"I don't have to prove... I am creative"

 - Talking Heads, Artists Only, 1977 

What does it mean to be creative? And can we answer it in this blog post?

Several people have called me creative lately, referring to a knitting project, cooking experiment or blog writing.

But I wouldn't call those things creative. Maybe crafty, or handy, or glib. Though I suppose if you mean I'm creating something, well, then, yes, I can turn yarn and needles into an apple cozy. I didn't design the thing though -- I'm just good at following instructions (most of the time). And my blog writing is not art. (No, really, it isn't. But thank you for saying so. Oh, you didn't?) I admit I'm good with words, an adaptive skill for the youngest of four overly verbal siblings. But it's not litrachur.

When I think of creativity, I think of art, writing, music, dance, sculpture, design... inspired expression.

Quote on my bulletin board:

"Any activity becomes creative when the doer cares about doing it right, or doing it better." - John Updike

I like to think that's true. Sometimes I like to do things right, and better. Then other times I just want to get the damn thing done. Is that the difference in being creative or not?  Hmm.

I have no idea what this chart is trying to say about creativity.