Abstract

Abstract Creativity is seen as a complex process of information processing within a defined cognitive realm, or ‘conceptual space’. This ‘ space’ defines the possibilities in terms of sensible judgements. Creative acts are such that they a) consist of novel reorganisations and combinations of information within that space and b) challenge the boundaries of sense as defined by the space. Creativity is a process of explorative articulation within and at the parameters of this space. Because of their position in relation to the ‘sense making’ system, creative acts particularly those of b), involve the risk of falling into nonsense. How do people come to make novel articulations within the conceptual space that defines the activity and what guides them when they ‘sensibly’ challenge the boundaries of that space ? Information is not emotionally neutral. In the intelligent selection and processing of information we are guided by subconsciously assimilated emotional markers that are a result of acculturation. They define both the subjectivity of the individual but also represent commonly held cultural perceptions to which the creative articulation of the individual is objectively attuned. Where the creative act challenges the boundaries of sense created by the conceptual space within which the act takes place, a higher level of emotional consonance kicks in. This is the tension felt, to a greater or lesser extent, by reflectively self conscious intelligences between the subjective, unitary, and temporary self and the objective, multiplex and timeless universe of which each is a part.