Finding connections between evolving creative thoughts can sometimes be a nightmare for artists. When work is at a crossroads, there can be a tug of war between hanging onto old ideas whilst curiosity is pushing to move in new directions. This can be amplified when galleries and collectors want more of an artist’s ‘signature’ work.
Art should be an explorative pursuit but all creative professionals can find themselves in a rut fighting their conflicting ideas at times. In this post I will share some techniques I have learned over the years to organize new and old creative ideas so they can become meaningfully connected. Not every technique will suit every person's way of thinking.
The Venn Diagram
One technique I learned in art school was using the Venn diagram to explore new ideas. Usually this technique is associated with mathematics, statistics and business – not art. However, I found that using this method of finding logical relationships between two or more sets of ideas useful. The diagram is usually formulated by layering three circles that cross over. The overlapping areas represent points of common ground. This should be a freeing process that can be experimented with and shuffled around.
Start by listings repeating concepts, ideas and themes
Choose three broad themes vital to a creative practice
Once they are on positioned on the outer circles, consider what the crossovers are
Then consider the central point, the core that anchors them
Here is an example based on my new line of thinking:
While considering my new practice I chose three themes that kept popping up: Science, Identity and Natural Pigments.
The crossovers between each led me to: Science + Identity = Consciousness / Self
Identity + Natural Pigments = Form
Natural Pigments + Science = Nature of materials
With all combined I released that my new work was leading me on a journey to explore:
The relationship between form and consciousness through the nature of materials.
But I love to keep swapping in different themes and seeing how the narrative evolves.
Collage
This is an old, tried and tested technique that can use words, phrases and images. Think of a collage as a moodboard. Instead of searching for key themes, take time to flick through newspapers, magazines, fliers and general things that catch the eye. I like the tactile nature of making a traditional moodboard. It is a hands-on approach to visually displaying ideas trapped in the mind.
However, collages don't have to follow traditional cut and paste techniques. Digital versions can offer much more freedom and variety. The digital realm offers a much bigger source of materials. Canva, Adobe Photoshop or Adobe Express can be used to make collages or there are now specialist apps on the market such as Fotor and InCollage. Software such as Canva can also allow video and audio collages which can include lecture snippets, music and soundscapes.
Mind Maps
This is the opposite approach to using a Venn diagram. Instead of narrowing down on key themes, a mind map is more of an explosion of ideas, themes and words.
The idea is to start in the middle with a central idea and branch out with keywords and secondary, tertiary ideas and so on. This is an exploration of all connecting topics and avenues that could unearth a new line of interest stemming from the original core concept.
This form of mapping ideas is less restrictive and can be particularly useful for art students that have to write a thesis or dissertation. It can offer a clearer research structure and hierarchy of ideas.
When using a mind map for writing a dissertation I suggest the following:
1. Decide on the main topic of the essay
2. Choose the secondary lines of enquiry – these often offer the break down and the subcategories that form the articles frame
3. Branch off from each of those ideas to expand research; including key references, websites, journals, books, core thinkers and theorists in the field, archives and sources of information.
Please share the techniques you use to explore your creative ideas in the comments below.
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