Author: Kim Hermanson

DALL·E 2024 12 01 01.23.50 A serene and thoughtful image of a person sitting outdoors in a lush natural setting, observing the small wonders of the world. In the scene, an oriol

How James Hillman taught us to see the world through a creative lens

Creativity begins with listening and noticing: What is moving me? What is touching my heart? The process of discovering what we love is about letting the world in—being open to see, feel, and experience it fully. Today, I learned that the great psychologist James Hillman has passed away. His words have always been a source…

The one idea we all carry: How art, poetry, and creativity shape our lives

The one idea we all carry: How art, poetry, and creativity shape our lives

“The artist has but one idea; he is born with it and spends a lifetime developing it and making it breathe.” —Henri Matisse Perhaps this isn’t just true for artists but for all of us. Maybe each of us carries a singular, lifelong idea—whether we’re fully conscious of it or not. It whispers to us…

DALL·E 2024 12 01 08.21.55 A cozy and inviting image of an open notebook on a wooden table, surrounded by art supplies like pencils, paintbrushes, and colored paper. The scene i
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Exploring the power of metaphor: A one-day workshop at Book Passage

God is unknowable. All we have is metaphor. This same truth applies to understanding anything of depth or complexity—our universe, each other, or even how to navigate a turbulent situation. The metaphors we hold shape our ability to construct meaning and find our way. Metaphor is more than a tool of language; it’s the framework…

DALL·E 2024 12 01 08.24.06 A serene and inviting image of a creative workspace. An open sketchbook with soft, abstract drawings sits on a wooden desk alongside a cup of tea. The

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….

DALL·E 2024 12 01 08.26.55 A serene and inspiring image of a person sitting at a desk with their eyes closed, surrounded by faint, dreamlike images of abstract shapes, metaphors

The power of mental imagery: Unlocking creativity through images and metaphor

We are at our most creative when we actively engage with images. Creative individuals naturally play with mental images—shaping, shifting, and exploring them—no matter their field of work. But research reveals that mental imagery isn’t exclusive to artists or inventors; it’s something all of us use, consciously or unconsciously. Our cognitive systems are deeply rooted…

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