"In a solitary chamber, or rather cell, at the top of the house, and separated from all the other apartments by a gallery and staircase, I kept my workshop of filthy creation; my eyeballs were starting from their sockets in attending to the details of my employment."
- from Frankenstein or The Modern Prometheus by Mary Shelley
This is a lens dedicated to the creation of creatures and other art using various mediums. The focus isn't so much on how-to and what-with, but on that divine spark that compels some people to bring forth something from their imagination into material form.
Please note: I am in the process of putting this together and still have lots of content to add.
Some Websites to Spark Your Imagination
- An Exquisite Corpse
- An art project I'm involved with - under the name of damselfly. A digital version of the old exquisite corpse game.
- Illustration Friday
- A weekly themed illustration project. I don't participate as often as I used to, but it is still a lot of fun.
- Post Secret
- People write and illustrate their secrets on postcards and send them in. From the heartbreaking to the hilarious to the disgusting.
- Language is a Virus
- Some fun games and text generators.
Books on Creativity
The Creative Habit: Learn It and Use It for Life
Tharp is a dancer/choreographer but her insight can be applied to all mediums.
Amazon Price: $10.88 (as of 10/10/2008)
The Creative Fire
Lovely compilation of stories celebrating creativity by the woman who wrote "Women Who Run with the Wolves"
Amazon Price: $16.47 (as of 10/10/2008)
Everyday Creative: 30 Ways to Wake Up Your Inner Artist
I've always found Maisel to be very helpful in nurturing the creative spark.
Amazon Price: $12.69 (as of 10/10/2008)
Fearless Creating: A Step-by-Step Guide To Starting and Completing Your Work of Art
This is my favorite Maisel book. Capable of pushing you out of box.
Amazon Price: $10.85 (as of 10/10/2008)
Oulipo: A Primer of Potential Literature
Not a book about creativity but can bend your mind to thinking differently.
Amazon Price: $13.57 (as of 10/10/2008)
Thinkertoys: A Handbook of Creative Thinking Techniques: FIRST EDITION
Another tool for exercising the brain.
Amazon Price: (as of 10/10/2008)
Henry Darger: Disasters Of War
Don't let any lack of formal training inhibit you. Henry Darger is a great example of creativity that found its own way.
Amazon Price: (as of 10/10/2008)
Self-Taught Outsider Art Brut: Masterpieces from the Robert M. Greenberg Collection
A collection of outsider art.
Amazon Price: (as of 10/10/2008)
Artists' Journals and Sketchbooks: Exploring and Creating Personal Pages
An excellent way to nurture your creativity is to keep a journal/sketchbook. This book contains some beautiful examples.
Amazon Price: $14.95 (as of 10/10/2008)
Strange Angels Gallery
When You Have Wings....
The Professor Meets...
Alien Nude
Larry's Space Age Ba...
Alienne
ClownBoy
