Knowledge and creativity are deeply connected but can survive without the other. Knowledge is something we gain either through learning in school or learning on our own. We can gain knowledge because we intended on learning or we can also gain knowledge through experiencing something and learning something from our actions. Those actions can be well thought out intentions of learning something new or even knowledge gained through mistakes we make. Sometimes we learn new information or knowledge as accident or through experimentation. 

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Creativity is something that we can experience through experimentation as well. We can gain creativity through inspiration and practicing some type of art with an open mind when we are short on ideas.  Creativity happens when you create something knew and that is where the relationship of knowledge and creativity are intertwined. You can have knowledge of something you already know and create something new or be inspired, but you can also be creative and not have knowledge of something you want to create so the desire of creating something can inspire you to learn something new and thus gain knowledge.

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For example, I recently had a memory of doing an art project in 7th grade, it was a lino carving which we used to print designs on sweatshirts. I didn’t have enough knowledge on how to do the project now, but I had enough interest to do my research and figure out the supplies I needed, watched some YouTube videos, Instagram artists working on lino carvings so I could gain new information and experiment with a new project. Sometimes we have ideas in our minds and we do not know how to initiate or fabricate a creative spark but knowledge of techniques, tools, or education can help us be creative. Having knowledge allows the world of creative possibilities to be endless. Taking classes like 2D Design has given me the knowledge and allowed my already creative side explore new ways of creating art like a project I recently did using newspaper clippings. 

 

The way I like to think about it is like cooking. If you only had basic food items like chicken, white rice, and vegetables and know basic cooking skills you can make a somewhat palatable dinner but if you have spices, and more knowledge of cooking techniques, recipes, play with herbs and marinating, have the right cooking tools and experiment you open up the world to a different culinary creation. I believe art is the same thing when it comes to creativity and knowledge. I can draw something and maybe be able to draw without taking a class, however, if I take a class and gain more skills and knowledge it will not only take my art to another level but the knowledge will allow my creativity to soar because I will gain more knowledge and execute the ideas floating in my head.