Articles from metaphor
Celebrating Creativity
We often classify people (and ourselves) as either creative or not creative, based on the type of work that’s produced. But these broad categorizations paper over the telling details that demonstrate creativity.
Keep the Embers Burning
We celebrate creativity as a positive, life-enhancing force. But like most things, creativity has a shadow side. When you’re not able to express your creativity over a prolonged period, that shadow can be destructive.
We Live in Liquid Times
We live in liquid times: the institutions, conventions, identities, and ideals that defined Western Civilization can no longer hold their shape. What does this state of constant change mean for creativity and the arts?
On Curiosity, Dieter Rams, and Brian Eno
You'll often find the word “curiosity” in close proximity to “creativity.” There are many types of curiosity, but two are particularly relevant to creativity: specific curiosity and diversive (or general) curiosity.
A Triptych on the Adjacent Possible
This article is a triptych—three standalone posts related to the same subject: the transformative power of curiosity, exploration, and artistic expression. The post concludes with a tribute to the late Chick Corea.
The Room Where It Happens
This article is a montage—four short posts on the concept of “inner space,” aka the room where “it” (our creative life) happens. On to safe spaces, memory palaces, vaccines and video projection mapping...
Creativity, Mind-Wandering, Flow, and Deep Play
Understanding and nourishing your capacity for creative thinking is an essential skill. This article explores mind-wandering, flow, and deep play: three tools that will help you enhance and renew your creativity.
Recharge Your Creative Thinking with Rest
Rest is not the opposite of work—rest and work are partners. This article introduces the seven types of rest you need to fully recharge your creativity. It’s part one of a two part series on creative resilience.