Creative Expression Research Articles

Roll for Insight: Understanding How the Experience of Playing Dungeons & Dragons Impacts the Mental Health of an Average Player

Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) is a fantasy tabletop role-playing game published by Wizards of the Coast. Evidence shows that D&D is being used as therapeutic practice by clinical psychologists, and the reported success of these interventions indicate that it may have positive outcomes for its players. However, there is little research that establishes, from a psychosocial perspective, how playing D&D provides opportunities for supporting frequent player’s mental health. Using semi-structured interviews and a reflexive thematic analysis, we aimed to understand better how playing D&D interacted with players’ well-being psychologically and socially, as well as exploring factors that may prove challenging or problematic in the therapeutic context. 6 men, 2 women, and 2 nonbinary people participated in the study. Analysis illustrated several processes that are supportive for players’ mental health. These features were identified as five key themes: escapism, exploration of self, creative expression, social support, and routine. These findings highlight the transformative potential of D&D in a therapeutic setting, offering insights into its positive impact.

3D Printing Technology based on the Development Model of Cultural and Creative Products on University Campuses

Adequate 3D printers, scanning equipment, and other related hardware are fundamental. This includes ensuring a variety of printers to handle different materials and printing techniques. This research explores the innovative application of 3D printing technology in developing cultural and creative products within the university campus environment. The study begins with an analysis of current 3D printing technologies, emphasizing their adaptability, cost-effectiveness, and potential for customization. It then delves into the unique aspects of university campuses as hubs for creativity and cultural expression, arguing that these spaces provide an ideal testing ground for new applications of 3D printing. The core of the research presents a novel development model tailored for university settings. This model integrates 3D printing technology with the dynamic cultural and creative landscape of campuses, focusing on products that resonate with the academic community’s unique needs and values. It includes case studies from various universities, showcasing successful implementations of the model, ranging from art installations to practical gadgets enhancing campus life. Significant findings include the model’s flexibility in accommodating diverse creative ideas and its role in fostering a culture of innovation among students and faculty. The research also addresses challenges such as resource allocation, intellectual property issues, and the need for interdisciplinary collaboration.

A COMMUNICATION MODEL FOR THE EMPLOYEE CREATIVITY IN THE CONTEXT OF SUSTAINABILITY AND ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURE

Creativity is a key competence of present and future-oriented employees of the business organisations, as well as a prerequisite for the success of the companies. By conducting a comprehensive literature review this article discusses on the concept of creativity in organisations, the role of communication in managing the expression of employee creativity. Furthermore, in response to the contemporary needs of organisations to comply with the legal requirements based on the European Union directives on the integration of sustainability into the activities of organisations, the article also examines the concept of sustainability and its intersection with the organisational culture of companies and communication. The communication model developed on the basis of the theoretical assumptions includes empowering, managing and engaging communication, through which the organisational culture promotes the creative expression of employees and their involvement in the implementation of sustainability practices in organisations. In addition, the integration of sustainability as a distinct theme and strategic direction into the organisational culture is also noted and embedded.

Exploration on the Influence of Bilingualism on Language Production

The ability to speak two languages has a significant impact on language production, cognitive function, linguistic aptitude and neurological processes. This study explores the acquisition of bilingualism, its influence on cognition and language development as well as neurobiological implications in comparison with monolingual speech. Bilingual individuals demonstrate improved executive functioning abilities such as flexibility while exhibiting deferred decline through regularly switching between both languages spoken. Linguistic proficiency is affected by ecological factors like age at which learning began or attitudes towards multilingual states that affect usage frequency across differing environments. Although word retrieval can become an impediment for those who are bilingual; however advantages lie in increased vocabulary range alongside metalinguistic awareness gained from diverse communication scenarios. The structure of brain regions linked to processing multilinguality also correlate intrinsically during decision making. The future research direction benefits studying cross-cultural creative expression impacting effective simultaneous use .Enhancing appreciation amongst speakers via comprehension urges us further into grasping influences behind producing multicultural forms essential within our modern day society.

StyleSphere: Conversational Fashion Outfit Generator powered by Generative AI

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has gained traction in the fashion domain, particularly with Generative AI technologies. Our study presents a unique text-to-image generator tailored for fashion, leveraging Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs), notably the StackGAN variant. This model translates textual fashion descriptions into visually appealing images, offering a stream-lined approach to design conception. Validation demonstrates its ability to produce photo-realistic fashion visuals, bridging the gap between concept and visualization. Our research con-tributes to advancing AI-driven solutions in fashion, facilitating streamlined design workflows and encouraging creativity. This integration of AI with fashion design practices has the potential to revolutionize the industry, offering new avenues for creative expression and addressing contemporary design challenges. Keywords Fashion Design, Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs), StackGAN, Image Synthesis

The Artistic Characteristics of Modern Calligraphy After 1985: An Exploration Based on Grounded Theory

The current researches on modern calligraphy are mostly summaries of materials and contingency studies, lacking empirical studies. At the same time, the artistic characteristics of modern calligraphy require further clarification. Based on an analysis of the existing literature, this paper investigates the artistic characteristics of modern calligraphy practice through a qualitative research method, grounded theory, sorting out the constitutive dimensions of the artistic characteristics of modern calligraphy and establishing a theoretical model of the artistic characteristics of modern calligraphy. This study finds that the practice of modern calligraphy possesses six characteristics: diverse, cultural, social, expressive, design, and spiritual. The cross-media and multichannel artistic expression of modern calligraphy combine sociality and design, and the creative expression of modern calligraphy gives new connotations to the text, demonstrating the strong spiritual aspirations of contemporary people.

Being Flamingos and Trees: Marginalized Groups Respond to Landscapes Using Inclusive Multimodal Literacies and Arts

In research about landscapes and the environment, scientific ontologies and epistemologies prevail, thus largely excluding contributions from marginalized groups, or creative expressions of what spaces mean to people. This article draws on qualitative place-based arts workshops, which used multimodal and multisensory methods with deaf children and disabled adults. The resulting co-created texts and artworks represent meaningful responses to specific local landscapes and their natural inhabitants. Considering literacies, power, and who can or cannot be an author, this article argues that such processes of creative co-production could be viewed as means of overcoming marginalization and enabling disabled people to engage with local landscapes. Inclusive literacy practices are presented as ways in to “authoring” marginalized groups’ responses to natural environments, with potentially transformative outcomes for the participants, decision-making processes, and the land itself.

Artificial Intelligence and Creativity: Anthropological, Sociological and Pedagogical Reflections

Abstract Artificial Intelligence (AI) is redrawing the boundaries of human creativity, challenging our traditional notions of art and expression while raising important sociological and anthropological questions. This article explores the complex relationship between human creativity and AI and how these new technologies are redefining the boundaries of art and creative expression. Starting from an evolutionary analysis of the concept of creativity, the article explores the impact of AI on creative processes and the perception of art. It shows how AI contributes to a “loss of aura” in art and changes the relationship between humans and the creative process. Finally, the article emphasises the importance of a critical and reflexive approach in analysing these phenomena and highlights the need for training in new technologies to cope with the complexity of these changes. This interdisciplinary study provides valuable tools to understand how AI is redefining not only the creative process but also our notions of art, authenticity and human expression in the digital age.

Mixed-reality art as shared experience for cross-device users: Materialize, understand, and explore

Virtual reality (VR) has opened new possibilities for creative expression, while the 360-degree head-worn display (HWD) delivers a fully immersive experience in the world of art. The immersiveness, however, comes with the cost of blocking out the physical world, including bystanders without an HWD. Therefore, VR experiences in public (e.g., galleries, museums) often lack social interactivity, which plays an important role in forming aesthetic experiences. In the current study, we explored the application of a cross-device mixed reality (MR) platform in the domain of art to enable social and inclusive experiences with artworks that utilize VR technology. Our concept of interest features co-located audiences of HWD and mobile device users who interact across physical and virtual worlds. We conducted focus groups (N=22) and expert interviews (N=7) to identify the concept’s potential scenarios and fundamental components, as well as expected benefits and concerns. We also share our process of creating In-Between Spaces, an interactive artwork in MR that encourages social interactivity among cross-device audiences. Our exploration presents a prospective direction for future VR/MR aesthetic content, especially at public events and exhibitions targeting crowd audiences.

Komparasi Nilai Filosofis Musik Senggayung Dayak Pesaguan dan Semboyan Adil Ka’ Talino, Bacuramin Ka’ Saruga, Basengat Ka’ Jubata

The Dayak Philosophy "Adil Ka' Talino, Bacuramitn Ka' Saruga, Basengat Ka' Jubata" and Senggayung music have a close relevance in the context of culture, identity, spirituality, and creative expression of the Pesaguan Dayak tribe. The purpose of this study is to determine the meaning of Pesaguan Dayak Senggayung Music in the Light of the Philosophy of "Adil Ka' Talino, Bacuramitn Ka' Saruga, Basengat Ka' Jubata" and its relevance to the lives of Dayak indigenous people in general. The methodology used in this paper uses qualitative research that is done through a phenomenological point of view. The findings in this study that the meaning of Pesaguan Dayak Senggayung Music according to the light of the "Adil Ka' Talino, Bacuramitn Ka' Saruga, Basengat Ka' Jubata" philosophy is so profound and relevant in the lives of Dayak people in general. This research is very contextual to the current situation, especially for the younger generation to love culture and philosophical thoughts from their own culture so that the same desire arises to maintain and preserve Dayak cultural customs with full awareness.

Use and effectiveness of musical social story therapy in children with developmental disorders (down syndrome, autism spectrum disorder, fragile x syndrome, fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy and adhd)

When human nature is examined, we find evidence that humans have created themselves through art since prehistoric times. Man has always used art as a form of self-expression. The pictures drawn on cave walls in the lightless periods of the world are the biggest proof that people always use art as a means of self-expression. Experimental studies in the field of neuroart and neuroaesthetics in recent years clearly show how the human brain reaches a developmental line with artistic stimuli. At this point, it is important to support children in neurodevelopmental sense and to bring them together with artistic stimuli. Activation of the orbitofrontal cortex with the stimulations of art creates tremendous results in terms of increasing synaptic connectivity in the child's brain. One of the most effective methods that can be used on the subject is Musical Social Stories Therapy in this sense. Studies show the important outputs of the method in children with developmental disorders (down syndrome, autism spectrum disorder, fragile x syndrome, fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy and ADHD). In this sense, the method in question is especially suitable for children to increase motivation, to gain experience in creative expression and emotional reactions, to express emotions, thoughts and experiences comfortably, to develop self-esteem, to calm down and rest, to increase self-worth, to develop listening skills, to develop auditory perception, attention span. It is effective in the development of language use, development in language, motor, cognitive, self-care, social development, effective and permanent learning processes. Our related research aims to make positive contributions to the dissemination of the related method by addressing the history and usage areas of musical social stories therapy.

The Digital Laureate: Examining AI-Generated Poetry

This study explores the intersection of artificial intelligence and creative expression, focusing on the emergence of AI-generated poetry. It overviews existing literature on AI and its integration into literature, emphasizing AI poetry specifically. At the heart of this study are three poems generated by the AI model ChatGPT 4. Through a critical analysis of these poems and their prompts, the study found that, to a certain extent, AI can mirror human poetic expression producing complex poems with numerous literary devices. However, AI’s creativity is constrained by training material, prompts, and prompters, signaling both AI’s potential and limitations in shaping contemporary poetry.

Text to Image Conversion using Stable Diffusion

In this paper, we introduce a pioneering technique for translating textual descriptions into visually compelling images using stable diffusion methods, with a particular emphasis on the latent diffusion model (LDM). Our approach represents a departure from conventional methods like Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) and AttnGAN, offering enhanced accuracy and diversity in the generated images. Through extensive experimentation and comparative analysis, we validate the efficacy of our method. Leveraging the LAION-5B dataset, we fine-tune the stable diffusion model, resulting in superior performance in text-to-image conversion tasks. Our findings underscore substantial advancements in accuracy, showcasing the promise of stable diffusion-based approaches across a spectrum of applications. By embracing stable diffusion techniques, we overcome some of the limitations encountered in previous methodologies. This enables us to achieve a higher fidelity in image generation while maintaining a diverse output spectrum. Our method excels in capturing intricate details and nuances specified in textual descriptions, facilitating a more faithful translation from text to image. The significance of our work extends beyond mere technical improvements. By pushing the boundaries of image synthesis, we contribute to the evolution of artificial intelligence, fostering new possibilities for creative expression and content generation. Our approach not only enhances the capabilities of AI systems but also democratizes the process of image creation, empowering users to effortlessly translate their ideas into visually stunning representations. Through our research, we aim to inspire further exploration and innovation in the realm of text-to-image conversion. The success of stable diffusion-based methods underscores their potential to revolutionize various domains, including computer vision, graphic design, and multimedia content creation. As we continue to refine and optimize these techniques, we anticipate even greater strides in the field of AI, ushering in a new era of intelligent image synthesis and interpretation.

Using Arts-Based Identity Exploration Activities to Foster Students’ Increased Understanding of and Empathy for Self and Others

In these divisive times, it is more important than ever that education provide holistic ways for students to increase their understanding of and empathy for both themselves and others. Arts-based identity exploration activities involving students’ creative expression and sharing with one another can serve as powerful pedagogical tools in many different types of educational programs at the elementary, secondary/high school, and college levels, including in general education social justice courses, student life programs, and teacher education, social work, counseling, premed, and other helping-profession programs. Engaging in these activities can promote students’ increased awareness, understanding, and empathy both within themselves and with students of similar and differing cultural groups. Students’ emerging sense of self-worth, belonging, and being heard can also foster a sense of community in the classroom. In this article, I first discuss the in-class dissertation research project I conducted during my arts education PhD program at the Ohio State University during the spring 2016 semester. I then provide examples of how other educators have used arts-based inquiry in their teaching. In conclusion, I propose additional ways in which arts-based inquiry can be used to deepen and enhance students’ educational experiences.

Traumas, migration et art cru: Une trajectoire thérapeutique appuyée sur l'expression créative intensive

This article studies the therapeutic journey of a migrant woman who fled to France from an Eastern European country in order to escape from her country following the serious violence she suffered over the last 15 years. This case study is part of an inpatient stay in an innovative crisis unit based on the "Art Cru" setting, which is a therapeutic mediation method using art inspired by psychoanalytical and humanist currents. This setting seeks to deploy the processes of symbolisation from the sensory traces and primary forms of symbolisation. Through this study, we question the relevance of certain therapeutic mediations employing creative expression in an intense and regular way with patients for whom verbal communication can be an obstacle to the therapeutic process.

Experiences and perceived benefits of remotely delivered dance/movement therapy for adult cancer patients: a multi-method program evaluation.

Dance/movement therapy (DMT) is increasingly used as a complementary treatment to address psychological and physical wellbeing. However, it is unknown how it can be leveraged in adult cancer care. This mixed methods program evaluation aimed to assess patient-reported benefits and satisfaction with the virtual DMT in an academic oncology setting. We developed, implemented, and evaluated a 6-week virtual, synchronous DMT program aiming to improve physical health, address mental distress, and foster social connection for cancer patients. We used deidentified program evaluation data to assess impact of DMT on patient-reported outcomes and patients' satisfaction with the DMT program. Pre- and post-session data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and a paired t-test. Qualitative data were captured through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis. Results from 39 participants (mean age 64.7 ± 9.8), majority female (89.7%) with a history of breast cancer (43.6%), showed high satisfaction (100%) and unanimous program recommendation (100%). Significant improvements were noted in anxiety (- 0.42 ± 0.76, p = .009), distress (- 0.35 ± 0.80, p = .036), and sense of joy (0.73 ± 1.18, p = .004), with a non-significant trend in increased physical activity (0.38 ± 0.98, p = .057). Thematic findings indicated that DMT participation (1) facilitated engagement in physical activity for improved physical health, (2) fostered creative expression, (3) improved mental state, and (4) helped build social connections and support. Our DMT program shows promise as a component of integrative cancer care. The mixed-method evaluation provides insightful information to generate hypotheses for future RCT studies aiming to evaluate the specific effects of DMT on patient experience and outcomes.

Reviewing the current status of the preservation of Gannan Tea Picking opera

Gannan Tea Picking Opera, a cherished cultural heritage, has been shaped by historical developments, government support, educational initiatives, and artistic innovation. The multifaceted efforts to safeguard and promote Gannan Tea Picking Opera. Through interviews with key informants and analysis of historical data, the importance of creativity in preserving Gannan Tea Picking Opera's cultural legacy is highlighted, emphasizing the integration of review and preservation in artistic innovation. Government support has played a pivotal role in providing policy input and services for preserving Gannan Tea Picking Opera, fostering an environment conducive to creative expression and cultural preservation. Integration into educational institutions and community engagement initiatives has furthered the opera's preservation efforts, ensuring its transmission to future generations. Moreover, music reveals a dynamic interplay between tradition and innovation, with post-Cultural Revolution developments showcasing a heightened emphasis on musical experimentation while retaining the essence of the traditional style and promoting the Gannan Tea Picking Opera as a vibrant emblem of Chinese cultural identity.

AI Image Generator

In recent years, the field of artificial intelligence has witnessed remarkable advancements in image generation, with Open AI at the forefront of this innovative wave. This abstract explores the development and implications of an Image Generator using Open AI technologies, emphasizing its potential to facilitate creative expression through AI-generated art. The foundation of this Image Generator is rooted in Open AI's GPT-3, a state-of-the-art deep learning model that has demonstrated remarkable capabilities in natural language understanding and generation. Leveraging GPT-3's prowess, the Image Generator harnesses the power of generative adversarial networks (GANs) to produce visually stunning images. This amalgamation of technologies allows artists and creators to transcend traditional creative boundaries by generating art that is both novel and visually captivating. One of the key features of this Image Generator is its ability to generate art based on textual prompts. Users can provide descriptive or conceptual inputs, and the AI model interprets these prompts to create images that align with the given descriptions. This process not only sparks creativity but also offers a unique medium for artists to convey abstract ideas and emotions visually. Moreover, the Image Generator incorporates neural style transfer, enabling users to merge artistic styles and concepts seamlessly. The implications of such a tool are profound. Beyond serving as a source of inspiration for artists, it democratizes the creative process, making it accessible to individuals with varying levels of artistic expertise. Additionally, it has potential applications in fields such as advertising, graphic design, and entertainment, where generating captivating visuals is paramount. Nevertheless, ethical considerations and challenges, such as issues of copyright, authenticity, and the potential for misuse, should be addressed as the technology evolves. Open AI's commitment to responsible AI development is crucial in navigating these complexities. In conclusion, the Image Generator using Open AI is a testament to the transformative power of AI in the realm of creative expression. It empowers artists and creators to explore new dimensions of artistry while presenting opportunities and challenges that require careful consideration. As this technology continues to evolve, its impact on the art world and beyond is likely to be profound, opening up new horizons for human creativity and innovation.

A Pedagogical Model for Creating African-Inspired Piano Compositions: A Conceptual Thought

This paper is a review to establish a pedagogical model aimed at fostering creativity and cultural expression in piano composition through the lens of African musical traditions. As the world of music education embraces diversity and inclusivity, there is a growing need to explore pedagogical approaches that empower students to draw inspiration from their cultural heritage while developing their compositional skills. It is a proposed model that integrates elements of African musical traditions, including rhythms, melodies, and harmonic structures, into the process of piano composition for the various proficiency levels of piano instruction. The pedagogical model seeks to broaden the creative horizons of African compositions for the piano and deepen the understanding of the composers to exhibit cultural expression and inclusivity in music. Through a literature review, the paper births a model that can be leveraged to compose piano works within a certain complexity level at the students' experience. It is envisaged that the developed model can be used by composers for the piano within the concept of African pianism to make a potential impact on students' musical development. The paper contributes immensely to practical insights for educators seeking to inspire creativity and innovation in piano composition instructions.

If Art Were a Drug: Implications for Parkinson's Disease.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a chronic and complex neurodegenerative disorder. Conventional pharmacological or surgical therapies alone are often insufficient at adequately alleviating disability. Moreover, there is an increasing shift toward person-centered care, emphasizing the concept of "living well". In this context, arts-based interventions offer great promise, functioning as platforms for creative expression that could provide novel mechanisms to promote quality of life. Here we present a qualitative review of arts-based interventions for PD, including music, dance, drama, visual arts, and creative writing. For each, we discuss their applications to PD, proposed mechanisms, evidence from prior studies, and upcoming research. We also provide examples of community-based projects. Studies to date have had relatively small sample sizes, but their findings suggest that arts-based interventions have the potential to reduce motor and non-motor symptoms. They may also empower people with PD and thereby address issues of self-esteem, foster personal problem-solving, and augment holistic well-being. However, there is a paucity of research determining optimal dosage and symptom-specific benefits of these therapies. If art were a drug, we would have to perform appropriately powered studies to provide these data before incorporating it into routine patient care. We therefore call for further research with properly designed studies to offer more rigorous and evidence-based support for what we intuitively think is a highly promising approach to support individuals living with PD. Given the possible positive impact on people's lives, arts-based approaches merit further development and, if proven to be effective, systematic inclusion within integrated management plans.