#creativity research

Last week researchers published some pretty exciting findings for artists. We can set ourselves up for a hot streak by exploring genres and styles, then mastering one. After chronic illness changed how I write, this is wonderful news. #WritingCommunity

Last week was an exciting one for artists interested in scientific studies of creativity. Researchers (Lu Liu, Nima Dehmamy, Jillian Chown, C. Lee Giles & Dashun Wang) published an article in Nature demonstrating that most artistic hot streaks are preceded by exploration as artists try out numerous forms and media. The researchers define exploration as a period of intense “experimentation [as…

“When you talk to a quilter or a cook or a knitter, they all talk about this kind of flow state that they get in when they’re making,” he explained. “It’s similar to meditation or yoga, where your blood pressure comes down, and you forget about a lot of the mayhem in the world, or personal stress.”

However, there’s a psychological misconception among American consumers, Levisay continued, who believe they don’t have time to be creative. “But then when people take inventory of where they’re spending their time, they realize that they’re spending three to four hours watching TV and an hour or two a day online,” he continued. And they acknowledge that creative activities make them feel better than watching TV or browsing social media.

1. to make (something abstract) more concrete or real; to give definite content and form to (a concept or idea)

ABSTRACT

Milena Z. Fisher, Ph.D talks about problems with creativity research here.

The "elephants" she mention are:

"1. The 'wobbly' definition of creativity.

2. Methodology.

3. A sugar-coated vision of creativity- things 'creativity preachers' don’t like to mention.

4. Creativity and freedom of expression- the overlooked relationship between creativity and freedom

5. The myth of 'innovation islands'.

6. Iconoclast  – not always 'a nice guy'.

7. The lack of a smart, interdisciplinary approach, which, by the way, might implode creativity studies altogether."

For more details for each, check out the article!

In this article, what really caught my interest is how creativity is perhaps not being worked with enough in an interdisciplinary way. I rather agree- I have been reading many papers, yet the field does not feel congruent but rather all over the place, which may be hindering progress. Creativity is incredibly interdisciplinary and people need to work and think together more (not just scientists studying artists but both thinking together, sharing ideas...).