creativity

Creativity Revealed: Discovering the Source of Inspiration
$24.95
Well presented book, a lot of helpful information. For myself.. i got stuck on the level of reasoning on Dr.Hawkins scale of conciousness. This is the reason i bought this book, to get to the level of creativity which calibrates above 400. I would highly recomend this book to anyone who is on the search of self expression/realization. Perception is a subjective matter, however, you will find a well presented ,research based information on the subject. it corresponds to my heart for sure..
Enjoy, Valeria ,[...]

The Zen of Creativity: Cultivating Your Artistic Life
$18.00
It is virtually impossible to write the definitive review of "The Zen of Creativity" because, like the koans it contains, this book will elicit no single, uniform response from those who read it. I hesitate even to use the word "read" because the book asks for a response well beyond simply reading it. The quotes and koans alone require unhurried contemplation. One way to treat this book is to take a contemplative walk through it over a number of months, experimenting here and there with the practices John Daido Loori describes. You may be surprised at the new depth you achieve in your chosen art medium as a result, whether it is photography, painting, writing or music making.

I once owned two copies of Mozart's concerto for flute and orchestra No 1 (K313). One version had perfect technique and the passages were as smooth as cream, but it left me unmoved. I gave it away. The recording I kept has a rough texture in places, but it dances with joy. It demonstrates the essence of what Loori is talking about.

"The Zen of Creativity" is not just a play on the word "zen." It IS zen. Neither does it mimic the popular format of "Zen and the art of Motorcycle Maintenance" as so many other authors have done. Loori draws the reader into the very nature of the creative process itself, giving far less importance to technical skills. In fact, if you are looking for ways to improve your artistic competence, you will need to look further afield. Loori's focus is on making a work of art real rather than on making it commercial. His quote from Leonardo Da Vinci is apt; "Where the spirit does not work with the hand, there is no art."

There are many useful books on art techniques out now that teach how to apply your art medium in a skilful way. But none of these provide what "The Zen of Creativity" does in helping the artist recreate the essence of what he or she sees.

If "The Zen of Creativity" seems too great a leap into the philosophy of art, a simple introduction to these concepts can be found in a book produced by the Society of Layerists in Multi-Media (SLMM.) It is "The Art of Layering: Making Connection." Short excerpts from the book are available on their website. For photographers, "The Tao of Photography" by Tom Ang has much the same philosophy of putting heart into one's art.

Creativity: Flow and the Psychology of Discovery and Invention
$15.99
This book narrowly defines Creative people as those who have made a name for themselves by "changing their domain". While it is interesting to read about some of the world's most Ambitious and Recognized creatives, it thereby instantly excludes all the people who are true artists in their craft, but simply have not been recognized publicly by society or become famous in their chosen fields. A frustrating and exclusionary take - much too narrow for me.

Creativity Workout: 62 Exercises to Unlock Your Most Creative Ideas
$12.95
What comes to mind when you think of creativity? Do you naturally associate creativity and artistic talent? Have you always assumed that creativity is something that just happens, that it can't be forced?

In reality, creating ad hoc without direction or objective generally accomplishes very little. Lateral thinking, on the other hand, brings forth alternatives and possibilities that are "outside the box". This type of thinking is in fact a skill that can not only be taught but needs to be exercised regularly.

Creativity Workout includes a series of exercises based upon random words. In each activity, the reader is asked to randomly choose one (or several words) from a chart in the book's appendix. A task is then set to use this word (or set of words) in a particular way. The exercises are actually rather fun and can be used purposefully to address particular issues or simply to increase the potential for lateral thinking.