Thinking How the brain processes thought.

What is “thinking”? For our purposes, we will define thinking as the way the brain processes, stores and uses information. The way information is processed and used, in combination with interpretation (and the use of emotions) is called the “mind”.

Linear Thinking Most educational systems teach what is known as “linear thinking”. Linear Thinking is a method of thinking that takes information and stores it, based on how it relates to previously processed and stored information. –While this is excellent for processing speed and storage, there are two major drawbacks to this process of thinking. They are?

Divergent Thinking vs. Convergent Thinking The goal of convergent thinking is to eliminate all but one solution to a problem. Convergent thinking is what you have been primarily taught through most of your educational process. –The problem with convergent thinking is the same as eliminating neural pathways (see “creative thinking” power point). What if there is a flaw in that one solution, or if you find a circumstance where that one solution is rendered unworkable? See Apollo 13 carbon dioxide problem.

Divergent Thinking vs. Convergent Thinking The goal of divergent thinking is to generate many different solutions to a problem in a short period of time. Divergent thinking typically occurs in a spontaneous, free-flowing manner, such that the ideas are generated in a random, unorganized fashion. –Following divergent thinking, the ideas and information will be organized using convergent thinking, putting the various ideas back together in some organized, structured way. Move to divergent thinking exercises and lectures…

Artistic Thinking…

What is “Analytical Thinking”? Analytical Thinking is a method of Lateral Thinking (a lateral thinking skill) that forces the user to re-examine the context of a given piece of information. –What are the benefits of re-categorizing information? –We will be using “visual analogies” to explore and practice this method of thinking. An analogy is a connection between two things. A forced analogy is creating (or finding) a connection where none exists (or seems to exist).

HOW IS THIS THING… …LIKE THIS THING? Visually and functionally?

What’s the connection between hands and the ocean?

The analogy can be intellectual…

…or visual.

Alternative Styles Part of being able to loosen up your mind to be creative is the ability to see things in different ways. This assignment will “force” you to put a new twist on the same old thing.

You will be taking an existing cartoon character and redrawing them or adapting them to another artistic style.

Peanuts

Peanuts as if drawn by Bill Watterson.

Bill Watterson cartoonist of Calvin and Hobbes fame

Peanuts if drawn by Frank Miller

Frank Miller

SIN CITY That Yellow Bastard story

Wolverine as drawn by Edward Gorey

Wolverine Marvel comic book character

Edward Gorey

Peanuts Neil Gaiman style…

Neil Gaiman’s Sandman graphic novel

Neil Gaimans “Death” and “Dream”

Anime style

graphic novel style

Charlie Brown as if drawn by a famous artist

Calvin and Hobbes – anime style

The Mona Lisa Leonardo Da Vinci

1 2

34

5 6

7 8 YOUR ASSIGNMENT: As per your worksheet… You will be selecting a cartoon character, and then redrawing (or painting or whatever) that cartoon character is the style of your favorite artist.

9 10

11 BONUS: Identify all the artists who work has been used for inspiration in these Mona Lisa variations.

Does this work? While the next 3 images are all very amusing, they don’t meet the requirements of your assignment. Why? While they are all very funny, they don’t actually render the image in the style of the artist.