as you see it; in people, things, literature, music – the world is so rich, simply throbbing with richer treasures, beautiful souls and interesting people. Forget yourself.” - - - Henry Miller

  • How can you forget yourself to enhance your creativity?

Thursday, November 8, 2007

Akron Recap

I finally made the short trek down to Akron to check out the new art museum. Although I was eagerly anticipating seeing the building, I left with a sense of indifference about the architecture and visitor accessibility. From the exterior, the structure reminded me of a combination of the Wexner Center in Columbus, where I was a tour guide and graduate intern and the Peter B. Lewis building in Cleveland. But unlike those buildings, I don't think it makes a grand statement, possibly because of it's tonal appearance. There's an over abundance of metal and glass.

That leads me to the interior, which comes across as stark and difficult to navigate. The design is meant to foster community spirit but for me it came off as cold and impersonal. It further frustrated me that there was a lack of signage for locating the actual gallery space. Once inside the galleries, there were signs next to nearly every painting discouraging touching the works and explaining why. As someone, who worked in museums, specifically managing visitor services, I felt they were condescending, considering museums with much better collections don't even have to reinforce this at every turn.

My final grievance with visitor services was their overzealous staff. I had never been followed so aggressively in an art museum, even at the National Gallery of Art, where I've wandered through gallery after gallery without being followed like a shoplifter.


(Image Courtesy of KAR)

On a much lighter note, my visit to Stan Hywet was delightful. Some of my favorite highlights were the scarecrows (see above image). Unlike traditional scarecrows, these were colorful and whimsical often incorporating architectural and decorative arts elements. It was an interesting contrast between the old and the new and very refreshing.

  • What can you create that is a new take on something old?

Monday, November 5, 2007

Creativity Cure 9


  • Take a field trip. It doesn’t have to be an exotic locale. It could be to an ethnic food market or restaurant you’ve never been to. See what insights you discover about yourself and your creative projects. Leaving your comfort zone, even for a short time can induce new ideas and perspectives. For sites out of the ordinary, check out Roadside America.

Friday, November 2, 2007

Happy Day of the Dead



Today marks the second day of Día de los Muertos, also known as Day of the Dead, a primarily Mexican celebration of the deceased.

Learn more about the symbolism and artistry of the offerings made to the spirits of dead friends and relatives from visual artist Joe Polevoi.
When: Sunday, November 4 at 2:00 pm

Where: Lakewood Public Library, Main Library Auditorium
  • See you there!