Simplicity: The Storm of Creativity

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The creative process—spanning from “unlearning” to renewal—is explored through examples from various artists, architects, poets, and more. Kyna Leski emphasizes that while each creative instance is unique, the underlying process is universal. Creatives across disciplines face similar challenges, navigating through blank pages, writer's block, and uncertainty. Drawing from her diverse experiences as a teacher, maker, and architect, Leski likens the creative journey to a storm that builds and envelops us, if we allow it. This dynamic process is characterized by starts and stops, ebbs and flows. Accompanying illustrations depict the creative arc through the metaphor of water droplets in a storm. Leski discusses the importance of unlearning—shedding preconceptions to identify problems worth solving. The process involves gathering evidence, whether through notes, research, or object collections, which propels creativity forward. It requires perception, conception, and making connections while also allowing for pauses and retreats before continuing. Drawing on diverse examples, from Paul Klee to Steve Jobs and the design of Gaudí's Sagrada Familia, Leski presents creativity as an endless journey. This insightful perspective serves as a vital guide for anyone engaged in creative exploration.