“Structure ignites spontaneity.” Stephen Nachmanovitch This statement from one of my favorite books on creativity seems contradictory.  The two words have acquired opposite connotations in our culture.  Just try to say the word “structure” without your spine stiffening just a bit, or “spontaneity” without feeling a hint of freedom.  In fact, structure is essential to spontaneity because it provides the ground from which to act. We imagine that scientists are structured and organized while artists are spontaneous and creative.  We often force the same split on our children when we suggest that one is destined to be an engineer and … Continue reading →