The Creative Collective: Department of Surgery launches a culture of creativity

A new art installation aiming to inspire a culture of creativity has officially opened in the Department of Surgery.

The Creative Collective is a curated gallery that features a variety of artwork from faculty members, staff and their loved ones. It represents the unique, interconnected ways in which people create.

Mohit Bhandari, chair, Department of Surgery, says creativity is interwoven into the very fabric of surgery, but it is not surgeons alone who have creative innovations, solutions, and ideas to bring to the table. The department believes that each person plays an integral role in working together to create a healthier tomorrow and tapping into our most authentically creative selves.

To acquire submissions for the gallery, a call was sent out to every member of the Department of Surgery. Regardless of one’s role, experience, or form of artistic expression, everyone was encouraged to submit a creation. This resulted in flourishing diversity not only in the mediums showcased but in the perspectives and backgrounds of the artists. The Creative Collective developed into a mosaic of poetry, painting, photography, embroidery, dance choreography, with pieces submitted by researchers, administrators, residents, educational associates and more.

“The Creative Collective is a testament to the power of valuing the “whole personhood” of individuals in our community. When we encounter individuals’ multifaceted, imaginative, and inventive selves through art, it inspires authentic human connection and draws us together towards our shared purpose,” said Ruth Chen, associate dean, Continuing Professional Development, Faculty of Health Sciences.

The Creative Collective continues to grow as Department of Surgery members are expanding the notion of what constitutes a creative outlet — from baking French macarons to crafting a unique cocktail, or designing macrame to planting a garden. The conversation around creativity continues to evolve with the realization that in some shape or form, we all create.

“Being a part of something in the workplace that connects us through our various artistic pursuits, it’s beautiful. People from different backgrounds, on different paths, are coming together to share a little piece of themselves,” said Naomi Downer, senior education program associate, who submitted a photograph to the gallery.

“We believe that advancements do not solely stem from rigorous research and technological breakthroughs, but also from fostering a culture that embraces unconventional thinking and creativity. Our collective has inspired me to think differently about how we, in surgery, nurture our creative thinking. The space has sparked conversations, ignited curiosity, and reminded me of the profound impact that creativity can have on our lives and work,” said Bhandari.

Visit the Creative Collective on the fourth floor of the Institute of Applied Health Sciences (IAHS), on campus at McMaster University, or experience the art virtually by visiting the Department of Surgery website.