The power of images: Bridging creativity, learning, and cultural transformation

Images speak in a very quiet voice.

For a long time, the various parts of me have felt separate. I am both an academic and a creative, deeply passionate about teaching and learning as well as creativity and the arts. Over time, I’ve come to realize that my mission is to bridge these two worlds. And at the core of that bridge lies the power of images.

Images are the heart of the creative process—and because creativity is central to how we learn and grow, images are also at the heart of learning itself.

My academic courses provide a foundation for legitimizing the arts, offering substantial evidence of their central role in learning and cultural change. Some of these courses include Psychology of Metaphor, Psychology of Creativity, Psychology of Transformative Learning, The Purpose and Power of Image, and Imaginal Ways of Knowing. (You can find detailed descriptions on the Events & Classes page.)

I often think of images and imagination as the “language of the heart,” a language that needs our care and support. While images are central to any kind of creative transformation, their voices are quiet. Without welcome and space, they go unheard.

As we continue to navigate cultural shifts and challenges, I believe it is more important than ever to honor the role of images in learning, creativity, and transformation. When we make space for their quiet voices, we open ourselves to deeper understanding and profound change.