Course description:
“An exploration of the creative process across the creative domains and of the use of practice-based research in the humanities and creativity studies.”
Project description + link: Creativity Unblocker: “The Legendary Bow of Brünhilde”
A physical manifestation (a “magical” item) designed to engage the individual creative process.
Excerpt from Creativity Unblocker journal
I was casually walking along the Icelandic shoreline earlier this semester, when Björk came running up to me dressed in a very familiar way. She looked a little excited and frantic; without much explanation, she pleaded with me to take this ancient archer’s set. I stood there, befuddled.
She looked behind her, as if someone (or something) might be listening, and Björk whispered to me in a strange voice, “This is what you’ve been waiting for, Jessica. It will bring you strength in ways you’ve never known. You will be reminded of the beauty of the breathtakingly blue Icelandic shorelines, and it will consume you.” It was almost as if some ancient force had overtaken Björk.
She motioned with her hand and exclaimed, “Gaze into the shimmering gems to gain new perspective, knowing they were forged from the mythical and ancient glacial ices of my homeland.”
I was dizzy at this point, but I wasn’t sure why. This place was suddenly intoxicating.
Björk looked at the bow, “Ah, yes. These are earthly scented oils from here— my homeland. When my ancestors made this bow, they felt it was important to awaken many senses, as total awareness is what makes the best kind of archer. Breathe deeply, and also feel the various textures in the bow. The ancient bells will awaken another part of you, as time guides you to the things you are most determined to accomplish.”
Björk continued, “Remember who you aaaaare, Jessica.” Her voice became more echoed with each word, “Ah! Brünnhilde beckons! Stay true to yourself— let this ring serve to remind you of your own history. Embrace laughter; the ancient ones left a flower to remind you of the joyous times.”
“My ancestors wish that whomever uses this always make connections, where the importance of perspective, for example, cannot be had without the presence of discovery.”
She motioned to the various twine bindings, “Let these connections remind you that creativity is dynamic, and thus, so is your experience each time you command this bow. The courage and curiosity of the Jólakötturinn will guide you.”
With those final words, Björk disintegrated in front of my very eyes, like volcanic ash in the wind.
At my feet lay a single, pure white swan feather.
~fin~
