As the use of Artificial Intelligence and other platforms rises, a scary question faces humanity. Is creativity slowly dying? AI is a hot topic nowadays, and rightfully so. With many people using AI to create logos, videos on TikTok, and even AI movie stars, it nullifies imagination and leaves no room for artists to flourish.
To combat this, I created a list of 4 activities that I do to make sure creativity never dies.
1. Reading
First up, we have reading. The joy I get from reading is unlike anything else. For me, reading allows me to escape reality as I envision the world the author wrote. It is a great way to stay entertained without doomscrolling. There are so many different genres that can catch your interest ranging from romance, fantasy, mystery, comic books, or even manga.
Reading is also more accessible than ever! With different book clubs across campuses, public libraries offering free library cards to residents, and even a rise in little free libraries, books are available at every corner. Here at FIU, the Readers’ club goes above and beyond to make sure its members have a chance to read the month’s choice by providing a PDF version of each book. Overall, reading is a great way to get your creative juices flowing. With different worlds in every book, they are bound to give you ideas.
2. observe Art
Go out into the world, and observe art! Museums are a great place to do this, but looking at art isn’t limited to just that. Attend a local art show or walk around nature and see what speaks to you. A study done by the University of Arizona found that looking at art increases blood flow to the brain by as much as 10%, which is the equivalent to looking at someone you love. This brain stimulation helps support your day-to-day activities. With all the “brainrot” online these days, it is the perfect time to explore and strengthen your brain.
3. Create art
Grab your tools and start creating your own art! The negative effects of social media and online platforms can be countered by making art. According to the The Research Center for Arts and Culture (RCAC) at the National Center for Creative Aging (NCCA), it established that artists suffer less loneliness and depression compared to the general population.
Creating art doesn’t have to be hard either. There’s a form of art called surrealist automatism that was developed in the 1920’s, and its sole purpose was to create without rationality or judgement. The idea is to create without your consciousness: don’t think just do. Removing this judgement will ultimately allow you to create freely.
Art also doesn’t have to be painting or drawing. You can use your phone’s camera and take pictures. Photography is a great creative skill. Being able to see something beautiful in the mundane is art. You can create art anywhere, you just have to be willing to do so.
4. Learn new recipies
Creating new recipes or even trying new ones is a great way to grow. Being able to adapt to different techniques or flavors is something everyone should experience. Personally, I love creating meals that I wouldn’t normally make from diverse cultures. It opens up a whole new world.
Trying different recipes might not always turn out how you expect, but if you keep trying to improve your dish, soon enough, you’ll have something delicious. Since it is fall, I am trying to perfect different soup recipes, and even though they don’t always turn out amazing, the ones that do make me feel accomplished. Everyone should feel accomplished when trying something new. So, pick up a cookbook and start!
The possibilities for creativity are endless. Pick up a new hobby that interests you, whether that’s pottery, painting, drawing, trying new recipes, knitting, making music, etc. You have the power to make something amazing and live a life rich. Don’t let creativity die.
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