A Widening Field: Journeys in Body and Imagination

This handbook is a guide to working in the creative arts, emphasizing the importance of imagination and receptivity to our bodies, surroundings, materials, and creations. It focuses on the sensing, feeling, and moving body as a basis for imaginative activity and describes sources and strategies for working in and between various forms of expression, such as moving, making things, and writing. It emphasizes intuitive, instinctive ways of knowing, perceiving, and creating and is a useful resource for anyone studying or teaching in the arts, or working creatively with others.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 322 pages
Publication date: 28 February 2023
Publisher: Triarchy Press

This comprehensive handbook is designed to guide individuals engaged in the creative arts, particularly those who emphasize imagination and receptivity to their bodies, surroundings, materials, and the creations they produce. It places significant emphasis on the sensing, feeling, and moving body as the foundation for any imaginative activity. The book explores various sources and strategies for working within and between different forms of expression, such as movement, material creation, and writing. It highlights the importance of intuitive, instinctive ways of knowing, perceiving, and creating. Whether you are a student or teacher of the arts, or working creatively with others in therapeutic, educational, or community contexts, this handbook will be an invaluable resource. It is written to inspire rather than instruct, serving as a catalyst for stimulating your working process rather than being read cover to cover.

The authors' previous book, "Body Space Image," delved into improvised movement, experimental performance, and the creation of performance settings. In this new publication, they turn their attention to the question of imagination in our lives and how it can be awakened and nurtured through focused attention to the present, bodily sensations, and the ever-changing world that emerges as we engage in creative endeavors. By entering into this poetics of experience, we gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and our world.

The handbook is organized into several chapters, each exploring different aspects of imagination and its relationship to the creative process. The authors begin by discussing the importance of sensory awareness and how it can enhance our creativity. They explore various techniques for cultivating sensory perception, such as mindfulness meditation, sensory exercises, and sensory exploration in the natural world.

Next, the book delves into the realm of movement as a source of imagination. The authors discuss the relationship between the body and movement, emphasizing the importance of embodied creativity and the ways in which movement can inspire and inform artistic expression. They offer practical exercises and strategies for developing movement skills and incorporating movement into your creative practice.

Material creation is another key aspect of the creative process explored in the handbook. The authors discuss the role of materials in shaping artistic expression and offer insights into the creative potential of various materials, such as paint, clay, wood, and textiles. They provide practical techniques for working with different materials and encourage individuals to experiment and explore their creative boundaries.

Writing is also recognized as a powerful form of artistic expression in the handbook. The authors discuss the role of language and storytelling in shaping imagination and offer strategies for developing your writing skills. They provide prompts and exercises to help you explore your creativity through writing and encourage you to experiment with different forms and styles.

Throughout the handbook, the authors emphasize the importance of intuition and instinct in the creative process. They encourage individuals to trust their inner voice and follow their passions, even if they may seem unconventional or unorthodox. They emphasize the importance of being open to new experiences and allowing yourself to be inspired by the world around you.

In addition to its practical guidance, the handbook also offers insights into the philosophical and psychological aspects of imagination. The authors explore the relationship between imagination and creativity, self-expression, and personal growth. They offer perspectives on the transformative power of imagination and how it can enhance our lives and the world around us.

Overall, this handbook is a comprehensive and inspiring resource for anyone who seeks to explore the depths of their imagination and unlock their creative potential. Whether you are a dancer, musician, writer, or artist of any kind, this book will provide you with valuable tools, techniques, and perspectives to enhance your creative process and deepen your understanding of the world. So, take a moment to immerse yourself in the pages of this handbook and let your imagination soar!

Weight: 638g
Dimension: 246 x 190 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781913743734
Edition number: New ed