This topic could go on forever, and from so many different disciplines. We even have formulas. Graham Wallas, for example (in Art of Thought, 1926), says that creative insights and illuminations may be explained by a process of 5 stages: (1) preparation, (2) incubation, (3) intimation, (4) illumination or insight, and (5) verification. (See “Creativity” at Wikipedia.)
Mark McGuinness, a coach for creative professionals at Wishful Thinking, comments on two perspectives: First, that organization and discipline are essential to the creative process (See Why You Need to be Organised to be Creative), such that ”if you look at the actual working habits of highly creative people you’ll usually find [organization and discipline] in abundance.” In a follow-up post (Why You Need to Be Disorganised to Be Creative), he argues that creativity must come through disorganization, saying that ”there comes a point where you have to let go of your carefully crafted structures.”
My thoughts? . . . With the study of creativity there are no end-all answers, and I like that! Theories and formulas will always be inadequate means for capturing the essence of creative processes. And so our discussions based on human experiences and narrative are all the more revealing and interesting.
"Living Creatures that Move," Renee Stapleton (NFS)
I am very organized. Especially with marketing and administrative-type things. Concerning my creative juices, it is common that I go through periods of fact-finding and chaos that simmer into ideas or stages of focus. . . . I love the biblical story of creation for this reason, because the Creator is working with a mess (chaos, in the Hebrew) through which and with which creation springs forth.
Tell me about your creative processes. . . . And, while you’re at it, check out McGuinness’s free e-book Time Management for Creative People
“Creativity – like human life itself – begins in darkness.” Julia Cameron
Renee
Renee Stapleton Studios: 251-223-3099
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January 8, 2010 at 10:26 pm
My hope is that my limitations don’t diminish the Creative Processes of my 2 young daughters who are at the moment belting out their version of “New York, New York” and that I can learn from them what I did not pick up along the way.