Creative ideas and new perspectives from scientific imaging technologies.
Creating and thriving in crisis. Jeremy Gutsche's on exploiting chaos.
Charles Leadbeater shares some interesting thoughts about who and where creativity and innovation can come from. He touches on the impact of open source and consumer driven innovation on the future of creativity.
Enjoy Being Uncomfortable
Consider the importance of embracing discomfort in the context of creativity and growth.
Quotes
"Move out of your comfort zone. You can only grow if you are willing to feel awkward and uncomfortable when you try something new." Brian Tracy
“If you want to move to a new level in your life, you must break through your comfort zone and practice doing things that are not comfortable.” T. Harv Eker, Secrets of the Millionaire Mind
“Whenever you feel uncomfortable, instead of retreating back into your old comfort zone, pat yourself on the back and say, “I must be growing,” and continue moving forward.” T. Harv Eker, Secrets of the Millionaire Mind
“A man does what he must - in spite of personal consequences, in spite of obstacles and dangers and pressures - and that is the basis of all human morality.” Winston Churchill
“Continuous effort - not strength or intelligence - is the key to unlocking our potential.” Winston Churchill
“Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.” Pablo Picasso
Videos
Ian Abernethy explains the importance of discomfort for growth.
Dr. Bob Wright and creative discomfort.
The Idea Jam process demonstrates the value of planned discomfort for creativity.
Quotes
“If you want to move to a new level in your life, you must break through your comfort zone and practice doing things that are not comfortable.” T. Harv Eker, Secrets of the Millionaire Mind
“Whenever you feel uncomfortable, instead of retreating back into your old comfort zone, pat yourself on the back and say, “I must be growing,” and continue moving forward.” T. Harv Eker, Secrets of the Millionaire Mind
“A man does what he must - in spite of personal consequences, in spite of obstacles and dangers and pressures - and that is the basis of all human morality.” Winston Churchill
“Continuous effort - not strength or intelligence - is the key to unlocking our potential.” Winston Churchill
“Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.” Pablo Picasso
Videos
Ian Abernethy explains the importance of discomfort for growth.
Dr. Bob Wright and creative discomfort.
The Idea Jam process demonstrates the value of planned discomfort for creativity.
Knowing Helps
Finding creative solutions is natural when you know that they exist. When you know with 100% certainty that what you're working on will lead you to creative breakthroughs, improvements and better work it's only a matter of time before you succeed. There is energy in knowing that creative answers and solutions are just around the corner waiting to be discovered.
Knowing this can often bring about the motivation needed to execute one more creative technique, or to implement another unique new approach. When you are immersed in a creative project and you know your exploration will inevitably lead to exciting discoveries your mind will create new ideas even when you're not focused on the project at hand.
Acquiring this type of certainty only requires that we see things as they are. The famous statement from Charles H. Duell, Commissioner of the U.S. Patent Office in1899 that “Everything that can be invented has been invented” (possibly an urban legend) demonstrates the absurd notion that creativity is a finite resource. To an open mind every new valuable creation is another doorway to even greater creations. Life consistently gives us an endless supply of potentially creative projects to improve our lives and the lives of others.
It has been said that "The greatest painting is yet to be painted. The greatest sculpture is yet to be sculpted. The greatest novel is yet to be written. The greatest invention is yet to be invented." and so on. You can certainly add to this that the best of any man-made creation is yet to be created because there are many things in this world that are finite and limited but the creativity, ingenuity and imagination of the human mind is not one of them. Revel in your limitless imagination, know that answers are waiting for you, and you are sure to up your level of creativity.
Quotes
“It is the child in man that is the source of his uniqueness and creativeness, and the playground is the optimal milieu for the unfolding of his capacities and talents.”
“It sometimes seems that intense desire creates not only its own opportunities, but its own talents.”
Video
Natalie Merchant uses classic poetry to create some powerful music.
Knowing this can often bring about the motivation needed to execute one more creative technique, or to implement another unique new approach. When you are immersed in a creative project and you know your exploration will inevitably lead to exciting discoveries your mind will create new ideas even when you're not focused on the project at hand.
Acquiring this type of certainty only requires that we see things as they are. The famous statement from Charles H. Duell, Commissioner of the U.S. Patent Office in1899 that “Everything that can be invented has been invented” (possibly an urban legend) demonstrates the absurd notion that creativity is a finite resource. To an open mind every new valuable creation is another doorway to even greater creations. Life consistently gives us an endless supply of potentially creative projects to improve our lives and the lives of others.
It has been said that "The greatest painting is yet to be painted. The greatest sculpture is yet to be sculpted. The greatest novel is yet to be written. The greatest invention is yet to be invented." and so on. You can certainly add to this that the best of any man-made creation is yet to be created because there are many things in this world that are finite and limited but the creativity, ingenuity and imagination of the human mind is not one of them. Revel in your limitless imagination, know that answers are waiting for you, and you are sure to up your level of creativity.
Eric Hoffer
“It is the child in man that is the source of his uniqueness and creativeness, and the playground is the optimal milieu for the unfolding of his capacities and talents.”
“It sometimes seems that intense desire creates not only its own opportunities, but its own talents.”
Video
Natalie Merchant uses classic poetry to create some powerful music.
Mind Mapping
Mind Mapping inventor Tony Buzan explains how and why mind mapping works.
To learn more about Tony Buzan's mind mapping software click on the logo below.
SpicyNodes is not a bad way to start a mind map quickly.
It's a worthwhile visualization tool online that can be used to some degree for mind mapping. It uses some interesting movement, it has a nice zoom in and out tool and it's interactive capabilities are decent.
It’s a fun way to implement the mind mapping concept although it is a very different experience than doing it by hand with pencils and paper. Fortunately they offer a free version and they make it very easy to get started. You can click on one of these images to view their website which is done in large part with their own SpicyNodes system.
Whether you mind map online, with a good software, or with colored pencils and paper make sure you experience this creative thinking system for yourself. It's a powerful tool for many creative applications.
To learn more about Tony Buzan's mind mapping software click on the logo below.
SpicyNodes is not a bad way to start a mind map quickly.
Art With Light
I have been amazed at the remarkable creativity taking place with light and new lighting technologies. The following videos present a variety of unique works that demonstrate tremendous innovation and exciting new areas for artists interested in light as a part of their work. Enjoy.
Videos Loaded With Creativity
Art:
Street Art
Live Video Performance
Sand Animation
Some brief insights:
Innovation Insights
State of Mind
Persistence and Breakthroughs
Thomas J. Watson Chairman of IBM
“You can be discouraged by failure, or you can learn from it. So go ahead and make mistakes, make all you can. Because, remember that's where you'll find success - on the far side of failure.”
He is often quoted (or possibly misquoted) for saying: "I think there is a world market for maybe five computers." in 1943.
Inspiration For The New Year
Happy New Year! It's now 2011 and as we move into the new year we all face many new challenges. The following videos are full of inspiration and valuable instruction to help you move forward and take on your challenges with strength and passion. Some are old, some are new, all of them are well worth your time. They range anywhere from 90 seconds to 20 minutes. Check back if you haven't seen them all yet but don't let yourself miss one. Enjoy.
Dick and Rick Hoyt of Team Hoyt have completed over 1,000 races such as the Iron Man triathlon and the Boston Marathon. They biked and ran across the U.S. in 1992, completing a full 3,735 miles in 45 days. They continue to compete in races every three to six months.
Ted Williams CBS Interview and follow up
Brene Brown courage, connection and vulnerability
Nick Vujicic: Life Without Limbs.
My family and I had the opportunity to meet Nick in 2010. He is an incredibly powerful and inspirational person.
Nick Vujicic on CBN
Elizabeth Gilbert on nurturing creativity.
Since this is ForCreativity.com here is a good video that specifically presents insightful ways to improve your creativity.
Dick and Rick Hoyt of Team Hoyt have completed over 1,000 races such as the Iron Man triathlon and the Boston Marathon. They biked and ran across the U.S. in 1992, completing a full 3,735 miles in 45 days. They continue to compete in races every three to six months.
Ted Williams CBS Interview and follow up
Brene Brown courage, connection and vulnerability
Nick Vujicic: Life Without Limbs.
My family and I had the opportunity to meet Nick in 2010. He is an incredibly powerful and inspirational person.
Nick Vujicic on CBN
Elizabeth Gilbert on nurturing creativity.
Since this is ForCreativity.com here is a good video that specifically presents insightful ways to improve your creativity.
Note: 2011 posts will be made on the first Friday of every month no later than 7PM Eastern Standard Time (GMT-5).
Christmas Season, Christian Artists
With Christmas just around the corner I thought I would share with you some contemporary Christian artists (or art with Christian imagery). Some of these artists are well known names you may recognize and others are up and coming. They are all exceptional and well worth exploring further. Click on the artwork to learn more about the artist and their art. I'll be back with a post the first Friday in January. Have a very merry Christmas and may God bless you and your family this new year.
Jean-Marie Pirot-Arcabas
Ron DiCianni
His 12'x 40’oil on canvas mural “The Resurrection”
*See more in This Week's Videos at the bottom*
J Christopher White
Chris Koelle
some of his work with Christian Imagery (positive or negative)
some of his work with Christian Imagery (positive or negative)
Thomas Kinkade
America's most collected living artist
America's most collected living artist
1-Enjoy the art
2-Have a merry Christmas
3-See you next year
Thomas Kinkade
“My mission as an artist is to create glimpses of a world that is tranquil, peaceful and full of the beauty of God's creation. That's what I mean when I talk about sharing the light.”
“Balance, peace, and joy are the fruit of a successful life. It starts with recognizing your talents and finding ways to serve others by using them.”
Videos
Christain artist Ron DiCianni shares his thoughts about painting "The Resurrection" with close-ups and details of this remarkable forty foot oil on canvas.
A Charlie Brown Christmas by Charles Schulz (writer & artist) first aired on television in1965. This is the classic meaning of Christmas scene were Linus recites Luke 2:8-14,
Here is a great version of "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" performed by Katie Melua a few years back.
Directed Randomness
When you are in the process of developing new concepts and ideas, using some form of directed randomness can be very helpful. There are many ways directed randomness can be introduced into your creative process. It's best used when you are at a point where you want to open new doors to entirely new areas of thinking.
To better understand how directed randomness works consider the following. I have a small library in my studio that is filled with books I have accumulated over the years. When I am working on a project and I decide I could use some directed randomness I will stand in front of a book shelf, close my eyes and randomly select a book. With my eyes still closed I will arbitrarily open the book to a section. I open my eyes and begin to scan the section I have found. I then focus my mind on finding useful parallels and connections between the random passages and images and my project.
By selectively introducing this randomness into your creative process you are able to focus your problem-solving brain on entirely new areas. It’s a way of willfully kicking your brain outside of the box it currently resides. As you practice this technique you will better understand how and why it is so valuable. As you come to understand why this method works so well you can begin creating your own techniques to meet your unique challenges.
Another approach I like that helps me achieve this controlled randomness is a haphazard online search with preset rules.
For example:
1-Have an objective in mind.
2-Go to Google’s main search page and type into the search box any two words that come to mind.
3-Go to the fourth and fifth words of the fourth search result and type them into the search box.
4-Go down the new search results page and brainstorm connections to your objective.
5-When you discover one that really works go with it.
A quick demonstration of how this might work:
1-Objective: to improve a paperclip
2-Two random words that came to mind: “Light Shade”
3-4th & 5th words that appeared in the 4th search result: “Two Disc”
4-Brainstormed connections to objective from search results page:
-Paper clips could be shaped like a musical note
-Paper clips could be shaped like famous musician caricatures
-Small square paper clips could have famous musical CD art on them
This random online brainstorm demo took about four minutes and it allowed my mind to consider completely new areas of thought that might help achieve my objective. Give this method a try and let the new connections propel your imagination into genuine discovery and innovation and you will be amazed by this methods productive value.
In a nut shell
1-Use directed randomness
2-Open a book randomly to a page
3-Scan the page for useful connections to your project
4-Do the same with random online searches
5-Understand why it works
6-Create your own directed randomness approach
Quotes
Roger Bannister
(Talking about breaking the four-minute mile.)
“No longer conscious of my movement, I discovered a new unity with nature. I had found a new source of power and beauty, and a source I never dreamt existed.
Videos
David C Roy's kinetic sculptures are wooden machines that are wound up for hours of uniquely interesting motion. To explore his work further I recommend his website Wood That Works.
I stumbled across this video recently and thought it demonstrated some interesting optical illusions with movement. It gave me some interesting ideas and I thought it might spark some creative ideas for you. See what you think.
To better understand how directed randomness works consider the following. I have a small library in my studio that is filled with books I have accumulated over the years. When I am working on a project and I decide I could use some directed randomness I will stand in front of a book shelf, close my eyes and randomly select a book. With my eyes still closed I will arbitrarily open the book to a section. I open my eyes and begin to scan the section I have found. I then focus my mind on finding useful parallels and connections between the random passages and images and my project.
By selectively introducing this randomness into your creative process you are able to focus your problem-solving brain on entirely new areas. It’s a way of willfully kicking your brain outside of the box it currently resides. As you practice this technique you will better understand how and why it is so valuable. As you come to understand why this method works so well you can begin creating your own techniques to meet your unique challenges.
Another approach I like that helps me achieve this controlled randomness is a haphazard online search with preset rules.
For example:
1-Have an objective in mind.
2-Go to Google’s main search page and type into the search box any two words that come to mind.
3-Go to the fourth and fifth words of the fourth search result and type them into the search box.
4-Go down the new search results page and brainstorm connections to your objective.
5-When you discover one that really works go with it.
A quick demonstration of how this might work:
1-Objective: to improve a paperclip
2-Two random words that came to mind: “Light Shade”
3-4th & 5th words that appeared in the 4th search result: “Two Disc”
4-Brainstormed connections to objective from search results page:
-Paper clips could be shaped like a musical note
-Paper clips could be shaped like famous musician caricatures
-Small square paper clips could have famous musical CD art on them
This random online brainstorm demo took about four minutes and it allowed my mind to consider completely new areas of thought that might help achieve my objective. Give this method a try and let the new connections propel your imagination into genuine discovery and innovation and you will be amazed by this methods productive value.
1-Use directed randomness
2-Open a book randomly to a page
3-Scan the page for useful connections to your project
4-Do the same with random online searches
5-Understand why it works
6-Create your own directed randomness approach
Roger Bannister
(Talking about breaking the four-minute mile.)
“No longer conscious of my movement, I discovered a new unity with nature. I had found a new source of power and beauty, and a source I never dreamt existed.
Videos
David C Roy's kinetic sculptures are wooden machines that are wound up for hours of uniquely interesting motion. To explore his work further I recommend his website Wood That Works.
I stumbled across this video recently and thought it demonstrated some interesting optical illusions with movement. It gave me some interesting ideas and I thought it might spark some creative ideas for you. See what you think.
Make Something
Creative thinking actually increases the brains health and elasticity. A great way to develop creative thinking is to make something new. Dr. Daniel G. Amen (physician, psychiatrist, clinical neuroscientist, and bestselling author) says that for brain health “it is important to work your brain often”. He recommends “learning something new and different” on a daily basis. One way to do this is to make something new. It can be a small project or an ambitious one as long as it requires new areas of learning and presents you with new challenges.
What should you make?
What would you like to make?
Just about anything that interests you will work. Here are a few random ideas to get your brain in gear. Click on one to learn more or let them open the door to a good online search that leads you to a worthwhile project.
Make A Guitar
Building A Solid-body Guitar
Make An Igloo
How To Make An Igloo
Make An Online Painting
Free Artpad Online Painter
Make A Camera
How To Make A Pinhole Camera
Make A Sports Garage
Garage Mahal Sports Garage
Make A Sunclock
Making A Sunclock
Optical Sphere Sunclock
Make A Flow Chart
Easy To Use Diagram Software
Free Online
Make A New Color Scheme
Kuler: Color Selection Tool
Free Online
Make A Fried Turkey
How to fry a turkey
Without burning down the house
Make A Paper Craft Project
Make a Papercraft LED Lantern
I didn’t know what a Freedom Gundam was,
but the following video is pretty impressive.
Make A Tiny Sculpture
Unbelievable! and he was able to sell his
life's work (up to that point) for $20 million.
Make A Large Sculpture
This one is unusual and it demonstrates
the remarkable skills of hyper-realist
sculptor Ron Mueck.
The following website links may help you choose a project as well.
As you engage in the making of something new recognize the mental stimulation it produces as well as the mental discipline that it takes to follow it through to completion (especially if you chose something more ambitious). Each stage in the making process presents new challenges for you and your brain to overcome. Each challenge overcome promotes a sharper brain and permanent new understandings that can branch out into new concepts and ideas. You also strengthen your will to be a finisher and in today’s world that is an enormous advantage.
Choose something interesting but don’t get bogged down in the choice. If necessary give yourself a deadline in the choosing process and always give yourself a deadline for the project you choose. It only takes minutes to begin the process so take the time to make something new and experience the inevitable personal improvement that comes with stepping outside your comfort zone and creating. Thomas Edison said “Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work." Don't miss out.
In a nut shell
1-Make something new
2-Choose a project
3-Set a deadline and make it
4-Be sure to finish it
Quotes
Zaha Hadid
“You have to be very focused and work very hard, but it is not about working hard without knowing what your aim is! You really have to have a goal. The goal posts might shift, but you should have a goal, know what it is that you are trying to find out."
Videos
Reuben Margolin is a kinetic sculptor creating waves in motion.
Tim Kaiser is a musician that now makes experimental Instruments for original ambient sound.
What should you make?
What would you like to make?
Just about anything that interests you will work. Here are a few random ideas to get your brain in gear. Click on one to learn more or let them open the door to a good online search that leads you to a worthwhile project.
Building A Solid-body Guitar
How To Make An Igloo
Free Artpad Online Painter
How To Make A Pinhole Camera
Garage Mahal Sports Garage
Making A Sunclock
Optical Sphere Sunclock
Easy To Use Diagram Software
Free Online
Kuler: Color Selection Tool
Free Online
How to fry a turkey
Without burning down the house
Make a Papercraft LED Lantern
I didn’t know what a Freedom Gundam was,
but the following video is pretty impressive.
Unbelievable! and he was able to sell his
life's work (up to that point) for $20 million.
Make A Large SculptureThis one is unusual and it demonstrates
the remarkable skills of hyper-realist
sculptor Ron Mueck.
The following website links may help you choose a project as well.
As you engage in the making of something new recognize the mental stimulation it produces as well as the mental discipline that it takes to follow it through to completion (especially if you chose something more ambitious). Each stage in the making process presents new challenges for you and your brain to overcome. Each challenge overcome promotes a sharper brain and permanent new understandings that can branch out into new concepts and ideas. You also strengthen your will to be a finisher and in today’s world that is an enormous advantage.Choose something interesting but don’t get bogged down in the choice. If necessary give yourself a deadline in the choosing process and always give yourself a deadline for the project you choose. It only takes minutes to begin the process so take the time to make something new and experience the inevitable personal improvement that comes with stepping outside your comfort zone and creating. Thomas Edison said “Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work." Don't miss out.
1-Make something new
2-Choose a project
3-Set a deadline and make it
4-Be sure to finish it
Zaha Hadid
“You have to be very focused and work very hard, but it is not about working hard without knowing what your aim is! You really have to have a goal. The goal posts might shift, but you should have a goal, know what it is that you are trying to find out."
Videos
Reuben Margolin is a kinetic sculptor creating waves in motion.
Tim Kaiser is a musician that now makes experimental Instruments for original ambient sound.
Process It
When considering the creative process, creatively consider making new processes. A new process will take your mind to new places and it can be a new way to look at old problems. Stand back from your current methods and processes. Break them down and analyze them. With an understanding of them begin to develop and design entirely new ones. Experiment with systems that have never been tried before. Outline or describe the new approach and see where it takes you. As you experience your new processes you can refine and improve them. You will find that each new process gives you fresh perspectives for numerous creative challenges.
There are many tried and true creative processes that have been developed as well and they too are worth exploring.
The famous artist/musician David Bowie occasionally speaks about a method he likes to use when writing songs. He writes down words that he finds intriguing and collects them up over time. He then cuts the words up so that each word is on an individual piece of paper. He spreads the words out in front of him and begins to experiment with different; combinations, orders, rhythms and so on. He eventually works these into lyrics, songs and music.
Fifteenth century Leon Battista Alberti developed a process for artists to view and grasp the correct perspective of a scene by observing it through a thin veil with a see-through grid (as seen in the Albrech Durer image above). Leonardo da Vinci used and further developed similar contraptions as did many artists of the time.
Dr. Yoshiro Nakamatsu (the famous Japanese inventor) likes to submerge himself underwater with a pad and underwater writing instrument. He feels it helps him think more creatively and he is able to write his thoughts down as they come.
Explore process as you develop your work. Research the processes of people that you respect. Try them, refine them and make your own unique systems to enhance your creativity. It’s always an interesting exercise and it rarely disappoints in producing great results.
In a nut shell
1-Consider new creative processes
2-Analyze your current processes
3-Research other people’s processes
4-Make and use new ones
5-Refine and improve them
Quotes
David Bowie
“There’s nothing more embarrassing than watching somebody who doesn’t love what they do, but does it because they believe that’s the way they’re going to be loved.”
“I've never responded well to entrenched negative thinking.”
Videos
Yoshiro Nakamatsu holds a world record for receiving the most patents (over 3000). From the karaoke machine to the DVD he has played a major role in many of the inventions we are all familiar with. In the following video clip he shares one of his techniques for promoting “higher” inventive thinking. It’s a clip from the documentary The Invention of Dr Nakamats. He’s funny but he’s no joke.
Daniel Rozin is an interactive digital artist. He creates installations and sculptures that respond to the viewer in very unique ways. He is also the owner of Smoothware Design, a software company that makes his interactive art possible.
There are many tried and true creative processes that have been developed as well and they too are worth exploring.
The famous artist/musician David Bowie occasionally speaks about a method he likes to use when writing songs. He writes down words that he finds intriguing and collects them up over time. He then cuts the words up so that each word is on an individual piece of paper. He spreads the words out in front of him and begins to experiment with different; combinations, orders, rhythms and so on. He eventually works these into lyrics, songs and music. |
| . Albrech Durer Wood Cut Leonardo da Vinci |
Explore process as you develop your work. Research the processes of people that you respect. Try them, refine them and make your own unique systems to enhance your creativity. It’s always an interesting exercise and it rarely disappoints in producing great results.
1-Consider new creative processes
2-Analyze your current processes
3-Research other people’s processes
4-Make and use new ones
5-Refine and improve them
David Bowie
“There’s nothing more embarrassing than watching somebody who doesn’t love what they do, but does it because they believe that’s the way they’re going to be loved.”
“I've never responded well to entrenched negative thinking.”
Videos
Yoshiro Nakamatsu holds a world record for receiving the most patents (over 3000). From the karaoke machine to the DVD he has played a major role in many of the inventions we are all familiar with. In the following video clip he shares one of his techniques for promoting “higher” inventive thinking. It’s a clip from the documentary The Invention of Dr Nakamats. He’s funny but he’s no joke.
Daniel Rozin is an interactive digital artist. He creates installations and sculptures that respond to the viewer in very unique ways. He is also the owner of Smoothware Design, a software company that makes his interactive art possible.
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