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Damon McLeese discusses the importance of creativity throughout life, emphasizing that creativity is distinct from artistry. He shares personal experiences and research showing that engaging in creative activities can enhance happiness and well-being, regardless of age.
Creativity is often seen as a trait that diminishes with age, but Damon McLeese challenges this notion in his TEDx talk. At 60 years old, he argues that he is happier, more creative, and better at his job than ever before. This blog post explores his insights on creativity, its importance, and how we can reclaim it at any age.
Pablo Picasso: "All children are artists. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up."
The Decline of Creativity
McLeese begins by reflecting on societal perceptions of aging. He notes that while society may label him as old or washed up, he feels more creative than he did in his youth. He has spent 25 years running an arts organization for people with disabilities, teaching various forms of artistic expression to individuals of all ages, including those with Alzheimer’s and dementia.
In his experience, when he asks children in elementary schools about their creativity, every hand goes up. A NASA study supports this, indicating that 98% of five-year-olds test at the creative genius level. However, this percentage drops dramatically to around 30% for ten-year-olds and just 13% for fifteen-year-olds. In contrast, when he poses the same question to adults in corporate settings, very few hands are raised, and less than 2% test at the creative genius level.
Confusing Creativity with Artistry
McLeese believes that a significant factor in this decline is the confusion between creativity and artistry. He defines creativity as the process of making a mess, making mistakes, and learning from them, while artistry is more about the final product. This misunderstanding leads many to believe that they are not creative, especially after negative experiences in childhood, such as being told to stay within the lines of a coloring book.
Personal Journey and Rediscovery
Reflecting on his own life, McLeese shares a pivotal moment when he realized he had suppressed his creativity. After his mother passed away, he began teaching people with Alzheimer’s and dementia how to do graffiti, challenging societal assumptions about older adults and creativity. He discovered that older individuals often care less about others' opinions and are more willing to explore their creative sides.
During a period of personal struggle, including a back injury that left him unable to work, McLeese returned to creative practices he had abandoned. He began doodling, drawing, and writing poetry, which provided him with a sense of control and purpose. He emphasizes that creativity can be a powerful tool for mental health, helping to alleviate anxiety and depression, which are not normal parts of aging.
The Benefits of Creative Engagement
Research supports McLeese's claims about the benefits of creativity. Studies show that individuals engaged in creative activities experience lower levels of depression and anxiety. Furthermore, businesses that foster creativity and innovation tend to have happier employees and better financial outcomes. McLeese's organization has nearly doubled in size since he embraced his own creative practice, demonstrating the positive impact of creativity on both personal and organizational levels.
Challenging Ageism and Promoting Creativity
McLeese argues that ageism is a prejudice against one’s future self, and he advocates for increased investment in creative programs for all ages. He envisions a world where 80-year-olds participate in creative outlets just as actively as 8-year-olds. He dreams of intergenerational collaborations, such as slam poetry events and mural projects involving seniors.
Conclusion
In closing, McLeese shares a quote from Pablo Picasso: "All children are artists. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up." He encourages everyone to embrace their creativity, regardless of age, and to make a mess, learn from mistakes, and not worry about the opinions of others. By reclaiming our creativity, we can enhance our lives and challenge societal norms about aging.
In a world that often prioritizes conformity, McLeese’s message is clear: creativity is a lifelong journey that can bring joy, fulfillment, and connection at any age.