Not long ago, I saw creativity as an ability that was without boundaries and judgements. In an effort to improve my viewpoint on creativity, it was imperative that I look into how others process their understanding of creativity. As a result, I watched a few informative videos and read a couple of articles. Then I discussed creativity with one of the most creative people I have ever met.
Creativity is the ability to generate new ideas, connections, and solutions. It is not limited to the arts; it encompasses every aspect of human innovation, from science to education. Sir Ken Robinson, a renowned advocate for educational reform, argued that creativity is as essential as literacy in education. He believed that schools should nurture creativity by encouraging students to think beyond standardized solutions and explore their natural powers of imagination. I wholeheartedly agree with this definition. However, my original definition of creativity was missing the deeper dive.
Creativity an Educational Toolkit
In today’s educational landscape, tremendous talent exists not only within the walls of our schools but also in the broader community—through teachers, local cultural resources, and community partnerships. Robinson emphasized that schools should not be isolated from these resources. Instead, they should be integrated, allowing students to draw from the richness of their environment to fuel their creativity. Schools should connect with local artists, scientists, and innovators to create a dynamic learning ecosystem.
According to Robinson, creativity emerges when we stimulate our innate imagination. Cultivating creativity means moving beyond rote learning to encourage curiosity, exploration, and the willingness to make mistakes. By doing so, we can empower students to think critically, collaborate, and innovate, preparing them for the complexities of the modern world.
Creativity is Derivative
Creativity is often thought of as generating something entirely new, but it’s more accurate to say that creativity is derivative—it builds on what already exists. Dr. Punya Mishra and Dr. Danah Henricksen, are influential education scholars, known for their expertise in Educational Technology, creativity, and 21st-century learning frameworks, highlight that those who excel in creative work have cultivated a broader and richer repository of inspiration, allowing them to see more possibilities than those with narrower foundations. Creative individuals don’t work in isolation; they draw from diverse influences, experiences, and disciplines, reimagining and recombining ideas in new ways.
Creativity is Motivational
In a recent interview, musician Chris “Buck” Buckingham opened up about how he reimagines his original compositions for online platforms, drawing inspiration from music he created years ago. His creative process involves revisiting and repurposing melodies and ideas from his earlier works, which allows him to infuse a sense of nostalgia into his new projects. This discussion brought to mind the derivation of creativity discussed by Mishra and Henricksen. Buckingham believes that music, much like art, evolves over time, and by reflecting on his past creations, he can produce fresh sounds that resonate with today’s digital audience. Buckingham’s career spans decades, having worked with major recording labels like A&M Records and Polygram Island in the 90s. During that time, he collaborated with well-known artists and produced a variety of tracks, gaining a wealth of experience that informs his current work as a composer and producer. In addition to his impressive recording resume, Buckingham appeared in several iconic music videos, including Steve Winwood’s Roll with It, Cinema’s Can I Put You In My Pocket, and Gerald Alston’s I Can’t Tell You Why By embracing his past and adapting it for modern platforms, Chris “Buck” Buckingham continues to stay relevant in an ever-evolving music industry, seamlessly blending old and new into his creative vision.
Final Thoughts
Once I completed my research and I had a chance to interview a very creative musician, I was reminded of a time when I was motivated to create something that I considered was very important for the mind, body, and soul. I was surprised to realize that I had been expressing my creativity by way of derivation at that time. The new knowledge that I came away with was from my readings of Mishra and Henriksen’s article. Using past knowledge and experience, I came up with the Gospel Aerobic Revue – a fitness class with gospel music.
In conclusion, creativity can be defined in many ways, from artistic expression to problem-solving and innovation. Numerous sources offer definitions, but ultimately, creativity is about exploring new ideas, breaking boundaries, and finding unique solutions. Its vast interpretation allows for limitless possibilities in every aspect of life.
References
ARC. (2017, Sept 18). Ken Robinson – What is creativity? [Video]. Youtube. https://youtu.be/X1c3M6upOXA?si=p2p6libfZ34D9AtT
Buckingham, A. (2024). A colorful kindergarten art room with various boxes scattered around the floor, as if they have just been unpacked. Some boxes are partially opened [Image]. Angeliabuckingham.com. https://www.angeliabuckingham.com
Mishra, P., & Henriksen, D. (2014). Revisited and remixed: Creative variations and twisting knobs. TechTrends, 58(1), 20-23. doi.org/10.1007/s11528-013-0714-5
