Where is genius?
Several conversations over the last few months have left me pondering questions about genius and creativity. How do we get inspired? Where does that inspiration come from? What does genius look like? Can we manipulate our circumstances to encourage or, indeed, hinder our capacity for creativity? Can we anticipate the creativity of others from their circumstances?
Wordsworth inspired by Lake District Daffodils
To some extent, these questions are subjective existential reflections on my own sense of creative ability or lack thereof. Remedies I have considered include, for example, a dash back to either New York City or London for a shot of city vibrancy, where the gritty mass of quotidian lives is matched by the sheer power of millions of minds processing visible innovative concepts. I also have wondered about a road trip to some bucolic and cloistered retreat. Then again, pragmatism also produced the idea that perhaps I should just stay home, away from distractions, and let creative inspiration well up in the peace and quiet of familiar surroundings. The common thread through all of this, however, is the construct of environmental circumstance to facilitate creativity.
Suburban inspiration?
That suggested that inspiration, at least for me, was a product of my surroundings, not sheer intellectual and emotional internal personal capacity. How disappointing. Which got me thinking about other people that I admire. There are parts of Omaha that are considered “cool”, “hip” or “creative” and to live there is to assume some of that persona. Equally, there are parts of Omaha that are considered more “sterile”, “bland” and “ubiquitous.” Timothy Schaffert, whom I regard as an incredibly gifted literary talent, lives in an area that many would categorize as suburban. Schaffert seems to conjure up intimidatingly creative concepts out of some magical internal world unrelated to his general surroundings.
My partner, David Day, also lives in an area that could be described as suburban. Yet, like Timothy, Dave’s design and artistic talents seem to emanate from some mysterious other dimension not tied to environment.
Similarly, such a line of thought made me conclude that genius really did not have a recognizable “look.” In the same way that it is difficult to state where genius lives it is difficult to say what genius would wear.
These observations led me to another: That Omaha is perceived as something of a soporific farmer to the bigger city’s overactive bohemian. The truth is that Omaha contains equal capacity for creative genius as does any other locale. Whether or not it is fully nurtured or tapped is a separate issue, but certainly we compare favorably to other places in terms of our capacity for innovation.
I’m trying to tap into mine. And I’m curious, how do you tap into yours?
Written by Stuart
David Day | Associates
About the Author: Stuart isn't often heard divulging his shady history. This, unfortunately, is not one of those times.