First off, if you haven't already - head over to CC and read his wonderful and inspering piece Contemplating Creativity - and the assorted comments and suggestion from a host of characters with some serious creative mojo of their own (including J.C. and Sigler).
So what gets the juices flowing - and is it still a shame (/fact) that quite a lot of the time spent in 'education' reduces the willingness to think outside the box and replaces it with the re-iteration of mindless facts?
First off, like stated over there - constraints are good - at least when it comes to taking images, setting off with an assignment such as "twenty images of straight lines, then twenty of curves" or "one image every five minutes, taken within 20 seconds" lets you see old places in a new light.
Then there is one of my personal faves; making a latte, taking the time and concentration all the way with the Gaggia and grinder. Then sitting down, preferably in the sun on the balcony and just enjoying it.
In terms of books, there are direct guides such as the "brainticklers" from good old Business 2.0, the little book of creativity by Stig [norw.] and Idea index for shapes and jump off points.
But what about schools and education?
Well, I think it is still true to a certain degree that education can be more limiting than inspiring in terms of creativity and pure enjoyment of wonders. But at the same time, isn't a lot of it just about growing up and getting a better grasp on things in general?
Ask a kid about why Pokemons can't do something or why Harry Potter needs a wand and they'll give you strict answers more often than not. Because they relate to the "rules" and the overall "setting".
So, as we grow older and gather experience, do we understand a bit more about the real "setting" we are in and the guidelines we need to stick with to avoid excess and wasted time?
...and the sun is slowly melting some of the easter snow...
