Research- Psychology 'A new perspective on Creativity'

'A new and deeper perspective on creativity'- unfocused

Psychology today

Article published 06 May 2017

(https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/debunking-myths-the-mind/201705/new-and-deeper-perspective-creativity)

'Mind wandering per se is not a new method for creativity. It's been known for a long time. But what is relatively new is the finding that when PCD activates the brain's unfocus network, in addition to making associations across the brain, it also turns on the brain's representations of the "self.'

Within this article the PCD interested me greatly due to the possibility of encouraging it within the gallery setting. This lowered focus may then possibly open a new pathway to the unconscious and the less ‘aware’ brain interacting with the work. Therefore allowing social constructs to be removed slightly. The pressure to think deeply about the work could be removed and the 'self' will be in a less conscious position to impose judgement upon the work. Further to this, withdrawing your attention from the outside world allows the attention to ‘wander within’ and would allow a consideration of personal involvement and interaction with the artworks.

Before the artworks are interacted with, the ‘cognitive rhythm’ needs to be set. Works before and after can influence this. Careful consideration of the surrounding concepts and themes add to this. Also the setting the work is presented, an introduction to the works/exhibition may help to set the tone (poetry). This introductory 'tone' could come in the form of a sound work or a leaflet to engage the viewer before the work is presented. This is also a less formal gallery practice and would active an unfocused network possibly.

Research into psychology and the brain helps me process possible ways to make my visual work more psychologically engaging. After my feedback from Ba1b, I have realised my visual pieces are not involved enough in the research content I undertake. This therefore makes the work I produce pointless in a greater sense. Although personally therapeutic, the works don't influence or educate as intended and often show a metaphorical representation. This is something I aim to shift. Undertaking psychological research will remain an aspect of this.