Why is creative expression essential to the Humanities?
Ethan Hawke describes creativity as a method of healing, do you agree? Why or why not?
Do you believe you have to ‘know yourself’ to be creative? Or can you ‘find yourself’ by being creative? A little of both? Explain.
From “Street Art,” choose one artist who uses politics and social issues as subject matter. What issues do they bring to light? Choose another artist who has non-political work, what is their work about?
Do you believe there is a difference between street art and vandalism? Explain.
Find and photograph (or draw) an example of Street Art or graffiti from your local area and post it here. What do you think the work is about? Is the artist trying to convey a specific message? What media has been used? Where is the location of the work?
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What is creative expression?
Creative expression is the application of human creativity and imagination. Whether it’s a poem, a doodle, or a musical, creative expression – in all its forms – captures ideas, conveys emotion, and unpacks experiences and reveals perspectives reflective of individual and collective circumstances.
What’s compelling about creative arts is its accessibility. Anyone can make something meaningful, there are countless outlets for expression, and it provides a powerful vehicle that unifies us with a shared sense of reality that helps us feel connected and make sense of the world.
How many times have you heard someone say, “Oh, I’m not creative…I can’t draw or paint or play an instrument.” And yet to be creative is simply to be human in our own unique ways.
As a species, we’re all naturally creative and crave personal expression. Creative expression is the ability to use our minds and imaginations to create something that represents ourselves.
There are countless ways to express ourselves creatively, whether through music, visual art, crafting, writing, photography, drama, or movement. People of all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life benefit from the creative process.
Creativity helps us relate to each other, address obstacles and challenges in our lives, and even remember how to play! It can be difficult to authentically express who we are, but creative expression helps us open to new possibilities.
Most importantly, creative expression can lead us to a deeper understanding of ourselves.
Creative expression is, “the language that lives in the heart and the spirit. It’s the language that emerges when you find the safety to really listen to your heart.” – Cathy Salser, Founder and Executive Director of A Window Between Worlds
What is NOT creative expression?
Creative expression has nothing to do with your artistic ability or the perceived quality of the outcome. Its value is often found more in the process than in the product.
Creativity is not necessarily art, nor is it representative of any particular skill.
It is simply the mental capacity to use your imagination and find joy through personal expression, allowing us the freedom to let go and see what happens.
Street art grew from its primary roots in 1970s graffiti but can be traced back to cave paintings as a communal form of artistic expression.
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