Creativity Again

Another TED talk to watch if you like.
Elizabeth Gilbert On Genius

The point which I would like to discuss about this video is that Elizabeth suggests that the existence of some sort of creativity daemon or "genius" is a powerful way of separating a creative person from their own creative process. I agree that this is a very useful way to proceed, but I think this should only be taken as a metaphor for what is actually going on.

There is no "genius" in the walls of your studio who can help you do work. There is just you and all of your experience. The experience is everything that makes you who you are. Every class you have taken, every sentences you have said, every thought you have thought, every skill you have, everything you have ever seen or heard, everything you have read, everything you like and dislike, everything is you.

Now you could try and be deliberately creative and force some work out of yourself. Or you could just let yourself work and let all of your experience guide you. It will feel weird because it is just going to happen, you can't really control it.

But there is no magic going on, just you being you not trying to get in your own way.

If you actually understand what I just wrote about, I will be very impressed.

Kyler

1 comment:

Erucolindo said...

I think you have a point. I think it's necessary to expand on the idea of "producing" and the tools necessary to develop your creative output.