Thinking Allowed

This is the first in a series of free live and interactive webinars where we invite artists to grapple with some of the key burning questions for artists.

Is Competition Good for Creativity?

Discussion led by Alice Mumford

Picasso and Braque forged a relationship that was part intimate friendship, part rivalry. The two artists were constantly in each other’s studio, scrutinising each other’s work while challenging, motivating, and encouraging each other. Picasso said of the friendship “Almost every evening, either I went to Braque’s studio or Braque came to mine. Each of us had to see what the other had done during the day.” 

Artists including Barbara Hepworth and Naum Gabo, Picasso and Braque, Gauguin and Van Gogh have all competed with each other. Yet, when artists compete with each other, is it productive or destructive? Or both?

Join Alice Mumford as she considers the question ‘Is Competition Bad for Creativity?’. Combining thinking with performance, Alice will draw as she thinks through the complexities of the subject responding to questions and interjections from you and fellow students at home. A unique opportunity to be part of a stimulating conversation with your international St Ives School of Painting community. Consider the key questions that perplex and excite artists and perhaps gain a new perspective on why and how we make art.

Within the broadcast Alice mentions a book, Song of the Lark, which is currently available free for kindle users.

This webinar is free but we welcome donations. All donations will go to supporting our Young Artists Programme.