Creativity Is More Accessible Than Meets the Eye | Rishika Kartik | TEDxBrownU
Rishika shares her experiences working with the blind community and her passion for tactile art. She urges the world to view creativity and accessibility as connected ideas. Creativity does not require inherent intelligence; it requires courage. Rishika Kartik is a creative activist and disability advocate who feels fortunate to have worked with the blind community for several years. As the founder of “Touch and Create Studios” and the “Vision of the Artist's Soul” project, Rishika champions museum accessibility and creates tactile art experiences for blind people nationally. She is a sighted member of the National Federation of the Blind and enjoys teaching, learning, advocating for legislation at the Capitol, and doing educational research at the Bedny Lab at Johns Hopkins and the American Foundation for the Blind. Rishika is a 2022 US Presidential Scholar, a Coca Cola Scholar, a Live Más Scholar, and the recipient of multiple arts grants. Planning to pursue an independent concentration in “Disability and Design” at Brown University, she believes accessibility unlocks new ways of thinking, connecting, and experiencing the world. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx
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I don't know why but I got chills at the climax when she was like "touch the art!" such an empowering call to expand creativity.
the idea that accessibility can unlock new ways of thinking is so powerful. it really changes how you see the world.
It's crazy that voice control technology started to help blind people. What a great example of how accessibility can help everyone!
this talk made me realize how much we take sight for granted in creativity. there's so much more out there.
@ihavedeepfeelings
24 күн бұрын
Yes exactly! Really when you think of it sight only affects our ability to paint. There are so many other forms of art.
I've witnessed the magic that happens when students are encouraged to explore beyond visual boundaries! Art should be stimulating for all our senses and I think the positive response that I've seen really speak to that.
@deluxe_vegan1390
3 ай бұрын
That sounds so rewarding!
I love how she emphasizes learning from people with disabilities. It’s the best way to understand their experiences.
The way she talks about improvising and rejecting rigid rules for art...inspirational for anyone feeling creatively stuck in their ways.
This has me brainstorming ways to make my workplace more inclusive! I work retail and when a blind or deaf person comes in I know my staff dread having to serve them, that's not how it should be!!
@lisa-lio
7 ай бұрын
That's awful
This talk reminded me that creativity knows no bounds. It's not about what you can see, but about how you choose to perceive and express the world around you.
The point she makes around the 6:07 mark is a really good one and the main issue around a lot of organizations who come in wanting to help but just don't take heed of what that groups actual needs are
@rishikakartik8191
Жыл бұрын
Thanks for the comment, Eddie! Yes, "Nothing about us without us" is a philosophy we ought to follow much more often.
@jecicrews1320
Жыл бұрын
I completely agree with the point raised at the 6:07 mark. Organizations often fall into the trap of assuming they know what's best for a community without taking the time to understand their specific needs. This leads to well-intentioned initiatives that may miss the mark and fail to bring about meaningful change. It's essential for organizations to adopt a bottom-up approach, actively involving the community in decision-making and leveraging their expertise to develop tailored solutions. By doing so, they can foster empowerment and create sustainable positive impact.
@abbyjulia941
Жыл бұрын
It's crucial for organizations to be attentive and responsive to the specific needs of the communities they aim to assist. 🌍
@aditiareka404
Жыл бұрын
Spot on! 💯
@CharlesMMartinez
Жыл бұрын
I couldn't agree more! Taking heed of a group's actual needs is crucial for effective assistance.
The story about John Bramlett was incredible! It’s amazing how losing his sight actually made him a better artist. So inspiring!
It's refreshing to hear that creativity can be accessible to everyone, not just a gifted few.
I found Rishika's storytelling approach compelling and thought-provoking. Her talk is a testament to the power of personal experiences in advocating for accessibility and inclusivity.
As someone who's always been intimidated by the idea of creativity, this talk was truly eye-opening. It's amazing to see how accessibility can unlock new forms of expression.
@josephandris6148
24 күн бұрын
what is it about creativity that you're intimidated by? like having to participate in it?
Honestly not sure if I was more inspired by her passion for tactile art or her compassionate perspective on disability... both were powerful and genuinely lovely to listen to
I once visited a museum with an audio guide for visually impaired visitors. It added a whole new layer to the experience. Why aren't more places doing stuff like that?
Rishika's emphasis on accessibility for the sake of creativity and for the sake of a world of art that will be open to us all and to the flourishing of us all is so empowering. Thank you, Rishika, for sharing your experience and wisdom.
@rishikakartik8191
Жыл бұрын
Thank you, Mr. Lantagne! I truly appreciate your kind words and support :).
@marcusatticuslordandrule
11 ай бұрын
It is a beautiful vision. These individuals have been restricted from the larger parts of our societies for so long, the least we can give them is art.
@rawirinikau
11 ай бұрын
Absolutely, it's such an amazing reframe.
@rawirinikau
11 ай бұрын
Like instead of accessibility for the sake of consumerism. So refreshing
Love the idea of breaking free from traditional norms and celebrating diversity.
This has really made me think aboubt how ableism and the fear of deviating from the norm limit our creativity. I think we need to dismantle these barriers and prioritize disability inclusion from the start to foster a more creative world.
@rishikakartik8191
11 ай бұрын
Agreed! Thanks for watching :)
@FineSinEgo
7 ай бұрын
Wow, yes, that's so true!
It's amazing to see how technology, like voice control, has been developed with the intention of assisting individuals with disabilities. We should continue to innovate in this area
@buddabuxby
11 ай бұрын
Yes but what does that have to do with creativity??
Love the message that creativity requires courage, not intelligence. Makes me feel like I can be creative too.
This talk makes me hopeful for a future where creativity knows no bounds.
Hearing about John Bramlett's transition into painting after vision loss was incredible. It shows that personal trials can lead to unexpected, new creative paths.
I loved that she challenged the traditional view of creativity and art, that it's only for those who are naturally gifted... It's about courage and exploring new ways, not just inherent talent.
I appreciate the way she's encouraging people to learn from and collaborate with people with disabilities. It's a reminder that diversity truly drives innovation.
@josephandris6148
24 күн бұрын
Yeah the way she talks about it makes it sound really cool
I think this brings up some really important points about the need to rethink our approach to creativity and disability. Definitely a market for providing mediums that encourage creativity accessible to all!
I like the importance RIshika puts on the role of improvisation and breaking free from well-planned strategies in creativity. It's inspiring to hear how her blind students embraced unconventional approaches and created amazing art.
@buddabuxby
11 ай бұрын
Absolutely, it's important to acknowledge all the different ways creativity manifests
@anthonybutlerstream3456
9 ай бұрын
Same! Formulaic approaches to creativity have never made sense to me.
@lisa-lio
7 ай бұрын
Yes! Sometimes things don't go to plan. We need to not be attached to it so we can still work with whatever is happening
The way I see it, Rishika makes a compelling case for the relationship between accessibility and creativity. I think her example of John Bramblett shows that disabilities can spark innovation and new perspectives in art.
Tactile art sounds amazing. Can't believe I've never heard of it before. Would love to check out an exhibit like that and experience art in a whole new way.
This chick is so cool. I love her style and her cause!
I never realized how deeply ingrained our society's fear of disability is until I saw the poll results. We need to change our perceptions and embrace different ways of living and experiencing the world.
@RishikaKartik
Жыл бұрын
Absolutely, @Technoflash. The first step to eliminating fear is awareness and education. Thank you for watching my talk and taking the time to become more aware of dismantling ableism! I hope you continue spreading this awareness to those around you :).
@neko-chan8219
Жыл бұрын
I think it's heavily tied in to the fear of being different
Your passion for tactile art and working with the blind community is so admirable! Thank you for opening my eyes to a new perspective.
I've learnt a lot about accessibility and how it's so much more than just getting in and out of places. It's the literal essence of a thing that can be exclusionary sometimes and I think art has always been one of those big ones
@rishikakartik8191
Ай бұрын
Definitely. There is also a misconception that accessibility only applies to things that are more "practical" like work. Certainly that is true, but people should also have access to recreation, self expression, socialization, other things that make a person as they age and/or have a disability
I've never considered what it would be like as a disabled person, trying to create art through methods that just don't cater to them. Well done on finding new avenues and bringing awareness to this!
The medical model of disability versus the complex embodiment framework presented by Rishika made me rethink how we perceive and interact with people with disabilities
@alexaphillips8911
8 ай бұрын
That's awesome, it's great when these talks has such an impact
I will support anyone who sees disability as diversity rather than a defect. It's a really important reframe for challenging how we view normality.
@rishikakartik8191
Ай бұрын
Well said!
The call to learn from individuals with disabilities is crucial. Everyone's experience is unique, and embracing that diversity is the key to a truly inclusive society.
Museums definitely need to rethink the whole "don't touch" thing. Imagine how much more engaging art could be if we could experience it with more than just our eyes.
This talk shows the importance of accessibility in art. It's eye-opening to realize how many people are impacted by not being able to touch or fully experience art. I agree that we should view accessibility as an opportunity for creativity.
@Team-Cozy
8 ай бұрын
Absolutely, yet they're still capable of creating something amazing
I love this talk!! I've always wanted to advocate for the fact that disabled people are more badass than everyone else gives them credit for and this confirms they're also just as creative and talented. Nice.
What is art? What is creativity? What is life? What is accessibility? Within a few questions there are so many answers. The conditioned mind requires definitive responses and a need for labels. The nature of our being is expansive, trying to live within a confined space. The art of humanity is in the things we see, touch and feel, or so we believe. What a wonderfully inspiring TEDx beyond the boundaries of what we think can't be. The world is a scary place when you can't see the unknown, and the known always resides inside. Its a wonderful place when we can recognize our own discomfort in a world filled with diversity. Thank you for your wonderful words and crafted expression of artistic "realism." What can be is limitless.
The idea of using accessibility as a creative opportunity is genius. I’m going to think about how I can apply this in my own life.
This is such a wildly important topic delivered exquisitely! We must make creativity accessible to all!!! 👏👏👏👏👏
@rishikakartik8191
Жыл бұрын
Thanks for taking the time to write, Lindsay! I'm glad the message of unlocking creativity in new ways and making the arts more inclusive resonated with you.
@buddabuxby
11 ай бұрын
Yes! Creativity and resources!
@anthonybutlerstream3456
9 ай бұрын
Definitely, she has such great insights!
Yes, art should be for everyone because everyone needs a way to release their emotions through some kind of creative process.
@josephandris6148
24 күн бұрын
that's a pretty cool way of approaching how to deal with emotions
This talk hits - encouraging creativity in every student, regardless of ability, is the true essence of teaching art.
@rishikakartik8191
3 ай бұрын
Fully agree and summarized so well! Thanks for watching!
@TracieJLee
3 ай бұрын
@@rishikakartik8191 wonderful talk, thank you!
The concept of accessibility as an opportunity for creativity is really interesting. It challenges us to rethink not just art but every aspect of our lives. A true paradigm shift that's long overdue.
My child is disabled and I'm so glad there are people dedicated to creating a world where they'll have the same experiences as their peers. Thank you to everyone who is a part of that movement.
@rishikakartik8191
Ай бұрын
This comment means everything to me. Thank you :).
I think Rishikas talk sheds light on the importance of accessibility for fostering creativity. It's fascinating to hear how tactile art can provide unique experiences and opportunities for individuals with visual impairments.
This talk made me rethink my perceptions on art... It's not just about making something visually appealing, but about pushing boundaries and embracing different perspectives.
I never thought about accessibility in art before and I enjoy being shown what it can look/feel like!
Creativity requires courage - such a powerful statement!
Bravo, Rishika! You expanded my thinking about creativity and what's possible.
@rishikakartik8191
Жыл бұрын
Thanks so much, Dr. J! I appreciate you watching the talk so much. I'm so glad the talk is helping us broader our ideas of creativity :).
The clay class story had me laughing. Kids are so much more adaptable and creative than us adults. Love how they just rolled with the messy flour paste and made something cool anyway.
@rishikakartik8191
2 күн бұрын
Right? Kids are amazing :)
The example she gives of tactile art and the pictures of it around the 9:20 mark are just so cool like I would have actually enjoyed art in school if we go to make stuff like that
The notion that creativity requires courage resonated deeply with me. Rishika's talk reminded me that embracing imperfection and taking risks can lead to the most profound creative breakthroughs.
@rishikakartik8191
10 ай бұрын
Thanks so much!
I appreciate Rishika's practical suggestions for promoting accessibility and disability inclusion in various aspects of life. It's essential to learn from people with disabilities and spread awareness to foster a more inclusive society.
What an enlightening talk! We all have the potential to be more creative, and this highlights the importance of inclusion.
@annerossiter
8 ай бұрын
Definitely. We are all inherently creative but as we grow up it's like it's psychologically beaten out of us
Gives me hope with this generation speaking out so well.
I sympathize with Rishika's perspective on the medical model of disability. It's crucial to listen to the experiences of blind individuals and understand their diverse viewpoints to promote inclusivity and creativity.
@RishikaKartik
Жыл бұрын
Well said! Thanks for watching :)
@callmedennisreallyIamdennis
Жыл бұрын
@@RishikaKartik thanks!
She makes a lot of really amazing points. I hope her efforts are recognized and her cause is supported ❤
@ihavedeepfeelings
24 күн бұрын
Same ❤
It's amazing to hear how accessibility is viewed as an opportunity at the center for blind students. It's a great reminder that we can all benefit from a more inclusive society.
@kathywinter
Жыл бұрын
Definitely, such a reframe!
This talk challenged my perspective on disability and creativity in the best way possible. Thank you for opening my eyes to new possibilities!
I appreciate the way Rishika challenges our conventional definition of creativity. It's inspiring to hear about artists like John Bramblett who found their creativity after experiencing vision loss. It shows that creativity isn't limited to visual definitions.
@FineSinEgo
7 ай бұрын
It's amazing. I feel like in his case it's almost like that creativity would have been there and him going blind meant he had to express it in a different way
Wow I'm stunned by the picture of the lovers painted by a blind artist, incredible.
@michaeljennings9599
Жыл бұрын
Same, so beautiful.
@lyndagrasten
3 ай бұрын
absolutely, I could never create something that amazing
This opens up so many discussions. What if we all started viewing challenges as opportunities to innovate and adapt, just like she suggests?
@josephandris6148
24 күн бұрын
that would be pretty cool
I had no idea about John Bramblett's story. Truly inspiring. We should all explore creativity outside our comfort zones. 🙌
@annerossiter
8 ай бұрын
Yes! Very cool to hear about and his work is amazing!
@bobertgenn
7 ай бұрын
Yup this was such a cool story and his painting is incredible!
This talk made me think about how I can be more creative and inclusive in my own life. We should start embracing diversity and accessibility from a young age, I think it makes it easier to continue through the rest of our life
Really makes you think about the barriers we create in our perceptions of art and accessibility and why we've even created them in the first place
My sister is visually impaired, and hearing this talk meant a lot to me. Making art accessible isn't just a concept; it's a necessity for her to fully engage with the world as she is so creative. Really awesome to hear there are steps being taken for her and people like her to have more access to creative outlets.
@ThrillFiller
3 ай бұрын
That's really beautiful. Did you play this talk for her? I'd be interested to know what she thought
I've seen firsthand how creativity flourishes when we break free from traditional norms. Embracing accessibility opens up a whole new world of artistic expression and I am here for it.
the idea that everyone has an artist inside them just needing help to come out?? i love that energy of believing in innate creativity
Art should reflect society and evolve alongside with it. Makes a lot of sense for it to become more accessible as we move that way in society too.
I love this - we are creative being and how we express it comes down to who we are - our experiences and environment etc.
This has inspired me to think differently about creativity. I never realized how much creativity can flourish when we challenge conventional norms and embrace accessibility. It's a powerful message.
@marcusatticuslordandrule
11 ай бұрын
It is interesting isn't it? I like the idea that creativity is inherent within all of us, regardless of ability.
I never thought about how limiting the "don't touch the art" rule can be for blind or visually impaired individuals. This talk emphasizes the need to make creative outlets more inclusive, and I couldn't agree more.
@callmedennisreallyIamdennis
Жыл бұрын
Yep, goes to show that even for progressive individuals there are things we fail to even consider
never thought I’d be inspired by a talk on art and disability, but here I am feeling motivated.
@rishikakartik8191
16 күн бұрын
So great to hear! Thanks for taking the time to watch my talk. I'm so glad it motivated you!
Rishika's talk resonates with me, and I share her view on dismantling ableism. It's important to prioritize disability inclusion and learn from individuals like John Bramblett to foster a more creative world.
The emphasis on complex embodiment highlights that disability is not just a physical limitation but a unique identity. Rishika's call to dismantle ableism challenges us to question our preconceptions.
Love it, Rishika! No more gatekeeping.
I had never really thought about how art has been seen as a luxury for those that can afford it, access it - rather than being a means of inspiration for anyone, and ensuring that it is accessible for all, tangible for all - we could inspire future generations, I don't think we can even comprehend the difference it could make in how we think, connect and move forward.
@bencycaitlin
5 ай бұрын
This is a really amazing point, forms of creative expression shouldn't be a luxury.
"Embrace complex embodiment and celebrate unique perspectives" - such a beautiful message. Thanks for sharing! 🌟
I appreciated Rishika's emphasis on promoting accessibility from the start rather than as an afterthought. It's a call to action for designers, educators, and policymakers to prioritize inclusivity
@rishikakartik8191
9 ай бұрын
So well said, thanks so much, @flodavis :)
This is such a clever title for this talk.
Thank you to this very wise woman for her sage advice.
Kudos to Sarah for introducing you to tactile art, it's truly eye-opening (pun intended). 😄
I think Rishika's talk urges us to take action and be agents of change... The call to prioritize inclusion and reject ableism is really important if we want to create a more creative and compassionate world.
The idea of celebrating unique perspectives is a valuable takeaway from Rishika's talk. It reminds us that diversity in experiences enriches our collective understanding of art and creativity.
@rishikakartik8191
10 ай бұрын
Thank you so much!
I agree, it's time for change.
I love this. If we can go beyond the surface and create a more inclusive and meaningful experience I think it would have a great impact on people.
Rishika's talk made me ponder the 'normal' way of doing things and how we often resist change or alternative approaches. Embracing diverse perspectives can lead to groundbreaking creative solutions.
@rishikakartik8191
9 ай бұрын
I absolutely agree! Thanks for the comment.
I appreciate the way Rishika shares her personal journey of discovering creativity. It's a reminder that creativity is not limited to a specific group of people. We all have the potential to be creative if we embrace courage and let go of fear.
@RishikaKartik
Жыл бұрын
Great comment @wadewilsonjr! I fully agree and I appreciate you taking the time to watch :).
@lisa-lio
7 ай бұрын
Yes, I think it's the fear of not "being good enough" that stops us from doing anything
totally agree! Creativity knows no boundaries.
@annerossiter
8 ай бұрын
Sadly this is not the case. Lol it shouldn't be limited by those boundaries but there are a lot of factors that stop people from being able to fully exercise their creativity
This is so wonderful, I look forward to experiencing all the new forms of creativity that are unlocked!
The survey statistics about people not feeling they're living up to their creative potential were quite surprising. Rishika's talk motivates us to challenge these self-imposed limitations and explore our creative sides.
@czarcasm2168
10 ай бұрын
They weren't super surprising to me, I think a lot of people feel quite limited in their potential for so many parts of life
The medical model vs. complex embodiment discussion was an awesome thing to include here!
Makes me wonder how many of us are missing out on our potential because we’re afraid to be wrong when really we could be redefining what art is
@BanouElyse
16 күн бұрын
I00
This is why every gallery should include audio descriptions of their displayed works!
@nolanrylee3993
7 ай бұрын
Definitely, audio descriptors benefit so many people
@toxic-head-shot
7 ай бұрын
Ooh that would be really cool!
This is a really cool thing she's doing. Art thrives on collaboration and inspiration. The more inclusive we are, the more we allow art to evolve.
@FineSinEgo
7 ай бұрын
This is such a great thing to take away from this talk!
I never realized how much I took for granted the ability to experience art with all my senses until watching this.
@deluxe_vegan1390
3 ай бұрын
What an incredible realization for you! Now apply that to literally every part of your life.
@jordanjpatterson
2 ай бұрын
@@deluxe_vegan1390 yes agree
The medical model of disability versus the complex embodiment framework discussed by Rishika is thought-provoking. It's crucial to listen to individuals with disabilities and understand their diverse experiences rather than simply trying to cure them.
@RishikaKartik
11 ай бұрын
Agreed! I also don't think medicine and complex embodiment are mutally exclusive.. it's exciting to see more physicians integrating social understandings of disability into their medical practices :)