“Make it new,” said
Ezra Pound, at the forefront of the Modernist writers. But are we still making
it new? New York Times asked in a
recent “Room for Debate” opinion piece (http://www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate/2013/09/15/is-creativity-endangered),
Is there a “Creativity Crisis” in America and if so, what is causing it and
what can we do about it? Five essays written by experts from various viewpoints
responded to these questions. What about in Tahoe – are we suffering a crisis
here with stifled creativity possibly caused by nature-deficit disorder or
homogenizing marketing or schools focused on standardized tests or management
that values repetition over innovation or rural isolation or too much screen
time (all theories proposed in the article)?
Technology is both
proof of creativity and the crisis’ scapegoat.
Are hours of screen time dulling children’s ability to play and develop
creatively? My writing students at LTCC
defended their video games, saying the games allowed them to imagine and respond
to and problem solve (all aspects of creativity) situations they wouldn’t
otherwise experience.
Here’s another example
(full disclosure – this writer may be biased): Northwoods Magazine will be incorporating an innovative new phone application
Augmented Reality (LINK) into its advertisements. A reader will be able to scan a photograph
within the ad and that photo will lead them to a link of a video that augments the
ad. The photo becomes the first frame of
the video. This technology represents a coordination of an individual’s
idea-making and a group’s skills to manage and manifest creative processes.
However, this example
brings up a challenge specific to Tahoe regarding creativity: our isolated
geography and population. “Cities are
the true fonts of creativity,” according to Richard Florida, global research
professor at New York University and
senior editor of The Atlantic. Cities
provide an estuary of different people and ideas that mix and marble each
other, inspiring creativity and new ideas.
Do you think our small size and relative geographic isolation hinder the
ability to create in Tahoe?
One thing going for us
is our closeness with Nature, according to the Nature-Deficit Theory of the creativity
crisis. Tahoe-ites are pre-selected for
a strong connection with nature. I
believe we find inspiration and a quiet peace in the place we live, both
qualities necessary for being creative. And although small, Tahoe enjoys a flow
of people from other places who live here as well or visit, and bring their
influences.
And here’s two more
qualities Tahoe excels at that seem integral to creativity: risk taking and
independence. According to Cecilia Conrad, Vice President of the MacArthur
Fellow program, “…creativity thrives in an environment where individuals have
the freedom to devote time and effort to ideas and projects that may not have
an immediate payoff…” Sound like anyone you know in Tahoe?
If it’s got anything to
do with opportunity, we have plenty of creativity in Tahoe. I believe Tahoe-ites
come up with brilliant ideas all the time.
An important part of creativity is making the idea happen. This manifestation often requires a
collaboration with others. “In fact, creativity is a social process,” writes Florida.
From innovative sales techniques to community-building festivals and events to new
ambitious businesses and creative approaches to protect the environment, Tahoe has
the stimulating atmosphere, motivated intelligent people, and the natural
inspiration to create new ideas and vision.
What makes you
creative? Do you have an example of creativity in Tahoe? Send in your comments
to participate in this series on creativity in Tahoe. Next up, meeting the Creatives. (Originally published in Northwoods Magazine, 10/14)
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