why you should focus on more little-c in your life (and how).
FRIDAY; 04.07.2023
Perhaps it's the years of enjoying student artwork that I’ve become so fond of “little-c” Creativity. Part of Dr. James Kaufman’s Four C Model of Creativity, little-c represents daily activities and experiences in creativity that I also like to add, are unique to the individual. Art educators get to witness these acts almost daily in their classrooms.
A student’s artwork may never have the expertise or skill of a professional creative, but the importance it is to the creator and the daily acts it took in learning and completing - that’s the “little-c” and why this art teacher just can’t get over talking about it.
“Creativity can be about anything, it's not so much about what you do as how you do it. And that's the key to what we call everyday creativity.” - Dr. Ruth Richards
Because, the wonderful thing about “little-c” Creativity is that everyone is welcome! You do not need to be a professional (let alone “good”) to have “little-c” in your life. More “little-c” can take place in a daily journaling practice, playing an instrument, reading a new book, parenting, the outfit you pick out, tending a garden at home, and so much more. Honestly, I think many people engage in “little-c” acts while never realizing it’s creative. This is why I want to argue why you should focus on more little-c things in your life.
Embracing “little-c” is a way to open up your attention to where and how you feel the most creative. Once you think about all of the ways Creativity impacts your life, my hope in teaching is that my students are able to find this in all areas of their life, not just art class. Because, a regular practice in creativity has been researched and shown to provide many positive benefits; including increased happiness, improved brain health, and what this study from the University of Minnesota describes, “a path to flourishing”.
As my students prepare to become art educators, I ask them “why should students learn Creativity?” While this gets some confusing looks, because-duh we want to be art teachers, I want teachers to grapple with these “whys” for experiencing Art. Because what’s really the point of being in an art classroom? As a public school educator who’s been asked this many times facing budget cuts and lack of funding, this is why we need to advocate for more Creativity. In studying and teaching Creativity, I’m convinced that understanding Creativity for oneself is rocket fuel to flourishing. These are the lessons I want all of my students to take with them, a confidence to keep pursuing “little-c” creativity in their lives. The art classroom is a great place to learn techniques, but bigger than a skill — it can help students see and discover their own unique creative lights.
creative exercise: words are pictures
I get it, daily journaling practice is work. This is why we don’t have abs after one yoga class. This exercise is one of my personal favorites for when I’m feeling tired and/or exhausted after the day - it’s easy and quick, just like the mac and cheese I’m having for dinner.
timeframe: 5-10 Minutes
materials: journal, writing utensil
steps:
Choose a word or phrase.
Write it in your visual journal.
Repeat over and over.
Fill the page.
Look for connections.
happy creating, professor slu
References
Conner, T. S., DeYoung, C. G., & Silvia, P. J. (2018). Everyday creative activity as a path to flourishing. Journal of Positive Psychology, 13(2), 181-189. https://doi.org/10.1080/17439760.2016.1257049
Kent, C., & Steward, J. (2008). Learning by heart: Teachings to free the creative spirit. Allworth Press.
Richards, R. (2019). Everyday creativity and the healthy mind: Dynamic new paths for self and Society. Palgrave Macmillan.
Silvia, P.J., Beaty, R.E., Nusbaum, E.C., Eddington, K.M., Levin-Aspenson, H., Kwapil, T.R. (2014). Everyday creativity in daily life: An experience-sampling study of “little c” creativity. Psychology of Aesthetics, Creativity, and the Arts. 8(2), 183-188. doi: 10.1037/a0035722
For some reason in my head I am visualizing a cheerleader chanting "Big C, Little C, Go Go!" I'm actually teaching a weekly after school art class for middle schoolers this month and I find it much harder than expected to think about getting them to put creativity into practice rather than just focusing on the project. I had them do negative space drawings for the first class, and one of them said, "this looks like bad." My first response (which I am still not sure was right) was: "does it matter?" Anyway, all to say that I am always so inspired by your work that you do on this stuff and it has helped me think about how to put more creativity into practice personally and in teaching!