The power of images to unlock creativity and breakthroughs

Humans have been harnessing the power of inner images since pre-historic times, when tribes painted their visions onto cave walls. Psychologist David Premack noted, “The original and basic unit of mental activity, which remains the psyche’s preferred way of operating, is the image.”
Across centuries, imagery has sparked innovation, with countless scientific discoveries emerging from visions… in dreams or waking states.
By tapping into the profound influence of images, we can unlock new levels of creativity and insight, paving the way for breakthroughs in all areas of life. It’s time we paid closer attention to the transformative power of imagery.
Discovering the Power of Imagination Through Lynda Barry’s What It Is I’m absolutely loving Lynda Barry’s book What It Is. It’s a profound exploration of creativity, imagination, and the wonder of seeing the world through a child’s eyes. Barry’s writing and illustrations invite us to reconnect with that magical space where art, play, and the…
The creative process is innate to human life. We don’t need to make complicated plans to search for ideas. We simply need to make room for them to visit. The times I’ve been most unhappy with my teaching were the times that I didn’t allow enough of a pause. Instead, I rushed on to the…
Peter London, in No More Secondhand Art, said it beautifully: artists are custodians of issues larger than themselves. But this idea isn’t limited to artists. Anyone working in social change—whether you’re passionate about local food, clean water, better government, or art education—is carrying something bigger than “just” your personal mission. Your work isn’t just about expressing…
Need a little “check-in” to see what you’re truly feeling right now? Taking just five minutes to write a fairy tale can be a surprisingly powerful tool. It’s quick, easy, and fun—and best of all, it taps into a part of you that goes beyond the thinking mind. Fairy tales have a way of bypassing…
When I was in graduate school, one thing was drilled into me: KNOW THE LITERATURE. But slogging through endless reams of academic writing felt lifeless. I wasn’t engaging with the material; I was mechanically memorizing names and articles to stash away in my brain. However, when I allowed myself to read something light and fun—like…
Hey folks, A lot of you have asked about my Psychology of Creativity syllabus. I’ve taught versions of this course at both Pacifica Graduate Institute and Meridian University, and I’m thrilled to share the outline with you below. This course dives deeply into the transformative nature of creativity and its impact on emotional well-being, symbolic…