Cressida's Transformations - art and photography

THE ROLE OF EMOTION IN THE CREATION OF ART Audio. What sets great artists apart from mediocre artists? Ask for a copy at your local library.   Click here to return

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Kathleen Notman became interested in the subject of emotion in relation to creativity when making her collection of portraits, “20^th Century Woman”. For the role of the protagonist, she adopted the name Cressida and transformed herself into approximately 35 different 20^th century women. It was hailed for its originality.

Yet there were just two exhibitions after which she made a journey from New Zealand to several countries distributing each portrait to its place of provenance.

Notman freely admits she is not a great artist yet her work prompted her to research the subject of emotion in art and the lives of many truly successful artists. Her mission was to determine what set them apart from others, with equal technical skills, who fell by the wayside. In many instances her research proved to be fascinating. 

There are scientists who endorse what Notman has discovered through art. Emotion releases chemicals that influence creativity. Deeply felt emotion has a profound influence on creativity.

Moreover, some scientists believe that emotion is the nexus between mind and body. It makes us ONE. Thus, we can begin to understand why our emotions enhance our creativity.

“The Role of Emotion in the Creation of Art” written and narrated by Kathleen Notman is described by art critic, Lennox Campello as inspirational … mesmerising.

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