Strategic Creativity at Work

December 19, 2011 • 1:01 pm 0

Social impact, the circus and a new approach to problem-solving – Engineers Without Borders Conference 2011

Imagineering was the title of the 2011 Engineers Without Borders Conference, rounding off the Year of Humanitarian Engineering with a celebration of innovative engineering aid in developing countries.  There was also space for sharing best practice and reflecting how we can do more.

I opened my presentation with a handstand.    It was spontaneous and yet not without motive – we were in the carbohydrate slump slot forty-five minutes after lunch and shifting the energy was critical if I wanted to keep my audience with me.  So I got them moving, I did a handstand and we knew we were going to do things differently.  This presentation was about seeing problems through new eyes so as to find creative solutions with a more positive social impact. Read the rest of this entry »

Filed under: Creativity, Engineering, Physical creativity, Strategic creativity

December 19, 2011 • 11:22 am 0

Clowning for facilitators: present – connected – aware

Explore awareness and presence as a facilitator using clown and physical play  

This workshop is a unique opportunity to use concepts from performance and clown to help you develop your awareness and presence as a facilitator and communicator through physical practice, play and reflection.

No red noses or face paint in this session! Rather, an introduction to the stillness, complicité and openness that beginner clowns practice over and over in order to fully express themselves for the joy of their audience, with presence and apparent spontaneity.    Read more about the content for Clowning for Facilitators Perth 2012 and find the 2012 schedule for events around Australia here. Read the rest of this entry »

Filed under: Creativity, Physical creativity, Strategic creativity, , , , , ,

June 14, 2010 • 7:33 pm 1

Clowning for Facilitators: new workshop and a new thought

Clowning for Facilitators is a workshop I’ve had in mind for a long time. Even before I started to study Clown, I was fascinated by the similarities with facilitation:  a clown is continuously reading her audience, finding the path to an outcome that works for both performer and watcher.  She blurs the line between actor, satirist, improviser, comedian and teacher. There is a magical ability to work the energy in a room and show it something anew. Read the rest of this entry »

Filed under: Collaboration, Creativity, Physical creativity, Reflections, Strategic creativity,

October 21, 2009 • 11:56 am 0

A brief history of time: engineer runs away to the circus

November, 2001 ish: Awarded engineering degree

October 5, 2009: Audition for circus school.

October 14, 2009: Offically accept an offer to study for three months, full time, at the Greentop Circus in Sheffield.

October 14, 2009 (approximately 30 seconds later):  Much high-fiving, ecstatic silly-dancing and general excitement.

October 14, 2009 (approximately 1 hour later):  Wondrous marvelling at the crazy journeys life can take.

(You can read about my adventures in the circus in runningawaytothecircus.)

Filed under: Engineering, Physical creativity, , , , , , , ,

October 12, 2009 • 3:02 pm 0

Creativity and collaboration in engineering: conference in 2010

Engineers influence almost every part of the physical world, meaning their roles in climate change have huge potential.    This conference in mid 2010 will examine how engineers move from doing to influencing through creativity and collaboration.

If you are interested in being a part of this in any way, please add your comments or email me at rachael.westheafer@yahoo.com

Filed under: Collaboration, Creativity, Engineering, Physical creativity, Strategic creativity, Sustainability, , , , ,

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