TEDxNapoli - David Parrish - a-Creativity: i-Creativity

Summary

The speaker explores the multifaceted nature of creativity, distinguishing between 'artistic creativity' and a broader 'creative ingenuity' that manifests in problem-solving across various fields. Emphasizing the importance of creativity in crisis, the talk encourages embracing both artistic and innovative thinking to achieve unique success, suggesting the term 'I-creativity' for the latter. Examples include B Calypso's strategic piracy, art galleries' cooperative competition, and Steve Messon's funding through tourism promotion, illustrating how combining creativity with business acumen can lead to remarkable outcomes.

Takeaways

• 🌟 Creativity is not limited to the arts but also includes problem-solving, ingenuity, and innovation across all fields of human endeavor.
• 🎨 The term 'artistic creativity' encompasses visual arts, music, design, architecture, fashion, and computer games, which are the foundation of the creative industries.
• 🤔 The broader concept of 'creativity' includes lateral thinking and problem-solving skills that are essential in agriculture, science, politics, education, healthcare, and even warfare.
• 🚀 Some of the most innovative solutions in human history have emerged during times of crisis, highlighting the importance of creativity in overcoming challenges.
• 👨‍🎨 Historical figures like Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Shakespeare exemplify artistic creativity, while modern examples include fashion, design, and cinema.
• 🔄 The speaker suggests distinguishing between 'a creativity' (artistic) and 'i creativity' (ingenuity) to clarify the different applications of creativity.
• 💡 Creativity can be applied to business practices, such as marketing, finance, and management, leading to unique successes that align with individual or organizational values.
• 🌐 The speaker emphasizes the importance of learning from other sectors and combining artistic creativity with smart business thinking to achieve success.
• 🔗 Examples provided include a Brazilian music group working with pirates for promotion, art galleries in Vietnam cooperating for mutual benefit, and a British artist securing funding through innovative marketing strategies.
• 🌱 The message encourages embracing and respecting both forms of creativity to unlock potential and achieve success, especially during times of crisis.

Q & A

What does the speaker suggest is the relationship between creativity and crisis?

The speaker suggests that creativity loves a crisis and that some of the most creative solutions in human endeavor have come about during times of crisis.

What are the two types of creativity mentioned in the script?

The two types of creativity mentioned are 'artistic creativity' which includes visual arts, music, design, architecture, fashion, and computer games, and 'I creativity' which refers to ingenuity, innovation, invention, lateral thinking, or problem-solving in various fields.

Why does the speaker argue that the term 'creativity' can be confusing?

The speaker argues that the term 'creativity' can be confusing because it has at least two meanings: one that implies artistic creativity and another that refers to a broader sense of ingenuity or problem-solving. This dual meaning can prevent a comprehensive discussion of creativity.

What examples of artistic creativity does the speaker provide?

The speaker provides examples of artistic creativity such as the art of Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo, the literature of Shakespeare, the music of Mozart, and modern classics in fashion, design, and cinema.

How does the speaker define 'I creativity'?

The speaker defines 'I creativity' as a broader form of creativity that includes ingenuity, innovation, invention, lateral thinking, or simply problem-solving, and can be found in all fields of human endeavor.

What is the problem the speaker identifies with the term 'creative' in the English language?

The problem identified is that the term 'creative' in the English language tends to imply artistic creativity, leading some people to believe they are 'not creative' if they don't possess artistic talent, despite potentially being highly creative in other fields.

What does the speaker propose to differentiate between artistic and broader creativity?

The speaker proposes using the term 'A creativity' for artistic creativity and 'I creativity' for the broader kind of creativity that includes ingenuity and problem-solving.

Why does the speaker believe that 'creatives' often switch off their creativity in business settings?

The speaker believes that 'creatives' might switch off their creativity in business settings because they think business is boring or not creative, denying the existence of creativity outside the artistic field.

What is the metaphor 't-shirts and suits' referring to?

The metaphor 't-shirts and suits' refers to the combination of artistic creativity ('t-shirts') and smart business thinking ('suits').

What are some examples given of combining 'A creativity' and 'I creativity'?

Examples include the Brazilian band B Calypso working with music pirates, two art galleries in Vietnam cooperating to sell art online, and British artist Steve Messon securing funding for his sculptures by promoting them as an advertising opportunity.

What is the speaker's conclusion about the importance of recognizing and respecting both types of creativity?

The speaker concludes that by recognizing and respecting both 'A creativity' and 'I creativity', we can open our eyes to amazing possibilities in all fields, adapt these ideas to our purposes, and achieve our own version of success, especially in times of crisis.