Life Hack

Brains and drawing

I may have mentioned a book earlier in the year called 'the brain that changes itself', I don't want to do the science in the book a disservice by trying to sum it up here, but basically it's an awesome book about how flexible the brain is when it comes to learning, changing and dealing with trauma. The book got me thinking about how artists could take some of the principles from the book to create brain training activities for improving drawing skills. Developing such activities properly is probably beyond my capacity unless I wanted to get a research grant and write a PHD on it.
However last night I started watching the DVD version if the book, basically they take some if the content and simplify the research to make a tidy little tv doco. One phrase they repeat in the book and also in the DVD is, 'neurons that fire together, wire together' which led to an interesting insight for me personally.

Before I explain that, I'll remind the reader that I've been struggling with my own little creative block problem over the past year. Basically it's been a busy year and I feel as if I've fallen of the creative wagon. Self doubt about my work and what I actually want to do has been extremely high.

Back to 'neurons that fire together, wire together'...
I've been trying to draw in the evenings, exhausted and tired from work and home life. Needless to say this state of mind has not created great results. But that's what I realised last night. Each time I draw in this state, my brain associates drawing with basically unhappy and tired feelings. Therefore it's this vicious circle where drawing becomes frustrating and unenjoyable. Self doubt and insecurity is then allowed to run rampant further adding insult to injury so to speak.

Other than just trying to draw every day I need to make it fun, remember that drawing and creating us fun. And just lighten up a little.

Fingers crossed!

Mr Spudjobs

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"Old Mr Spudjobs"

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