I became interested in creativity several years ago when reading through a text book that included ‘some’ traits of creativity. Some of the ones that come to mind were: 1) the ability to think of unusual or original responses to situations 2) heightened awareness, or sensitivity, to the environment around oneself 3) ability to understand how things work and how to fix them 4) ability to organize 5) productivity. Those are just a few characteristics off the top of my head. Perhaps it takes some combination of these and/or perhaps other characteristics working in a synergistic combination to get valuable creativity.
It’s funny though – that list didn’t include such characteristics as alcoholism and drug addiction, or anger management issues, oddness, promiscuity, homosexuality or madness in the list. There are several misconceptions – or myths - about what is involved in creativity. You’ve heard the stories - yes, Van Gogh did have mental illness, and so did a whole bunch of famous people, who were artists, writers, scientists and philosophers. Personally I see these issues as belonging to humanity as a whole – there are many people in the world with ‘issues’ and some of them are famous. Famous people are the ones we hear biographical stories about; especially the ones with ‘issues’. People don’t buy books about a nice, talented guy who got up every day and went to his studio, made terrific art and then came home to his wife and kids whom he adored – the end. That would be a wonderful life indeed, but it won’t sell as many biographies. I can’t help but wonder if our human fixations with things that are somewhat dark, or odd, or perverse, or just plain different don’t perpetuate stories that equate creativity with certain myths. It's like what a gay friend (who happened to be a hair stylist) said to me once, "Betsy, you know that idea about gay people being especially creatively talented? Well it's absolutely wrong. I had to fight for every once of creativity I ever got." Which I think goes to show that Thomas Edison was probably right when he said, "Success is ten percent inspiration and 90 percent perspiration."
A fifty+ woman works through life issues to rediscover her identity and find new happiness.
1 comment:
"Sin"sationalism is what marketers sell to tabloids.... it also gets attention to creators or destructors alike. But, does it affect the creative process? Yes and no.
Examination of the creative process in a more "pure" form- doesn't reveal the forces that are listed; but, they are in part what prompted the work. The inner demons that so many artists battle are inherently attached to the those same DNA strands sending creative impulses. By that same token... the "happiness fairies" are so entwined.
It's just that human nature being what it is-- we tend to judge that the greater works were produced with the greater struggle.
That having been said... the outward influences of what the creator endured gets the notice before the beauty of the actual piece of work is valued.
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