10 Quotes From Ken Robinson That Motivate and Inspire Creative Thinking

Learning is a creative activity, at least it certainly needs to be, if we are going to effectively learn. Being taught creatively  increases our curiosity, our creativity and our ability to achieve through the power of our imagination.

Sir Ken Robinson motivates and inspires me creatively, and to share his important message, being an educator and an artist myself. We are in the midst of a creativity crisis. His message and mission “to transform the culture of education and organizations with a richer conception of human creativity and intelligence” gives me hope for a more creative world in the future.

In my opinion not enough people are aware of his work, particularly in Canada, and his call for a transformation and a paradigm shift that is needed within the educational system on all levels.

The following quotes are a small glimpse into his way of thinking.
 

1.“ Curiosity is the engine of achievement. ” 


2. "Imagination is the source of every form of human achievement. And it's the one thing that I believe we are systematically jeopardizing in the way we educate our children and ourselves."

3. "Creativity now is as important as literacy, and we should treat it with the same status."

4. "Human beings are naturally different and diverse.
 childhood. ”

5. " A real education has to give equal weight to the arts, the humanities, to physical education. ”

6.“ Kids prosper best with a broad curriculum that celebrates their various talents, not just a small range of them. ”


7. “ The arts aren’t just important because they improve math scores. They’re important because they speak to parts of children’s being which are otherwise untouched. ”


8.“ In place of curiosity, what we have is a culture of compliance. 

9. “ Our children and teachers are encouraged to follow routine algorithms rather than to excite that power of imagination and curiosity."

10  "Creativity is the process of having original ideas that have value."

Sir Ken Robinson is what I would call a real change agent.

The Purposes of Education

Today in a discussion group I belong to on linkedin.com the question was put on there. " Can a self taught artist be as successful as an artist with an education?"

This is what I have to say about that.


I know artists without formal education whom have gone on to be very successful, however there is of course never any guarantee for success, if you are speaking  monetarily, regardless of one's education or circumstance. Education is a very personal choice that one makes as an artist, and the word success is relative. I can only speak from my own experience.

 I was not a good student, in an system that does not foster or encourage creativity. I did have a thirst for knowledge, which I believe is what needs to underpin any educational pursuit.

I have chosen to return to University at the age of 56 years of age, which has been both challenging and simultaneously, one of the best experiences, in my life time for so many reasons.

As a younger art student, I attended NSCAD from 1971- 1979. I was neither ready, nor  prepared for University. One needs to be ready and to choose the right program, with the right Professors. Unfortunately, at 27 I was unable to complete my degree, as I  suddenly found myself a widow, after being newly married for only four months, in my last year of University and was unable to return, which always weighed heavy on my heart.

Now, as a mature student, I will finally graduate at the age of 59 with my BFA from a wonderful Fine Art Department and University, in eight months time. In the near future I hope to continue on in pursuit of an MFA.

And so I will say, yes, I greatly value my formal education,  even though in the past I was never the best student. I am  now getting As and Bs and I have fulfilled the dream of returning to complete my degree.

I have been blessed with an experience, that for me, is second to none. I am constantly inspired by fellow students, artists and professors who stimulate, motivate the intellect and creative spirit, making all the difference in my life, as a person and as an artist. It is about the quality of what I learn, from quality teachers, and simultaneously from the quality of the creative process, in my own art practice.

My fellow students keep me young, inspire, educate me, and because of my own experience, I can mentor many of them, in a mutually respectful exchange, which I find very rewarding, having been a Youth Care Worker for over 20 years.

We are never to "old " for learning, Life is for learning. I am here to say, if you are thinking about going back to University, but are hesitating, especially if you think it's too late, or you are too "old", or for what ever reason. Make sure you choose the right University, the right program, with the right professors and you will not regret it.

There are so many in this world who have no hope or opportunity to attend University. I am so very grateful I have that opportunity, and I intend to take every advantage that I can of it, as I do not take it for granted.

In conclusion yes, you do not have to go to University to get an art education but why wouldn't you want to, if you have the opportunity. It will only enrich your life, as an artist and as a person and bring you much happiness.

 " It's not the pursuit of happiness, it's the happiness of the pursuit."

Why I am an Artist/Painter

I was asked the question, why I am painter. This question is a very important one for me to answer and I think in many ways is an ongoing one, in that, I am often asking myself what my art means to me and by times I have had for brief fleeting moments, thought about the reason I would even want to be an artist however I do not support the notion, that there are very negative consequences of choosing a field that may result in pending poverty, or madness. Along with this notion I would include, the myriad of myths and preconceived ideas about artists generally. In the book, The Artist's Way , by Julie Cameron she lists a compendium of these myths. This book was life changing for me, helping me to rediscovery and recover my creative self.

The question I hear posed repeatedly, "what are you going to do when you graduate", or "what will A Bachelor of Fine Art, is that what it's called, get you?". My classmate and I were discussing this notion the other day. I concluded the reason for this query from others perhaps is, because many do not understand how a Fine Art degree can possible translate into anything really viable, other than endless hours of painting in a garret, being a tortured soul, and living from hand to mouth.

That said, I come back to the question of why I am an artist. I believe we are all born creative, some of us become artists, others not, but we all have this innate creative impulse, that is either fostered or not. Fortunately for me, my creativity was greatly valued and I was nurtured as a child growing up in a creative family. Within the school system, in Ontario where art and music was a significant part of the curriculum, played a very valuable role in my decision to be an artist. Academically I was not a good student and did not feel comfortable in a stream lined educational system. This situation became more problematic for me when my family moved back to Nova Scotia in my early teens.

Growing up art for me was an escape and a comfort being in difficult family circumstances. If I couldn't seem to excel in anything academically, I could always express myself creatively and this was supported by my family.

Family, and the educational system both played a major role in my draw toward creative interests and pursuits. Once I became older I was able to find great rewards and satisfaction in my life and work as a Youth Care Worker and being an artist became a life style choice and a way of thinking that was fulfilling and gratifying. I could help young people the way I was helped. Being an artist is more than a vocation, where once being a Youth Care Worker was my vocation, being an artist is all about learning and living life in a holistic manner. Life and art are not separate entities. They both inform one another and as an artist I intend and hope to make the world a better place in encouraging others to follow a creative lifestyle regardless weather they themselves decide to be artists.
I am primarily a painter. I am not sure if I can verbalize exactly why but I have come to learn that painting tells me about myself in a variety of ways. In addition, I feel the strong desire to communicate through painting, though I use other medium, painting for me is the one I feel most connected to. It is a very sensual, physical, and tactile experience. There is a challenge in approaching the blank canvas going through the painting process and then having the satisfaction of work completed. There is a freedom I feel through the discipline of being a painter. It just feels really good for me. As an artist I have learned to be honest, open minded and willing through the creative process.

Success and Creativity

I found a very interesting author, Malcolm Gladwell, who has written several books, one in particular grabbed my interest called, Outliers. It explores the topic of success and creativity. Very compelling and important information to anyone interested in education, creativity and success.

- Kind regards, Catherine

Sir Ken Robinson On Creativity

Here is a very important video in my opinion. I hope you will take the time to view it. It is a great confirmation of what I personally believe to be true about creativity. Here is the link below.

Creatively Speaking, Part One: Sir Ken Robinson on the Power of the Imaginative Mind . The internationally renowned innovation consultant calls for transformation, not just reformation, of public education. .