In our classroom discussion we considered the many aspects of this kind of work, and possible relevance to what we are undertaking to do in class. Christo and Jean Claude use the creative process to undertake and realize each of their projects, and although they work on a very large scale, their process is identical to ours! Look carefully at the varous stages of the Creative Process for "The River Project" illustrated and documented by Christo and Jean Claude. Notice the items listed on the left side of the webpage that all form part of this extensive process oriented project. How can you document your process in a similar way?
The stages of the creative process are
1. Challenging & Inspiring (responding to a creative challenge presented by the teacher/other source);
2. Imagining & Generating (coming up with possible solutions using brainstorming, thumbnail sketches, mind mapping, seeking out similar solutions presented by others etc.);
3. Focusing & Planning (creating a plan by choosing ideas, determining and articulating a focus, choosing an appropriate form);
4. Exploring & Experimenting (exploring a range of elements and techniques and making artistic choices for the work);
5. Producing Preliminary Work (making an early, full size version of the work, sharing with peers/instructor to seek opinions/responses);
6. Revising & Refining (revising and reworking the initial work on the basis of feedback and reflection);
7. Presenting & Performing (completing and formally presenting for audience);
8. Reflecting & Evaluating (considering the degree of success with reference to specific aspects that went well or could be improved, using these results as basis for starting another arts-based project--i.e. source of inspiration/challenge).
See below a selection of Christo's Creative Process Records...where would these "fit in" to the Creative Process described above?
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| Preparatory sketch for "The River Project" by Christo, 1992 |
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| Wind Tunnel Testing @ U of Guelph for "The River Project" 1998 |
