An exploratory study on the natural environment in Malta : its impact and influence on creative practitioners

Abstract

Malta is a small island in the Mediterranean, with a very limited natural environment because of its size, and many natural areas are being lost due to overdevelopment to cater for its growing population. Malta is also increasingly becoming more urbanized. According to studies, individuals can benefit from exposure to natural environments such as large open spaces, forests, parks and green areas. This study aimed to explore if the natural environment on the Maltese islands is impacting and influencing the self-perceived creativity of creative practitioners. Therefore, the research addressed two research questions, how the natural environment influenced the self-perceived creativity of creative practitioners in Malta and if the natural environment impacted any phases of their creative thinking process. The literature defined natural environment, creativity, and individual creativity and explored how these are linked. Wallas's (1945) creative process was used to build a conceptual model. A qualitative research method was then used to delve into these topics. Thirteen creative practitioners who work in the creative industries, such as artists, writers, and graphic designers, were interviewed using semi-structured interview questions. They all resided in Malta and could provide insights into how the natural and urban environments impacted their creativity. Thematic analysis was then used to draw out different themes linked with individual creativity, the creative process, the impact and influence of the types of natural spaces, and the development of Malta’s natural spaces and creativity. This research showed that the natural environment may positively impact creative persons in different ways and that creatives may also be affected by the lack of natural spaces and urbanization. Therefore, the link between creativity and the natural environment continued to be explored in the context of the Maltese Islands.