Imagine That!
Lessons in creativity from a Disney Imagineer.
C. McNair Wilson
January 1, 2005
C. McNair Wilson is crazy. The nephew of Billy Graham's chief financial officer, Wilson grew up in the church. We use the term "grew up" loosely. He describes himself today as a "former third grader." Part Rip Taylor, part mad scientist, his mission is to bring fun to our work.
Drawing on his ten years as a Disney Imagineer, designer on six major theme park projects, artist, actor, and playwright, Wilson inspires business and church leaders in the fine art of creativity.
At pastors' conferences and Christian media conventions, his sessions are easily spotted. Look for the room with people sitting two to a chair and spilling into the hallways. Listen for the room emitting hoots and cheers and all manner of raucous noises. We wanted to share with you a C. McNair Wilson imaginative problem-solving session. We meant well. That's all we can say by way of apology.
Creativity.
It's so much more than artistic expression, though the artist, composer, actor, author have powerful tools for presenting fresh perspectives. These are, quite simply, tools of human imagination. Everyone is born with imagination—your creative spirit—though few pursue and develop it beyond early childhood. The few who keep their imaginations active become theme-park designers, write multi-volume end-times bestsellers, or—if they can't make a living that way—become youth ministers. So just what is creativity?
creativity (kree-ay-TIV-eh-tee) verb
1. to make the new, or rearrange the old to appear new. 2. action taken as a result of imagination.
Notice, the word "art" doesn't appear in that definition. Is there creativity beyond artistic expression?
Creativity can be frightening—also disorganized, noisy, and chaotic. And, by the way, "Who's ...
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