THE TENACIOUS TURTLE

The Tenacious Turtle is the online home of artist David Currie.

The Alchemy Behind Creativity

Creativity, a concept with limitless scope and vaguely defined parameters, seems to drive everything from the structure of AI algorithms to the ingredients of salad dressing.

On a ridiculously basic level, maybe the components of creativity can be divided into three overlapping spheres: skill, knowledge, and the ability to understand certain elements of the inner psychological self. When these components interact constructively, they acquire energy that can engage audiences and have applications in a limitless scope of outputs.

Regular practice enhances continuous skill development, continuous learning broadens scope, and the confidence to continuously explore one’s inner psyche, somehow providing a personal direction. Combined, these elements over time contribute to gradually developing the ability to produce artistic outputs that encompass magical characteristics that draw in audiences, stimulate debate, and ultimately act as a driver for expanding certain aspects of perception. This can ultimately alter the way a world is perceived, inspiring some, and potentially influencing the direction of continuously evolving societies.

To all creatives, is this not a power, the alchemy we all secretly hope to possess? Whether the creator of an irresistibly delicious summer salad or being at the cutting edge of generative AI advancements, is this not the secret, deeply personal desire that drives us!

D. Currie

Creative Journey

Metaphorically, like a sea turtle, I have spent a lifetime silently and methodically swimming the cultural oceans of both North America and Asia. Currents have led me to many shores, and collectively these experiences have helped to provide a purpose—a rational reason for my tenacity to keep developing creatively and to continuously produce art!

About David

Objective/Purpose: To utilise a lifetime of experience as an artist, creative thinker, trainer, and coach, in a manner that contributes to the betterment of individuals, organisations, and/or communities.

Strengths

- Fully developed artist, creative thinker and

Instructor/coach with experience as public speaker/presenter

- Strong business acumen, able to manage creative projects

Education/Certificates

- Special Art Programme (1975) H.B. Beal, London, Ontario

- Studio Programme in Art (1979), The Banff Centre

Corporate Communications (1995) Seneca College

- Masters of Business Admin. (1999) University of Ottawa

Interests/achievements

- Several exhibitions/art showings

- Active in the visual arts with proficiency in various photo/video-editing tools, layout and design, conventional paint mediums, etc.; drawing/painting, creative thinking instruction/seminars

- Chinese Studies: formally at Shenzhen University (2011 to 2012), informally (ongoing)

Working drawings/experiments for developing a sense of atmosphere.

To view the complete portfolio of work, click ”View More”, or have a look at David’s blog.

September 25, 2025

Title: Dragon “Atmospherism” No. 2, Setting Sun over the PearlRiver Delta

Medium: Digital Image

Software: Procreate

Hardware: iPad

Objective: Based on my thesis/idea that, if pattern arrangements (according to the placement of aperiodic mono-tiles) do (in fact) work as a vehicle to increase visual engagement. Then, the pattern can be somehow inlaid or used as a vehicle/tool to increase engagement with almost any image.

In my opinion, this is no more radical/or cuckoo than using colour theory or composition (or some other instrument) as tools to increase visual engagement.

Anyway, to add, the pattern doesn’t have to be the primary focus of the image. In this example (along with the last post), what is being attempted is to bury/insert the pattern into “a feeling/sense of atmosphere.”

Excuse a little more blah, blah, blah, blah, but it is also my feeling/opinion that the interplay between the pattern images and the picture can be used as a type of visual vocabulary to imply other things !!!

Will be returning to the studio soon, where these images can be turned into physical artwork!

August, 2025: What’s behind the new images?

I’ve been finding that the aperiodic mono-tiles can be used (manipulated) in a way that creates a sense of depth. This raises a question: Can this non-repetitive (appearing as if images are somewhat randomly placed) pattern be tweaked, to create a sense of “atmosphere”?

This is now the focus of the next stage.