The delicacy of new ideas and creative impulses requires that they be treated with care and respect. Creativity takes many different forms, each shaped by its own internal dynamics and the personality of the individual or group engaged in the creative act. Existing social and cultural patterns also contribute to the understanding or acceptance of a new idea by the community in which it emerges. Consequently, conversations about creativity must be equally diverse since the language and methods that nurture one person or idea may discourage or confuse another. The failure to appreciate and address these concerns undermines the effective expression of new ideas and creative projects.

These are the issues that animate Timothy’s work, both in his own creative work and in his efforts to assist other artists and innovators. His work in the arts, community development and nonprofit management provides him with the breadth of experience (and vocabulary) to engage creative men and women in conversations that enrich their creative work, conversations in which the nuances of their ideas are heard and clarified by a sympathetic listener.

Believing that creativity and innovation evoke hope in an often despairing world, Timothy engages in a wide range of creative conversations devoted to helping men and women understand the types and techniques of creative expression best-suited to their personal needs, Normally conducted at weekly or monthly intervals, these conversations may involve the creation of specific artistic work, the establishment of innovative social arrangements, or the dynamics of social and cultural change.

Conversations with artists focus on specific creative concerns and projects, giving men and women the opportunity to see their work from a different perspective. These discussions address the person’s desires for their creative work as well as his or her success in fulfilling those desires in their creative project, which may involve the consideration of unintended (and potentially enriching) aspects of a new project that might take the person in new directions or require the development of new technical skills.

Conversations with innovators, such social entrepreneurs or individuals creating new charitable programs, focus on clarifying the mission and structures of their new organizations. These discussions examine the core ideals of the project, the practical techniques needed to implement and sustain these principles, and the various tools that best communicate the goals and activities of the organization to others.

Conversations concerning the nature of change, which may benefit social organizers and individuals interested in politics or government service, focus on the consideration of the social and cultural forces that foster or inhabit change. The discussions explore the characteristics and patterns of social change in the past and in the present, which involves considerable amounts of reading and reflection between each conversation.

If you are interested in beginning any of these conversations,
please click here to download a questionnaire.

When there is sufficient shared interest in a topic or project, Timothy may host topical discussions, seminars or creative studios through SilentHeron.net. Most of these discussions will occur in videoconferences designed foster intense online conversations among the participants. However, when circumstances allow, these discussions will use residential options that allow the participants to gather in one place.

These conversations will vary, depending on the topics being considered. In discussions and seminars reviewing existing materials, the facilitator will suggest questions and exercises related to topic of the discussions prior to the group conversations. In studios focused on developing new artistic or creative projects, each participant will be asked to share their work with the group prior to the conversations so others may prepare their thoughts prior to the group sessions.

If you would like to be informed of group discussions or studios,
please indicate your specific interests using the contact page.

To return to the welcome page, please click here.