The artist has a special role in human affairs. Yet artists have sometimes been dismissed as impractical dreamers whose work has little relationship to the serious business of life. This is one of the most unfortunate misunderstandings of the artist and of the importance of creativity itself.
Another, much older view exists. In many traditional cultures, artists and craftspeople held an important place within the community. They created sacred objects, ceremonial garments, paintings, sculpture, music, and other forms used in ritual and spiritual expression. Art was not separate from life; it contributed to the community’s well-being and consciousness.
Modern education does not usually approach art in this way. Art is more often regarded as an enrichment activity, a pleasant addition to the subjects considered academically necessary. Yet art education contributes something that factual learning alone cannot provide. It develops imagination, sensitivity, observation, self-expression, and the ability to find creative solutions.
From a spiritual perspective, creativity is also important because it encourages the individual to become more responsive to inner impressions. The child does not create only to produce a drawing, a painting, a song, or a dance. Through creative activity, the child learns to observe, choose, imagine, respond, and bring an idea into form.
Art education therefore has a much broader purpose than training future artists. Most children will never become professional painters, musicians, dancers, or sculptors, but every child will need imagination and creativity in some area of life.
A scientist requires creativity to recognize a new relationship. An engineer must imagine a solution before constructing it. A teacher must find different ways of reaching different students. Creativity enters business, medicine, writing, architecture, gardening, design, and ordinary problem-solving. Whatever direction a life eventually takes, creativity helps the individual bring ideas into manifestation.
Leave a Reply