[-crackles!, c-mindfulness-]

by Nancy Waldman

I am in the process of writing an article on using the non-dominant hand in journaling as a way to reach the R-mind. In doing so, I decided that my icon and ’short-hand’ talk of R-mindfulness, based on Betty Edwards work regarding the use of brain hemisphere dominance to teach art, is at the least out-of-date and at the most, offensive to the small percentage of left-sided creative brains out there. The good news is that those people don’t know they’re offended because most of us haven’t had our brains examined.

The traditionally-dubbed *creative side* of the brain is usually but not always the right side. The dominant hemisphere of a person’s brain is not necessarily the left side although research supports an estimate of left brain dominance in at least 70% of people. And in looking at this today, I’m reminded that ‘dominance’ isn’t always about language but frequently about motor skills. Handedness is one of the ways this has been studied and, researchers have found that not all left-handed people (approximately 15% of the population) are right brain dominant even in motor skills. This is an area of research that has no definitive answers but there are some studies that have suggested that the more firmly dominant the left-handedness is, the more likely that person is to be right brain dominant at least in terms of language.

Confused? Me too. Every time I wade into the marshy bog of *Creative Sides of the Brain* I feel that I’ll soon be up to my elbows in a thick peaty mush of ideas that do not have scientific studies to back them up. So why bother? Because it’s fascinating! Because we all have brains and because conventional wisdom is that we use a fraction of the power of the brain in our everyday life. Because the kinds of exercises that I’ve been calling “R-mindfulness” do work on some level for most people to trick the dominant, organizing, practical side of our brains into letting go for a while, so that we can put the non-verbal, metaphorical, visual sides at the forefront while we’re creating.

But because not everyone accesses the right side of the brain when they do my R-mindfulness exercises, my referring to the R-mind is—what shall I call it?—hemispherism? leftism?

Wikipedia in talking about the historical and cultural bigotry surrounding left-handedness (or just ‘left’) points out:

Even the word “ambidexterity” reflects the bias. Its intended meaning is, “skillful on both sides.” However, since it keeps the Latin root “dexter,” which means “right,” it ends up conveying the idea of being “right-handed at both sides.” This bias is also apparent in the lesser-known antonym “ambisinistrous,” which means “clumsy on both sides” and derives from the Latin root “sinister.”

So from now on, the articles about R-mindfulness will have to reflect my newly raised-consciousness about this. However, the phenomenon discussed in these articles is the same whatever side of the brain is less dominant. The point is to access the lesser used portions in tricky ways so as to circumvent the normal functions. It’s complicated so I have to call it something simple!

How about…full-mindfulness? F-mind? ooh. Not so good. The innocent letter “F” has an undeserved and much more negative bias even than left-handers. There’s mind-fully or, quite appropriate in a metaphorical sense, fully-mined. Well…that probably gets us off-track. Fully-mindful is too fully-mouthful. Whole-mind is used in other ways to teach reading and such. Non-dom, short for non-dominant? That’s a bit negative. Alternate-mind. Alternate-hemisphere? Alt-mind? That sounds like a keystroke shortcut. Oh, there you go: Alt-control! Hmmm. Alt-hemi? Demi-hemi? Semi-demi-hemi?

Okay. This is a total illustration of how my creativity works (or more specifically: does not work).

For now I will settle on C-mind—short for Creative Mind—until, unless, I can think of a better iconic term.

Any suggestions?

June 16: This article was withdrawn and re-written after its first posting, evidently to illustrate more fully my personal brain’s challenges.

For a brief description of what I’m talking about, here’s the first article I wrote about the R-mind.
Here’s another one called Changing States.
Click on C-mind tag to get a full-listing or go to our Topics list and click on C-mindfulness

[process, inspiration]

Book box

Originally uploaded by cramzy.

A Good Sunday Morning in May to you all!

The photo to the right is one from The Practically Creative Group on flickr. It’s posted by ‘cramzy,’ a wonderful fibre artist whose work has impressed me continually.

Cramzy, also known as Emmy Schoonbeek, does all kinds of fanciful, beautiful and colourful stitchery, constructions and embellishments. This one caught my eye because of its cross-pollination effect. It’s so many things and includes so many things all at once.

It’s fibre art. It’s collage. It’s construction. It’s functional. It’s art. It’s a box. It’s a book. It’s got words, music, textile, paper, beads and probably lots more that we can’t see. Do click the image to see it in larger form.

I believe that this process of cross-pollination is one of the best ways to be freshly inspired and motivated.

It’s easy to utilize various skills and interests in our work when we’re already FEELING inspired and creative. That’s part of what makes it fun when one good idea or impulse bounces off another to create something new and unique. But it also can work for us when we can’t find that FEELING.

If you are in the doldrums with painting, try writing in your journal. Brainstorm. Do calligraphy until it turns into something else. Play with letters until they are abstract shapes.

If you can’t get started writing, do a quick symbolic collage of your main character. Or put on music that you love but don’t often listen to.

Another trick is to use these alternate parts of ourselves to be creative while taking a break from whatever has depleted our motivation. For example, when I’ve written myself into a corner, I find cooking to be a wonderful activity to immerse myself in. It’s creative and involves the senses but it doesn’t require a lot of mental concentration. This flow of activity allows my mind time to wander in a relaxed way. Without forcing it, I often find a way out of that corner and come back to the writing inspired and motivated—with a good meal under my belt!

Thanks, Emmy, for your inspiration this morning. Be sure to visit cramzy on flickr and at her blog.

[-art, photography, poetry-]

NightSchool

Originally uploaded by MontanaRaven.

Today’s image comes from Maureen Shaughnessy, the talented photographer and artist who has been a frequent contributor to The PCQ. She continually explores deeper and deeper into the possibilities of photographic/drawn art alterations.

I asked Maureen about this image and she said that she took a painting of a “normal, boring fish” and digitally altered it giving the appearance of perspective and swimming in different positions…” Maureen was working with the idea of “taking a flat…almost cut-paper or 2-dimensional tapestry gradually…transforming into a 3-dimensional dream image as you go right.”

I love not only the image she came up with, but the visual, design and metaphorical exploration behind it.

To accompany her image, she includes the following:

Linking literary works to art - whether they are your own words or someone else’s - can add a further dimensionality that enhances both.

thanks, Maureen for an inspiring alteration.

This image is part of Maureen’s Alterations and Digital Collages set
Here’s a link to Maureen’s blog, Raven’s Nest
All Maureen’s articles on The PCQ.
Here’s a PCQ science article on Dimensions

Originally published in the original Practically Creative blog, March 2006

[-writing, motivation-]

Creative Writing

Originally uploaded by maher berro.

This photo speaks for itself, doesn’t it?

Maybe I chose it because it’s Monday morning, the sun isn’t shining so brightly today and I’m feeling at a lower ebb than I have for a while. It’s so pleasing to be able to write a tide-y blog entry everyday, but some days the ideas don’t flow as well as others.

The thing I love about this image (in addition to maher berro’s great title) is the sense of urgency. That water is coming, coming soon, and nothing can stop it. And, it’s going to alter everything.

“Time and tide wait for no man.” (Alexander Pope)

I think it’s a sign. I have to start working on that novel again. Okay everyone, go, now, today, before the tide washes this moment away. Write (or draw or sculpt) in the sand! If you don’t have a beach nearby (or it’s too darned cold) you can use a journal or computer or mashed potatoes (if you’re into sculpting).

thanks, maher berro, for a lighthearted look at the ephemeral nature of nature, creativity and our lives. ‘bye till tomorrow~
*waves***waves***waves*

Originally published in the original Practically Creative blog, February 2006

[-photography, process-]

Originally uploaded by tejana.

This beautiful macro taken at a beach, by tejana, reminds me of the impermanence of … everything.

Sand is one of the most malleable of substances. It’s constantly altered by the tides, the wind, even the small beings living within it. Whether a large wave, a sprinkle of raindrops, or a human foot, each causes a rearrangement and a new design.

Our lives, our creative efforts are no different.

If I had finished my novel last December, for example, instead of waiting until now to do it, the words I chose would have been different. I’m subtly rearranged from the person I was when I put the writing aside. Therefore, what comes out of me now, will be altered from what it would have been then. This isn’t a bad thing, but it is something to acknowledge. It might be a (well-needed ) reason not to put things off if we can help it.

Each new day, we need to attempt to put our mark on something in order to capture what and who we are on that particular day - the way tejana so beautifully preserved the sand’s essence in this spot on this day.

Thank you, tejana ~~~

Here are some links to articles about paying attention to the marks we make:
- doodles by Maureen Shaughnessy
- marks have meaning, about self-promotion
- marks have meaning, an art tutorial
- mark my words, a graphic reminder

Procrastination articles:
- Suze Corte - Mind Space
- a PCQ-QCP - The Imaginary Deadline
- a Practically Mperfect article - Collecting Dust

The other side of NOT finishing things:
- Karen Hatzigeorgiou - You, Me and Leonardo da Vinci

Originally published in the original Practically Creative blog, February 2006

[-alterations, art-]

Jack

Originally uploaded by wireguy.

I love this construction from wireguy. Dare we call it PopArt?

He says of his “Jack” creation:

With all the waste in the office, this became the (obvious?) first prototype. It’s amazing what you can do with plastic junk. Drink up and enjoy.

Indeed!
I hope some of our readers will take us up on the Alterations Challenge. And once you have, show your work! to us, to everyone.

I’ve become slightly obsessed — okay, I’ll admit it - there’s no such thing as ’slightly obsessed’ — with thinking of household items that I can transform into art and vice versa. So far, I’ve made artistic items from dried up gelpens and useful items of old photos but that’s only the beginning. I’m thinking lamps (though I haven’t quite settled on what to use), clocks (a glimmering of an idea that came from a clock I bought that looks as if it’s made from a cookie tin), fans (women of a certain age will understand my obsession with this) made from my paintings that are sitting in drawers, photograph boxes made from photos, windchimes, suncatchers….. can you catch the fever?

What I’m enjoying is the twist of mind that this challenge has given me. It brings on a new way of thinking about e.v.e.r.y.t.h.i.n.g. I don’t regard a heretofore tossable bottle cap or cork or dried up gelpen as trash… I think of it as a possibility. What can I use if for?

On the other hand, I look at treasures of mine, things I never wanted to part with but had no immediate use for such as little bits of embroidery, or beads, or silk thread, or paintings I did years ago, or photos I took of museums or scenery from somewhere I can’t remember, or ones that are out of focus, or broken china or mirrors. What am I saving them for?

I guess I saved them for now. I’m not only happy to have some raw materials around to use for this challenge, I’m also thrilled to be using stuff up - whether it’s a stash of beads, or pens that don’t work or - like wireguy - plastic bottles.

Let’s turn the trash into treasures and the treasures into more treasured masterpieces that work for us instead of just taking up space in our drawers and on our shelves! Join me in my obsession. I guarantee that you’ll enjoy the creative buzz!

thanks, wireguy, for your Jack and your inspiration.

Originally posted in the original Practically Creative blog, March 2006

[-photography, digital art-]

Rain Day

Originally uploaded by Elinesca.

Today’s image is all about water.

Water is so magical to look at, photograph, be in, experiment with because it can do so many things to and with our senses. It not only reflects, but is, at the same time, transparent! We see *on* and *in* it simultaneously. It catches light and color. It distorts size and position of what is seen through it. It is powerful enough to etch through stone but can be as gentle as a foggy mist.

© 05-07 nancy waldman

Remember this as you create.
• Before painting, soak your paper in water.
• Take a photograph of an object through a glass of water.
• Find out what happens to a photograph that is soaked in water.
• Click here for more outrageously watery suggestions.
• And finally, don’t ever underestimate the power of a shower for providing an atmosphere conducive to inspiration!

Thanks, Elinesca for today’s inspiration.

Originally posted to the original Practically Creative blog in February 2006; edited slightly for re-publication

[-photography, alterations-]

The Patina group on flickr.com is for images of anything that has “a rich, interesting, complex surface sheen due to age and use.” At this writing, 101 photographers have contributed close to 900 photos, gathering, IMHO, one of the most gorgeous collections on flickr. Read the rest of this entry »

[-alteration, crafts, how-to-]

by Nancy Waldman

Here’s a fun little project that grew out of The PCQ’s Alteration Challenge.

It took less than a half an hour to put together. If you have your own tin (they are easy to find at garage sales or online auctions) you can make one of these for well under $10. The ‘clockworks’ can be found at hobby stores.

Just take your drill - you do have one, don’t you? - checking the package to find out what size drill bit you need to use - and drill a hole. Insert the metal piece inside the hole and attach the battery pack to it from the backside of the tin’s lid. From the front and still using the simple directions on the clock works package, put on the spacers and the hands of the clock.

From there you just put in a battery and watch (pun intended 8)) it go!

I used a Sharpie permanent marker to draw in the numbers but you can find press on numbers that would serve the purpose.

I wanted this one to be a counter clock since the word “soap” was written on side; I can even use for storing - yes, that’s it - soap. But the same clockworks can be used to make a hanging clock.

Here’s another idea. This is a photo of a clock I bought. It’s made from a metal tin that is open on the back side. The face of the clock is a piece of paper glued to the front. This brings up endless possibilities. Find a great picture and paste it on or better yet, do a collage. Fabric could also be used. Just be sure that your clockworks are high enough to lift the hands away from the face of the clock, especially if your collage gets a bit thick. They do come in several heights so this shouldn’t be a problem.

Easy. Quick. Fun. Functional. And, what great gifts they would make.

Originally published in the April 2006 issue of The Practically Creative Quarterly, theme: alterations; edited slightly for republication

[-art, digital art-]

Meet Flik R, our featured doodler

Flik R - who chooses to remain in his flickr persona - does fantastical drawings with gelpens and Uniball Signo rollerpens. But rather than be satisfied with that, he keeps going, taking his art farther by using his drawings as the raw material for digital art.

Flik draws the design in pencil first and then erases the drawing so he can still see the outline of each shape. He then colors them in with gel pens.

Using his graphics program, he uses the “negative” command to do an inverse of his drawing with rather spectacular results.

Experimenting with this led him to do some drawings with the negative in mind.

Flik then began selecting triangles from his drawings and using a tile function to make kaliedoscopic patterns!

This drawing and its inverse were used to make all these different patterns.

all images © 2005-2007 flik r all rights reserved

Thanks Flik R, for showing us a couple of ways in which hand-made art
can be altered with our computers to make wonderful new images.

See more: Flikr illustrates, The Dread

about the artist:
Flik R is 35 year old male from the United Kingdom. He entertains himself with various creative, technical or abstract projects as well as enjoying animals, computers, and long walks at night in the countryside. When asked what he thinks about while doodling he said,

He says of himself,

My ‘favourite’ picture is of the horse, something calming in that, something impressive in a horse also. The picture was just something a friend gave me the idea to draw one lacklustre day many years ago. A few hours later I had this picture, tiny and delicate, and it brings me comfort and calm just to look at it now, well a copy of it. The original lives in Sweden now. Favourite may be a strong word, it’s really just one I like a lot.

See more of Flik R’s drawings at flickr.com/photos/flikr/

Originally published in the April 2006 issue of The Practically Creative Quarterly, theme: alterations