CREATIVTY...

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Hello, how are you today?


I was inspired by a little piece in a recent weekly school newsletter, entitled 'Ways to kill creativity' (see below), it inspired me to share the ways I encourage creativity...

Ways to Kill Creativity

taken from Creative Thinkery by Michael Michalko 

Want to make sure you never come up with a great idea?

Always think the way you've always thought. Always do what you've always done. 
Don't embarrass yourself. Be sceptical.

Never try anything you haven't tried before. Avoid mistakes. 
Never assume responsibility for what happens. Don't ask questions.

Pigeonhole people.

Avoid diversity. There is only one right answer. Don't trust your intuition gut or hunches. Be practical.

Avoid taking action. 
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This got me thinking about CREATIVITY... 
Firstly you may ask, what is Creativity?... well it is basically the phenomenon whereby a person creates something new! I am not sure if this entirely sums it up, does it have to be NEW to be creative?? I guess technically speaking.... but...
to me it is really about simply creating something that is pleasing to yourself or others. I know that that that is technically being more Artisitc than creative - hmm, this is always a tricky one!!

“It is easy to consider the essential role of   creativity in bringing joy and meaning

to the human condition – without creativity we have no art, no literature, no science, no innovation, no problem solving, no progress.” 

– Starko, 1995, p. vii.

Here are my ideas on 
Ways to encourage creativity
Try new things.
Don't worry about embarrassing yourself.
Remember no-one is perfect.
Make mistakes - they often lead to what I call "Happy Accidents"!!
Stop to smell the roses.
Travel, even to visit new towns nearby.
Notice the little things.
Smile.
Say hello to strangers sometimes!
Encourage curiosity in yourself and others.
Be resourceful with art and craft supplies, 
(it's also great for the environment if you recycle or repurpose items!)
If it doesn't work - try another way.
Watch children play - or better still join in!
get your hands dirty!
keep an art journal, or inspiration board.

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"The chief enemy of creativity is 'good" sense.'" 
- Pablo Picasso

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"You can't use up creativity. The more you use,
the more you have." - Maya Angelou

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"I make more mistakes than anyone else I know, and sooner or later, I patent most of them." 

- Thomas Edison

Ed Hall poster

"Creativity is thinking up new things. Innovation is doing new things."

 - Theodore Levitt

paintbrushes

How do YOU encourage & nurture your creative side?

  Or the creativity of your kids?

Love,
Sally x0x


P.S. "It's not what you look at that matters, it's what you see."
- Henry David Thoreau