Creativity and Art Education Gaps Between Theories and Practices

Abstract

Theories of creativity from different disciplines map onto teaching strategies within the fine art field developed since the Renaissance and up to late Modernism. In particular, the outcomes of historical studies by psychologists and experimental studies within cognitive science have significant resonance with some long-standing methods of training artists, which have recently become less common within the art schools. Through a series of interviews with experienced teachers of studio art in the UK university context, and analysis of written material to support teaching, this paper explores where theory and practice overlap. We report on the role of practical strategies, field knowledge, artistic identity, and the importance of 'space'. We note that the latter two factors do not appear to be clearly present within existing models of creativity, but aspects of them reflect tolerance for ambiguity. We conclude by reflecting that this space within conceptions of art education is now being considered as a gap that needs attention. Creativity and the education of artistsThis chapter reports on a study within the visual arts field on whether models of creativity as described in other fields are reflected within art education teaching. As this discussion is located within a multidisciplinary collection of essays on creativity we must initially highlight two points reflecting assumptions about artistic creativity held beyond the field, based on historically located perspectives no longer operational within the field. The first is the idea that current art might have a concern with beauty, and the second that creative capabilities are a special gift. Both would be contested to varying degrees within the world of art in the university or contemporary gallery. We also note a range of different perspectives on creativity within the field of the visual arts, which are based on assumptions not necessarily framed by an understanding of contemporary thinking about creativity.