Deschutes Public Library

The key to creativity, the science behind ideas and how daydreaming can change the world, Hilde Ostby ; translated by Matt Bagguley ; illustrations by John Tenniel

eng

Includes bibliographical references (pages 284-310)

illustrations

no index present

non fiction

The key to creativity

bibliography

1366499658

Hilde Ostby ; translated by Matt Bagguley ; illustrations by John Tenniel

the science behind ideas and how daydreaming can change the world

"Author and journalist Hilde Østby was cycling to work one day when she crashed head-first into a stone bridge. At the hospital, she was diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury and prescribed rest and relaxation. But her brain was anything but restful: ideas for new writing projects popped into her head at a frenzied pace. Never before had she had so many 'aha' moments. But at the same time, simple tasks like walking through an airport felt impossible. Had the concussion made her--like the stereotype of the tortured artist--more creative but less able to function in society? Or was there something else at play? What makes a person creative, anyway? In The Key to Creativity, Østby takes readers on a deep-dive into why we are creative and what conditions must be present in order for us to make our best work: whether that be a painting, a piece of writing, or simply a good email. Using characters from Alice in Wonderland for inspiration, Østby investigates why we have ideas that seemingly come out of nowhere, like the Cheshire Cat, and how we can quiet our inner critic, like the rule-obsessed Queen of Hearts. Along the way, she speaks with artists of all stripes and interviews psychiatrists and neurologists who specialize in understanding what happens in the brain when we are at our most creative. She discovers that having a tortured and lonely existence isn't necessarily conducive to producing great art--and that being able to complete a task, on time, and according to your and others' expectations, is as important as being able to think outside the box. Østby soon learns that she needs to make changes in her own life to recover from her brain injury and to give structure and life to her ideas. This engaging and groundbreaking book debunks the myth that you need to be a genius in order to be an artist or inventor. All you need is an idea and the tools to make your creative dream come true"--, Provided by publisher

Introduction. I hit the wall by the River Akerselva : can bumping your head make you more creative? -- The Cheshire Cat appears : good ideas, and eight hundred "aha" moments that can turn your life upside down -- The Mad Hatter's tea party : I learn to be more spontaneous and follow my intuition -- Playing croquet with the Queen of Hearts : what is it you are actually doing when you make something? -- Wonderland : the mysterious source of creativity, DMN -- How to learn less and less : I start school again -- The art of painting white roses red : I quit my job -- The Walrus and The Carpenter : I learn how to live in the future -- I find Alice : weaving is believing -- The Dodo's lament : a walk in the future forest