1. Creative Processes

2. Aims Develop understanding of the notion of creative processes through; exploration of models and frameworks evaluation and reflection making connections and documentation

3. Individual v Community ‘it is increasingly argued that creativity actually belongs in ‘communities’, residing in the ‘spaces’ between individual minds, rather than being sited entirely in the individual.’ (Craft 2000: 149)

4. Models of creative processes Csikszentmilhalyi (1997, 2002) ‘In the flow’ the most productive and fulfilling phases of the creative process characterised by; Intense concentration absorption pleasure lack of awareness of time passing

5. Models of creative processes Dust (1999) four common phases from literature: 1. Preparation; investigating the problem and gathering of data 2. Incubation; usually an unconscious -subconscious phase 3. Illumination/revelation; the insight, the moment of creation 4. Verification/re-framing; the ‘testing’, usually through communicating the outcome to peers or 'gatekeepers’

6. Models of creative processes Craft (2000) a spiral model: Preparation – getting into an appropriate place for being creative. A physical space, emotional space, making time or being with other people who stimulate/support Preparation can also mean reaching a point of frustration with an issue and the need to make change happen; ‘letting go’ Assimilation ‘is the least visible, and is an internal stage, which requires time to take root… Completion involves the bringing to fruition of the idea which involves the capacity to ‘receive’ as well as to ‘create’

7. Models of creative processes Craft (2000)

8. Models of creative processes Harrington (1990) brings process, people and physical environment together within a framework; ‘Creative Ecosystem’: An atmosphere or ‘ambience’ of creativity Stimulation Opportunities for ‘play’ Easy access to resources Mentors and role models Permission/support Motivation/Encouragement Information Open-ended assignments

9. Creative processes In a group of 3 evaluate the models/frameworks What are their commonalities? Which do you identify with most and why? What do they tell you about creativity? Document key aspects of your discussion and reflect on your own creative processes.

10. References Csikszentmihalyi, M. (2002) Flow. London: Rider. Craft, A. (2000) Creativity Across the Primary Curriculum: Framing and Developing Practice. London: Routledge. Craft, A. (2003) Creative Thinking in the Early Years of Education, Early Years, Vol. 23, No. 2, September 2003 Dust, K. (1999) Motive, Means and Opportunity: Creativity Research Review. London: NESTA. Harrington, D. M.(1990) ‘The Ecology of Human Creativity: A psychological perspective’, in Runco, M. A. and Albert, R. S. (eds.) Theories of Creativity. London. Sage Publications.