Brain Function of Artists
How do I make sense of the things I see? How can I bring an invisible idea into something visible? What about those who turn sounds in their heads into music? How can someone come up with poetry, lyrics for a song, a story, or a dialogue? How can my fingers understand how to shape the clay in a visually logical way according to the design in my brain? How do I make philosophical sense of what I am looking at and articulate the silent language my art is communicating? How can people turn math into art and art into math?
I’ve been reading here and there about the right-brain/left-brain functions. Some say it is a myth. Some say it is not. I was discussing it with my personal physician as well (my wife), who found several articles for me to read. I have no intention to write a research article with fancy references and style (as somebody said I don’t know how to interpret the literature or cite it although I wrote a dissertation) because this blog is not for that. When someone pays me to develop another research study then you would see the whole dissertation format in action. For now I am just expressing my thoughts on these subjects. Nonetheless, it is interesting to see what studies say about the brain function of artists. I don’t argue with these studies unless I make my own study or if they make artists look bad.
According to some the artist’s brain is different in structure and naturally wired to display higher fine motor skills and visual imagery but training and an encouraging environment play an important role as I wrote in The Discipline in The Discipline. It is necessary to cultivate a talent through practice and discipline. This is the combination of nature and nurture. However, while certain areas of the brain are more dominant both sides of the brain are used simultaneously. This is not exclusively for artists since it is said that engaging in creative activities helps improve brain function in multiple areas which I stretch with passion when it comes to cognitive psychology because not only the physical brain changes, the nonphysical brain changes too. To define ‘nonphysical brain’ that is what I call the non-measurable cognitive functions like perception, affect, beliefs, and intuition. Not to mention how engaging in creative activities help relief stress and to connect back to ourselves and it can change lives. it is no secret that art in its many forms also help develop well-rounded individuals.
I began writing this blog back in November 2014. For me it is more challenging writing than speaking about it. My brain works faster than the four fingers I use for typing. I am glad I’m coming back to public speaking after a while. Outside of teaching I’ve been away from formal public speaking presentations for a while. Tonight at the
The Power of Words
I was watching a great video about my hometown of Mayagüez. I got a little emotional and felt very proud of where I come from. Many memories came alive; the places I visited as a kid and early adulthood and the scenes that were too familiar. I’ve been there a few times in the past few years and I like to take a run around town and see the places that witnessed some of my story, including the university where I learned about art. People came to mind as well. In particular I remembered one of my neighbors. I was still a kid. My neighbor called me ‘doctor’ every time he saw me. That was his salutation to me. I believe that somehow this influenced my academic success to the point that in my doctoral dissertation, in the acknowledgements, I mentioned my neighbor.
One can’t fathom how words can mark a life for better or worse. Words can build and destroy. This is specially for children, but still in adulthood words can bring back suppressed fears, scars, and insecurities. Interestingly, what is said and how it is said also reveals who people are and their own insecurities. In other words, what is said affects not only the listener but the one speaking. Some cultures from ancient times and today have in great regard the meaning of the names they give to children. It is also no secret that nicknames can mark the life a person for life.
The history of each one of us, while apparently isolated and independent from each other, is one interconnected and interrelated one even if we never cross paths in life. One doesn’t have to know a person to influence and transform their existence. One can gain respect or lose respect for someone just for things said. Do not underestimate the power of words. Do not forget those who with their words inspired you and motivated you to become who you are today. Look back at the foundation of who you are and the things said to you. Learn to heal and forgive. Learn to be thankful to those who lift you up.
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