THE CREATIVE MIND — Creative genius is often unlocked by its environment. And what results is a grand merger of society and wonderful talent, to produce works of art both simple and elaborate.

The following five movie documentaries demonstrate just how much of a muse society is for creatives. Each artist, no matter what the medium, was certainly influenced by the society in which they lived and created. The stunning results were a reflection of that society in unique and beautiful ways.

"Eames: The Architect and The Painter"

The movie's producers captured the personas of Charles and Ray Eames, a husband and wife team (architect and painter) when they quoted them as saying they wanted to produce the "best with the least for the most." The '50s was an era of mass production and anyone who wants to see how that mentality impacted art will enjoy this film.

"Milton Glaser: To Inform and Delight"

What an absolutely stunning display of the work of Milton Glaser, including his timeless and oft copied "I ♥ New York" slogan. Coupled with his statements of insight into American culture, the viewer understands that Glaser had his finger on the pulse of society. As the film clearly shows, Glaser was all about merging talent, play and intelligence to create for the society of his day.

"How Much Does Your Building Weigh, Mr. Foster?"

Norman Foster is a man who must seek solutions for sustainable urban living — doing the most with the least means. Merging high quality design with the least environmental footprint is Foster's formula for longevity of what he creates. This film traces Foster's life from extremely humble beginnings in England to his rise as one of the world's most notable architects. An intriguing story, much of it told by Foster himself.

"Design is One: The Vignellis"

As the film points out, Massimo and Lella Vignelli were two eclectic designers who motto was, "If you can't find it, design it."

While the film enlightens all of us about the famous designs these two created, perhaps its greatest contribution is that, against a backdrop of minimalist art, are two figures who are funny, filled with warmth and imbued with a sense of contribution to humanity, if only through art and design.

"Diana Vreeland: The Eye Has to Travel"

This film could almost be a travelogue — not a physical one, but a mental one through the mind of Diana Vreeland — fashionista, editor, and ultimately museum director. She was brash, successful and independent, ahead of her times and often misunderstood. The film depicts this accurately and with great style.

"There is no beauty without strangeness," she said.

This is a must-see film that carefully shows this designer with one foot in the present, the other in the future.

So, we have talent — great creative talent. And we also have a society within which that talent resides. When the two collide, we get the icons of art and design that reflect each generation and the needs of society as a whole.

Laura Callisen is an experienced writer and freelance journalist. She has a deep passion to share her diverse experience through guest posting and freelance blogging at www.smartpaperhelp.com. On Twitter, @LauraCallisen.

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