visual thinking and the self critique process

VISUAL THINKING

IEA Panel Discussion Sept. 24, 2010

what is visual thinking?

somewhere in between complete immersion in the work…

and the objective, self-critical state in which there is awareness of the viewer.

but also aware of the viewer and concerned with communication

being intuitive, subjective and deeply involved

a loop of observation and response, involving intuition and spontaneity, but also thought and self-criticism

my process

in my studio

techniques

process-oriented, looking for evocative leads

an eroded and aging surface, an old wall

sometimes just allowing the process to unfold

rapid, dramatic change is possible with cold wax medium

multiple panels also lead to constant changes during the process

focal points come late in the process

refinement and control of technique

buried technique, subtle shifts and nuances

going back and forth around a point that seems “just right”

visual thinking and self-critique…what am I aiming for?

my list of criteria

complexity

connection

tension

contrast

subdued energy

serenity

mystery

presence

authority

authenticity

innovative or adds to understanding of other work

has multiple aspects of meaning

inter-relationship of form and content

my self-critique criteria

complexityconnection tension contrastsubdued energy serenitymysterypresenceauthorityauthenticityinnovative , or adds to understanding of other workhas multiple aspects of meaningInter-relationship of form and content