Body

This chapter argues that the analytical ‘cut’ of the body in traditional creativity research is detrimental to not only theoretical conceptualization about creativity but also our possibilities for practical action in terms of making creativity more tangible in educational and workplace settings. Expanding contemporary research on embodied creativity, the body is portrayed as a connecting entity for person and environment, and as a vehicle for the active and creative way humans can relate to and engage with situations, others, and physical tools. As a junction for personal capacities and societal forces, the body ultimately determines not only the nature of the creative process but also its means and ramifications. To pave the way for focusing more on the body in the theory, research, and practice of creativity, this chapter sketches a model of the creative body containing a tentative selection of unique movement potentials of the body (i.e., hands, legs, senses, gut, and heart). Using this everyday conception of the body to explore different theoretical perspectives of embodiment in relation to creative actions, the chapter shows that a greater focus on the body may enrich not only our understanding of creative activities but also our capacity to nurture it in educational and workplace settings.