9.17.08 Design 2

Reviewed sketches again in class. Finalized sketches.

Began digital work on self-portraits.

Assigned questions for Uncommon Genius. Due 1 of 4 on Monday Sept. 22. (Next class)

Question 1:
In the intro section entitled “In The Beginning”, on page xvii, Shekerjian starts to investigate the idea of creativity and the qualities of a creative person. One of the ideas she brings up is that, “A creative person is one who enjoys, above all else, the company of his own mind.” What is your interpretation of that sentence? Clarify what you think she means. Just as important, do you agree/disagree? Why?

Question 2:
The main premise of part one of Shekerjian’s book is stated on page 1. She says, “The trick to creativity, if there is a single useful thing to say about it, is to identify your own peculiar talent and then settle down to work with it for a good long time. Everyone has an aptitude for something. The trick is to recognize it, to honor it, to work with it. This is the way creativity starts.” Clarify. Do you agree? How does the sentence gel with the title of the section.

Question 3:
“To take on risk, you need to conquer fear, at least temporarily, at least occasionally. It can be done, especially if you look outside yourself for a strong ledge to stand on, at least temporarily, at least occasionally.” (Shekerjian pg. 31) What risk are you taking on? When you need a ledge, to what/whom do you turn?

Question 4:
"Stated simply, it is that creative efforts are neither glib, nor ignorant, but rather stem from a solid base of knowledge...It’s from giving oneself over to the doing that the creator accumulates an intimate fund of knowledge that will inform his efforts. It is through the doing that he exposes the knotty tangle of relevant questions...It is in the act of doing that he opens himself up to the unanticipated directions that may lead him to something new, something useful, something beautiful, something creative. (Shekerjian pg, 74). How are you preparing yourself to be a creative person? Has your liberal arts education contributed to your creativity? Respond to the above quote.