Last Saturday, I attended the Rose event at the Johnson Museum that exhibits early imaginative art, featuring videos, etchings, and colorful works. I was most intrigued by the intricate etchings of various styles, including ones of dark yet extravagant prisons, ones that served as political satire, and others of creatures. The foresight and practice required to create the image that the artist desires astounds me. It is difficult enough to create the precision of many tiny lines when drawing; but then having to etch out the negative space so that the print itself becomes the image is quite fascinating to me. While I could never attain this level of skill, I did find it very stress relieving for all of us at the event to create our own pieces of artwork. There is something about being creative and patient at the same time that is very rewarding.

After viewing these images and reading the blurbs that described each themed artwork’s imaginative technique or portrayal of a theme, I began to wonder whether one becomes inspired by imagination theoretically more easily much earlier on, or more presently. If in the past, less ideas have been explored, so a new idea is more likely to be actually novel. However, presently, after much more time has passed, much more precedent is available for new ideas to build off of. I realize, though, that it really isn’t important whether it is easier to be creative in the past or the present, as long as learning continues.