#creativity studies

[frank-olivier]

The Primacy of Creativity: Philosophical Reflections on the Paleolithic Human Experience

Professor Allen Speight's lecture offers a profound exploration of Paleolithic cave art, prompting a reevaluation of the relationship between creativity, symbolism, and human nature. By delving into the complexities of interpreting early art, the lecture challenges traditional notions of art's genesis, inviting a more nuanced understanding that acknowledges the interplay between representation, abstraction, and expressive creation.

The mimetic theory of art, which assumes that art originates from an impulse to imitate the world, is complicated by the abstract symbols and non-representational elements in cave art, as well as the intimate, expressive process of creation. This challenge gives rise to fundamental philosophical inquiries regarding the definition of "art" in the context of early human creativity and the interpretation of symbolism in cave art. These questions underscore the need for a more inclusive definition of art, one that accommodates both representational and abstract forms, and encourages a deeper exploration of the cognitive and creative processes underlying early human artistic expression.

The selective focus on particular animals in cave art, juxtaposed with the notable absence of human and landscape representations, presents a thought-provoking puzzle. While initial theories offer partial explanations, they ultimately fall short, suggesting that this symbolic selectivity may reflect a more complex relationship between early humans, their environment, and the visual perception and symbolic communication that underpin artistic expression. The incorporation of natural rock features into paintings and the canonical perspective of animal depictions hint at a sophisticated understanding of visual perception and symbolic communication, highlighting the embodied nature of human creativity and cognition.

The analysis of Paleolithic cave art through a philosophical lens yields significant implications for our broader understanding of art and human nature. It underscores the reciprocal relationship between artistic expression and human cognition, wherein art shapes perceptual awareness and understanding of the world. Furthermore, the unique experience of encountering original cave art raises poignant questions about the nature of authenticity and value in art, emphasizing the contribution of these aspects to our appreciation and understanding of artistic works.

The lecture makes a compelling argument for embracing the intricacies of early art, urging us to move past oversimplified explanations and instead cultivate a richer, more nuanced understanding of art, symbolism, and the human experience. As we wrestle with the questions sparked by these ancient works, we’re inadvertently reflecting on the very essence of what makes us human: our identity, our creative spark, and our relationship with the world around us. This introspection, in turn, deepens our understanding of humanity, creativity, and our place within the world.

Prof. Allen Speight: The Philosophical Challenge of Early Art (St. John's College, November 2024)

Saturday, November 30, 2024

[noodles-and-tea]

Twins in time au.... Would Fiddleford act as a sort of father figure to Stan? Since Filbrick obviously SUCKED to both Stan and Ford and Fidd is more than definitely missing HIS son, and of course Ford has grown to love him but they're still BROTHERS.. Maybe they could act as the father/son the other is missing?

ABSOLUTELY!!!!

[zipsunz]

just like mom

[theriverbeyond]

why don't you do arts and crafts for 5 hours and then you'll calm down

[idontmindifuforgetme]

I just wanna be consumed with something profound tbh like I think it’s so beautiful to be obsessing over a skill and for it to be what you do and live and breathe for a couple months I literally want that

[crabsnpersimmons]

i'd love to celebrate my birthday with y'all! no pressure to say or do anything, just wanted to share and "invite" you all 🥰

[galina]

Mornings spent drawing at E's apartment in Silverlake

[helpful-writing-tips]

If your plot feels flat, STUDY it! Your story might be lacking:

Stakes - What would happen if the protagonist failed? Would it really be such a bad thing if it happened?

Thematic Relevance- Do the events of the story speak to a greater emotional or moral message? Is the conflict resolved in a way that befits the theme?

Urgency - How much time does the protagonist have to complete their goal? Are there multiple factors complicating the situation?

Drive - What motivates the protagonist? Are they an active player in the story, or are they repeatedly getting pushed around by external forces? Could you swap them out for a different character with no impact on the plot? On the flip side, do the other characters have sensible motivations of their own?

Yield - Is there foreshadowing? Do the protagonist's choices have unforeseen consequences down the road? Do they use knowledge or clues from the beginning, to help them in the end? Do they learn things about the other characters that weren't immediately obvious?

credit:@cedar-west

[archivegeo]

trackpad painting of this man that took [redacted] hours

[mindfulstudyquest]

❥﹒♡﹒☕﹒ 𝗼𝗳𝗳-𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗶 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗱𝗼 𝘁𝗼 𝗱𝗲-𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 ( just pretend i wasn't gone for months guys )

between smartphones, computers, ipads, and screens everywhere, sometimes i feel like i have pudding instead of a brain and i need to engage in three-dimensional activities that don't involve staring at pixels all day, here are some ideas to get in touch with creativity and real word again.

𝟭. drawing and colouring ( 🎨 )

whether it's drawing landscapes, characters from your favorite series or simple doodles, putting the pen on the paper relaxes me instantly. if you are not good at freehand drawing or you're simply lazy, there are many coloring books for adults with mandalas (my personal favorites) or animals/natural landscapes, also online you can find many drawings to color that you can print. in discount stores you can find packs of colored markers at a great price, after all we don't need to be professionals.

𝟮. puzzles and diamond paintings ( 🧩 )

i recently discovered diamond paintings and i'm obsessed with them, on amazon you can find many sets with amazing designs and composing them is really relaxing. having something to focus on for a few hours a day is really essential, puzzles are perfect for this purpose too.

𝟯. reading and writing ( 📚 )

this is a more challenging activity, when we are burnout the last thing we want to do is use our brain, but reading a good novel or writing down a few pages in your journal can distract you from the present moment and give you a bit of a break while still keeping you productive. every second spent reading or writing is a second invested in your personal growth.

𝟰. experiment with outfits and makeup ( ✨ )

i have a lot of clothes but zero outfits, my favorite activity is decluttering my closet, putting away things i don't wear anymore and experimenting with new styles. also sitting at my desk and trying new makeup that's different from my usual eyeliner and mascara, i find it so fun and it's a great way to reconnect with my image when i've spent a month stuck in my room studying.

𝟱. cooking and baking ( 🧁 )

i'm not a good cook and i've burned more cakes than i care to admit, but i have to say it's terribly fun and therapeutic, especially if you're cooking with someone. u think anyone who cooks professionally hates having a second person in the kitchen with them, but when friends make a cake (ugly but tasty) and then eat it together in front of a cup of steaming tea - now, now, that's real therapy.

𝟲. working out, dancing, doing yoga ( 🩰 )

put on some music, dance in your room, follow your workout routine, lay out a mat and do stretching or yoga, connect with your body after being locked in your mind, physical activity is very important to keep your mind fresh ( mens sana in corpore sano ). if you can, go to a park, or an open space, just be careful of excessive stimuli.

these are some of the things i do, feel free to comment on your de-stressing activities.

[writersushiii]

watch out for the falling avocados!

[literaryaida]

20.06.24 | outline session today. had to do major structural changes so decided to start from scratch. felt demotivated for a while, i should just stop being so hard on myself and just write 😌

[she-who-fights-and-writes]

MASTER LIST OF INSTRUMENTAL PLAYLISTS FOR WRITING (OR FOR STUDYING, MAKING ART, ETC.)

I find that the perfect writing playlist can GREATLY enhance the writing experience. Even if it doesn't make your writing "better" (which it can, since it helps writers with visualization, tone, and mood), it can definitely make your writing flow easier!

Personally, words distract me when I'm writing, either by breaking my train of thought or by getting me too into the music so that I'm jamming out to my favorite tunes instead of writing.

Therefore, I've amassed a vast knowledge of instrumental music across a variety of media over a course of many years. Now here I am, deciding to share all of them with you!

Maddy’s Favorite Instrumental Songs

Just like the title says. All of the best pieces of instrumental music I've ever heard, compiled together with no regard for genre. It can be a bit of a whiplash playlist, but some amazing recs in there that I just like listening to in my free time, not just for writing.

Maddy’s Ultimate Instrumental Playlist

A mega compilation of 550+ fantastic instrumental music from a variety of media and genres. Kind of a whiplash playlist if you put it on shuffle, but is a great start for anyone looking to find what kind of instrumental music they like! Playlist Groupings in Order: Independent instrumental songs, live action movies, animated movies, animated tv shows, live action tv shows, video games.

Maddy's Instrumental for Sleep

Some more chill vibe instrumental for people who either A) want to sleep or B) want a relaxed playlist that won't distract you with loud volume and sudden changes in tempo or melody.

MISC PLAYLISTS:

you're a haggard adventurer discovering worlds beyond your wildest dreams

Music to inspire wonder and wanderlust, the kind of feeling you get when you finally reach the end of a mountain hike and see the world stretching out before you.

you're a hero who's just lost everything

Basically the most sad instrumental music I could find. A playlist for grief and revenge.

more beneath the cut :)

you're a cowboy in the great American West

Cowboy instrumental for all of your ambient and writing needs. Or if you just really want to feel like a cowboy.

you're a divine witness

Epic choir music (no English). Most religious, some not, but all kind of have that eerie sacred vibe. I listen to this while writing my book about angels and demons.

you’re a scholar uncovering the secrets of the universe

Great chill study playlist! Has the kind of same exploratory/discovery type feel as the haggard adventurer playlist, but more dark academia.

you’re a villain plotting to take over the world

Villain-coded instrumental! Sinister, dark, and/or unsettling.

you're an academic weapon

HIGH BPM STUDY PLAYLIST! Keeps me focused, hyped, and helps me work faster!

you're an ancient god

Playlist that gives an ancient/eerie vibe. But some ancient gods are merciful- so there are some upbeat songs for wonder and awe!

you're falling in love

Music that encapsulates what I think falling in love feels like. Very beautiful, tender, and uplifting instrumental.

you're fighting the final battle

Intense and epic battle music for all of your fight-scene-writing needs! Good for getting shit done, but isn't necessarily restricted to high BPM like the academic weapon playlist.

you're having a tea party

Refined instrumental for a tea party, including classical, big band, and some miscellaneous goodies.

you're in a chase scene

Music for writing chase scenes. Pretty good hype music, too. Includes soundtracks from classic chase scenes in popular media!

you're in the medieval times

Medieval-sounding music for all of your ambient and/or writing needs.

you’re in your childhood room. the door is open a crack. people talk softly downstairs.

A playlist dedicated to nostalgia, to the feeling of lying in bed with your nightlight on after being too tired to stay awake at your family get-together. Could either make your day or break your heart lmao

you're the happiest you've ever been

Lighthearted instrumental meant to lift your spirits! A playlist dedicated to the joys of the little things.

[nenelonomh]

how to boost your creativity

*ੈ✩‧₊˚ commit to creativity: set aside regular time to engage in creative activities. whether it’s painting, writing, or brainstorming, consistency is key.

*ੈ✩‧₊˚ become an expert: deepen your knowledge in areas that interest you. the more you know, the easier it is to think of innovative solutions.

*ੈ✩‧₊˚ reward curiosity: allow yourself to explore new topics and ideas without judgment. curiosity can lead to unexpected and creative insights.

*ੈ✩‧₊˚ take risks: don’t be afraid to try new things, even if they might not work out. taking risks can lead to valuable learning experiences and creative breakthroughs.

*ੈ✩‧₊˚ build confidence: believe in your creative abilities. celebrate your progress and achievements, no matter how small.

*ੈ✩‧₊˚ make time for creativity: prioritize creative activities in your schedule. sometimes, this might mean saying no to other commitments.

*ੈ✩‧₊˚ daily walking: physical activity, like walking, can stimulate creative thinking. it gives your mind the freedom to wander and come up with new ideas.

*ੈ✩‧₊˚ practice mindfulness: mindfulness exercises can help clear your mind and make space for creative thoughts.

[lottiestudying]

28.10.2024—officially finished my bachelors degree. just have to submit this last essay and then I’m freeeee. unfortunately I’m super bored since I have nothing to study, so here’s a snap of me working on my book to pass the time. hospital clocks move so slowly i stg

[diaryofastudent]

Sharing oranges: a love language.

intimacy - E.C. - 2020/art by Youquing (Eugene) Wang/via @bashert/Nina Lacour: We Are Okay/via @rosewater1997/via pinterest/via @spacefroggity/ via pinterest/ (x)/ via Pinterest