art history matters

Poincare’s Pontification

Henri Poincare and 18^th century mathematician and philosopher advanced a theory, according to which the creative process passes through various stages such as preparation, incubation, illumination, and verification. In this theory ideas can pass through the mental colander and be strained into the unconscious. Only the viable creative concepts, those raising to the standard set forth by the conscious will curate and see the light of day or be acted on. So the theory goes. What is useful about Poincare’s Pontification is the notion that the creative process is initiated as a lone thought gestating before coming to fruition. Poincare was a head of his time. The capacity to create and illuminate an aesthetically beautiful image was considered divinely ordained up to the 20^th century. Sadly, some teachers still believe this myth and it impeded their ability to encourage or inspire certain pupils. Creativity is not God given. It is a rigorous and deeply satisfying mental process. Knowledge and research are key components in firing up the