Creativity

Splattered Artist Brushes by Shelagh Duffett

I had a good time at the American Association of Museums conference, although I am exhausted. I've come to the realization that having a conference in your home town is much more work and more tiring than traveling, staying in a hotel and eating out. Nonetheless, it was worth it to add to my list of speaking engagements, to hear some interesting talks, and to catch up with friends.

I found the keynote talks at the general session one of the most interesting parts of the conference. On the first day Walter Isaacson spoke about Albert Einstein and creativity. He was a fabulous speaker and a portion of his talk really resonated with me. At one point Isaacson touched on the fact that all creative activity (whether it be in math, sciences, or the arts) is all sparked by an initial thought. The idea of a simple spark, a thought leading to creative output is very interesting to me.

I think we're often brainwashed into thinking that a person is either born creative or they're not. We discuss how creativity should be fostered, and so on and so forth, but we don't necessarily push it, in adults or children, if that initial inkling isn't already there on the surface. However, this simple concept that it can be just one single thought that inspires a creative activity is very freeing. Creativity isn't necessarily innate and it doesn't necessarily take skill- just a thought. Perhaps we all have creativity flowing through us, but that one inspiring thought just hasn't occurred yet.