In the English language, we read left to right. As you take in this blog post, your gaze moves steadily from the left side of the screen over to the ride side, and back again. Everyday, English speakers break down sentences and make sense of them in a left to right fashion.
Basic neuroscience would explain that our brain is split into two halves. Essentially, each hemisphere (the left and the right) is responsible for different functions and processes.(For all the neurologists reading this, I understand that the specific functions of the brain are much more complex than this. But for the sake of making a point, please excuse my over-simplification)
The right side of the brain is generally thought of as the “creative” hemisphere. This is the side that deals with imagination, pictures, synthesis, and holistic thinking.
The left side is the more “managerial” hemisphere, responsible for logic, syntax, analysis, and sequential thinking.
We may read from left to right, but I have found that the process of creativity is most effectively entered into when moving right to left. Beginning in our right brain, we cast a grand vision of what we want the project to be, and let the imagination run wild. Once the right brain has made it’s mess all over the canvas, we then employ the left brain to tidy up, trim the fat, and make sense of everything.
Creativity is not just vomiting talent onto a page. It also requires intense wisdom and management skills to turn a mess of ingredients into an artistic feast.
Vital creativity is first holistic (the grand vision) then sequential (the organization and implementation of said vision).
It is part synthesis (bringing things together) and part analysis (breaking things apart).
Vital creativity occurs when boundless imagination and practical logistics become tightly intertwined in the mind of an artist.
The creative process, like reading, is most effectively done when moving from one side to the other. But both sides are necessary. You wouldn’t only read the left side of the page. You’d only get half the story. In the same way, when we as artists employ only the right side of our brains, we run the risk of only telling half our story.
Basic neuroscience would explain that our brain is split into two halves. Essentially, each hemisphere (the left and the right) is responsible for different functions and processes.(For all the neurologists reading this, I understand that the specific functions of the brain are much more complex than this. But for the sake of making a point, please excuse my over-simplification)
The right side of the brain is generally thought of as the “creative” hemisphere. This is the side that deals with imagination, pictures, synthesis, and holistic thinking.
The left side is the more “managerial” hemisphere, responsible for logic, syntax, analysis, and sequential thinking.
We may read from left to right, but I have found that the process of creativity is most effectively entered into when moving right to left. Beginning in our right brain, we cast a grand vision of what we want the project to be, and let the imagination run wild. Once the right brain has made it’s mess all over the canvas, we then employ the left brain to tidy up, trim the fat, and make sense of everything.
Creativity is not just vomiting talent onto a page. It also requires intense wisdom and management skills to turn a mess of ingredients into an artistic feast.
Vital creativity is first holistic (the grand vision) then sequential (the organization and implementation of said vision).
It is part synthesis (bringing things together) and part analysis (breaking things apart).
Vital creativity occurs when boundless imagination and practical logistics become tightly intertwined in the mind of an artist.
The creative process, like reading, is most effectively done when moving from one side to the other. But both sides are necessary. You wouldn’t only read the left side of the page. You’d only get half the story. In the same way, when we as artists employ only the right side of our brains, we run the risk of only telling half our story.
