You’re More Creative Than You Think | Rick Sorenson

<p>What if creativity isn’t a special talent reserved for artists, but something already present in every human being?</p><p>In this episode of Thought Atlas, Rick Sorenson—artist, educator, author, and lifelong student of creativity—explores what creativity means, where it comes from, and why so many adults eventually convince themselves that they aren’t creative.</p><p>Rick shares the story of discovering drawing in seventh grade, when an art teacher taught his class to study light by repeatedly drawing a simple white ball under a lamp. That experience began what he describes as a lifelong pursuit of art, including drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, and writing.</p><p>The conversation then goes deeper. Rick describes creativity as involving problem solving, reapplying existing principles in new ways, and discovering things others may overlook. He uses the story of the development of Velcro as an example of noticing something in nature and applying the underlying principle differently.</p><p>We explore why people often associate creativity exclusively with artistic ability, and Rick explains his view that creativity is something everyone possesses but that artists tend to exercise more intentionally.</p><p>A major part of the episode focuses on why creativity can become suppressed during childhood. Rick describes what he believes happens when children begin comparing what they draw with what they see around them, become frustrated, and eventually conclude that they “aren’t creative.” He connects this to experiences he encountered while teaching adults, including an older student who struggled with fear and self-doubt while learning to draw.</p><p>Rick also explores creativity through faith, including his belief that God gives human beings creativity. He discusses his book <em>Art, The Church’s Response</em>, and examines how art has historically been used to communicate biblical stories and ideas, including examples involving Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci.</p><p>The conversation ultimately returns to a simple challenge: if you’ve spent your life believing you’re not creative, question that belief. Have the courage to try, accept that developing creative ability takes time, and exercise whichever form of creativity naturally draws you.</p><p>Connect with Rick: He says listeners can find him through his author’s page on The Lanyap Life, where he has articles about the nature of creating. He also says his book <em>Art, The Church’s Response</em> is available on Amazon.</p><p>Continue mapping the landscape of ideas with Thought Atlas.</p><p>https://joinpodmatch.com/thoughtatlas</p><p><br></p>