Talk about Creativity

By Moira Gardener

Usually when we think of creativity we think of fine arts, works of literature, or perhaps a ballet. But take a look at the first chapter of Genesis. If we think about how we are created in God’s image, and God as a creator, we gain a different understanding of creativity. Creativity means more than artistic endeavour, it means to use our imagination to make something unique. It can be physical like art, or abstract like problem solving. If we take a closer look at Genesis 1 we learn a lot from God himself.

The first two things to notice are God begins with problem solving, and Spirit is present. Before He starts he takes a formless void and makes heaven and earth. This solves the problem of what to put his creations on. The second thing we read is “the Spirit of God hovered over the waters” (Genesis 1:2). Spirit is present from the beginning. Creativity is a spiritual act, its anything imagined and unique coming out of us into the world.
But He didn’t stop there, God continued to act. After this preparation of dispelling a void and introducing Spirit, He began the six days of creation starting with something abstract, light. Every individual has something creative in them which needs to come out; nurture it, encourage it. If God did not share creation there would still be a formless void. If Newton didn’t share his thoughts we would not understand gravity. If the entire artistic community kept their work to themselves the world would be a drab place.

Now we come to the days of creation where God continues with: the sky, land, and sea. He added vegetation; complete with seeds and fruit bearing trees. The sun, moon, and stars appeared followed by birds to fill the air and sea creatures to populate the water. It isn’t until day six, after the animals come to move along the land, that He creates mankind.

We are unique, created in God’s own image with not only a body and mind, but a spirit. We have the ability to solve problems and are designed to be creative and as we exercise our creativity it draws us closer to Him.  We’re also given the job of caring for the rest of creation. Now each of these works in the six days built upon the last; until He put everything of himself into the final creation, mankind. Each day He did something unique and at the end of it all God relaxed.

This is a role model for our own creativity. We begin with something formless and external, adding something within ourselves making creativity a spiritual act. And as we proceed with the act of creating things concrete or abstract, with time and perseverance, we have a body of work. And what is imaged becomes something enjoyed by others. 

One key element in creativity often ignored is the seventh day. We must come away from imaging and creating to rest. Rest comes in the form of not simply stopping but in finding recreation or re – creation; anything that fills us up. Creativity is both a filling up and a pouring out. Both must be addressed.          
How does this apply to teaching children about creativity?
1.      Find their unique imagination (concrete or abstract).
2.      Encourage them to act on their creative gift by nurturing and withholding criticism.
3.      Encourage them in an area they enjoy.
4.      Encourage them to persevere.
Basically once the individual’s unique imagination is found nurture it, then; encourage, encourage, encourage. When there is some mastery and the learner is open some structure might be beneficial, with the right mentor.

RECAP
What: Creativity is anything imaged and unique coming from inside to be shared in community.
When: We create by doing. It is not always something that needs inspiration. We simply act and often it comes out in our action. If we only wait for inspiration, we may never start.
 Where: We create everywhere in our communities. Look around, creativity is in our galleries, our libraries, our buildings, our leaders, our children; especially our children who still have an in tack imagination.
 Who: Everyone who has ever imagined anything.
 How: By finding, nurturing, and encouraging imagination; then acting on it.

 CHECK IT OUT
 Genesis 1:1 to 2:1 – This is the original acts of God as creator.
 Exodus 1:22 – 2:10 - This is about using imagination to find a solution to a problem.
2 Samuel 23 1-2 - Using imagination to do what it is God created you to do. You are unique.
Matthew 5:14-16 – Using imagination to create more good in the world. You are God’s light.