I am fascinated by the burgeoning field of
neuroaesthetics-the scientific study of the neural processes involved in
creating and experiencing works of art.
The idea that the adult brain can grow new neurons
(neurogenesis) is a relatively new discovery that offers hope for those who
want to experience life more fully.
Research has shown that novel environments enhance neurogenesis and the
brain's ability to rewire itself. My neuropsychological scores for visuospatial
skills, for example, have increased by nearly 2000% over the course of my
career. As it turns
out, the Muse extends an open invitation to anyone interested in creating,
regardless of her visuospatial aptitude. Her invitation came to me in the form
of two words: I wonder.
The Neuroscience of Wonder
I
wonder how my brain experiences color and form without the corrective lenses I
usually wear for my 20/1600 eyesight? I wonder how listening to Stravinsky's
Rite of Spring with its unpredictable cacophony of sounds influences the motor
neurons that direct my muscles to push the paint across the canvas? In short, how does the brain influence the creation of art and how does
experiencing art influence the continual recreation of the brain?
The
mystery of how art is born will never be relegated to a specific area of the
brain or explained by a reductionist finding from science. The questions will
always outpace the answers. I see
Science and the Muse as two sides of one coin offered to each of us so that we
might experience richer lives.
I
offer you this visual narrative of personal exploration into the workings of my
brain.
Thinking Inside the ARC
My interest in neuroaesthetics inspired me to develop a technique called ARC (Arbitrary Randomized
Constraints). ARC is a defining tool based on the experimental process that
provides constraints within which I explore mediums and concepts. You can read more about ARC here.
