In all cases of perception, from the most basic to the most sophisticated, the meaning of the experience is recognized by the observer according to a horizon of expectation within which the experience will be expected to fall.
thenewgreen: Regarding the process of inspiration that the various examples give, this process exists for realizations large and small. Someone might very well have a similar experience regarding where they left their keys. The brain is often giving us hints to our subconscious desires. The Einstein's of the world are very good at picking up on these "hints". Also hailing from this realm of "hints" are some of the great artistic creations. It's in this way that I think art and science are directly connected,.... as is the ability to find ones keys.