Creativity as relationship: Connecting with the self and the beyond

Creativity is all about relationship. When we create something new, we’re not just crafting an object or idea—we’re deepening our relationship with ourselves and our inner voice. Creativity allows us to connect with whatever is inspiring us in the moment, whether it’s the subject we’re studying, the tree we’re painting, or a fleeting idea that sparks our imagination.

But there’s another, even deeper relationship at play when we create. Creativity connects us to something beyond ourselves. It plunges us into the unknown, into something that hasn’t been realized yet but is waiting to emerge.

The “Thou” in Creativity

Martin Foss beautifully captures this idea in Symbol and Metaphor in Human Experience:

“In the process of life, [creative] expression means always communication with a Thou which is never fully realized but remains an inexhaustible power…”

This “Thou” is the intangible, the infinite source of inspiration and energy that artists, writers, and creators often speak of. Many artists describe the creative process as something they don’t fully control. Instead, they feel like vessels for a force greater than themselves, expressing something they can’t entirely name.

In my own work with metaphor and creative intelligence, I’ve seen this relationship time and again. When we tap into our creativity, we’re engaging with a rich, metaphorical space that transcends our rational understanding. This “third space,” as I often call it, is where inspiration flows and new possibilities arise.

Creativity as a Dialogue

Creating something new is like having a dialogue with the unknown. We’re in conversation with something that is never fully realized, something inexhaustible that continually fuels our imagination. This relationship is what makes creativity so transformative—it’s not just about the end product, but about the connections we build along the way.

So, the next time you create, remember that you’re not just working alone. You’re in relationship—with yourself, with your inspiration, and with Something far greater than you.