On Oct. 3, from 4:30 to 6 p.m., professors Christine Jackson and Paul Bradley will deliver the second presentation in the Faculty Symposia series, focusing on the creative processes of fine arts and their therapeutic potential.
In the presentation, titled “Creativity: Process and Product,” Bradley, a professor in the Division of Oral Diagnostic Sciences and lecturer for NSU’s Lifelong Learning Institute, will discuss “The Act of Creation,” a book by Arthur Koestler about the formation of an idea. He will also discuss two books by Eric Kandel and Vilayanur S. Ramachandran, who have both spoken at NSU,
Bradley, who is also an amateur painter, will address the therapeutic benefits of painting during depression and how artists can overcome the intimidation of a blank canvas or computer screen.
Following Bradley’s presentation, Jackson, a professor in the Division of Humanities at the Farquhar College of Arts and Sciences, will address artistic creativity using examples from her experiences as a writer, musician and artist.
“I’ll be fanning the sparks necessary for coming up with original fiction and developing unique images in poetry,”
said Jackson.
She will also perform on the keyboard, to demonstrate the creative process of music composition, which she says is an important creative discipline.
“This presentation gives me an opportunity to summarize the dynamics at work every day in my teaching, research and writing,” said Jackson. “This forum also gives me a chance to emphasize my firm belief that all people are creative to some degree. We need to be aware of this stream and tap into it.”
Bradley organized the symposium and selected the topic to encourage creative expression among students.
“Man is a creative animal and needs to fully exercise that faculty to break free of many of his current problems,” said Bradley.
President George Hanbury hosts the annual Symposia, which is separate from the Faculty Symposium hosted by Farquhar to encourage collective achievement and camaraderie among faculty.
The Symposia presentations are held in the Faculty Shark Club of the Rosenthal Student Center, and the next one will be on Nov. 7. Attendance is open to students, faculty and staff. RVSP by emailing specialevents@nova.edu or calling 954-262-2105.
