Something that comes up a lot when talking about art is creativity. Are some people naturally more creative? Is creativity something we all possess? Does creativity equal artistic or vise versa?

There is quite a bit to be said here. The Merriam-Webster definition of creativity is “the ability to make new things or think of new ideas”. Dictionary.com defines creativity as “the ability to transcend traditional ideas, rules, patterns, relationships, or the like, and to create meaningful new ideas, forms, methods, interpretations, etc.; originality, progressiveness, or imagination”. Both definitions are vague enough in nature that one can begin to see that creativity doesn’t necessarily equate to artistic ability, though the two are commonly associated.

But why are they commonly associated? Let’s think about the following questions:

What is creativity to you? Do you consider yourself a creative person? Why? What characteristics do you associate with a person you would consider to be creative?

Chris Orwig of The Creative Fight states, “all art is creative but not all creativity is art”. Creativity can be anything from a painting to a new invention. I think what’s more important than finding a definition is considering *why* we have creative ability and how we can tap into it.

“Creativity is essential to life. It’s like the oxygen that gives us life and the sunshine that provides growth. Creativity is like an electric current to illuminate our path. It is a fire that reinvigorates our resolve to do what matters most. Creativity is hope when all seems lost. It sustains us so that we can thrive. When the creative juices flow, we become more productive and alive. We move forward and accomplish impossible tasks” - Chris Orwig

For the sake of this blog, let’s think about photography as a means of creative expression. You don’t have to produce a work of fine art in order to express yourself creatively. A snapshot alone can be therapeutic creative expressionism when there is intent; it is the process of experimenting with new ideas, methods, rules, patterns, etc. that ignites the spark of creativity.

I used to think social work and photography were two very different things, that photography would always be my hobby and social work my career but I’m learning that that isn’t necessarily the case. In chapter one, Orwig states, “creativity is essential to life. It’s like the oxygen that gives us life and the sunshine that provides growth. Creativity is like an electric current to illuminate our path. It is a fire that reinvigorates our resolve to do what matters most. Creativity is hope when all seems lost. It sustains us so that we can thrive. When the creative juices flow, we become more productive and alive. We move forward and accomplish impossible tasks”. How does this NOT intertwine with wellbeing and mental health? The thing with art therapy is that it has a reputation as being for people who are already skilled in that medium, but that’s not the case. Sure there may require a very basic understanding of how to use whatever tools required, whether that is a pencil or a camera, but masters in the field of art are not the only people who can (or should) benefit from creativity or art-making. “Creativity is a gift from the divine, but it isn’t limited to a specialized group”.

Additionally, creativity is one of few things that actually thrives on overcoming difficulties. “Creativity doesn’t hinge on getting everything right… [it] flourishes when times get tough. The tougher the times, the more creativity grows”. This can be used in two ways: 1) as a form of self care, or 2) as a form of therapeutic photography to help yourself, or a client, face their problem and utilize a creative medium to solve or overcome their problem. Creativity is a means of expression, of thought and intention in the purest form. The more it is utilized, the stronger and more meaningful it will become.

Therapeutic Photography