Creativity in Context: The Ecology of Creativity Evaluations and Practices in an Artistic Craft 1

Abstract

The present article reports on the use of a multiple feedback methodology for the study of creativity evaluations in the case of Romanian Easter eggs. Four groups of evaluators have been chosen-ethnographers, priests, art teachers and folk artists-all members of professional communities relevant for this particular folk art. Respondents almost unanimously appreciated 'traditional' wax decorated eggs as highly creative for their designs, aesthetics and the hard work and talent they require but opinions diverged when commenting on the creativity of other types of Easter eggs. At a more general level, two broad evaluation patters were found, corresponding to whether respondents participate or not in decoration practices. Identifying these patterns comes to reinforce the idea that creativity evaluations, as well as creative activity, are rooted in the social and cultural contexts of the participants and these contexts share important similarities but also marked differences.