Seriously, I’m not saying that because I’m an artist too, it’s because I’ve just finished reading this amazing book by Daniel Pink called A Whole New Mind which confirms so much of what I have been ranting about. Here’s the summary of the book from his website.
“Lawyers. Accountants. Computer programmers. That’s what our parents encouraged us to become when we grew up. But Mom and Dad were wrong. The future belongs to a very different kind of person with a very different kind of mind. The era of “left brain” dominance, and the Information Age that it engendered, are giving way to a new world in which “right brain” qualities - inventiveness, empathy, meaning - predominate. That’s the argument at the center of this provocative and original book, which uses the two sides of our brains as a metaphor for understanding the contours of our times.
In this insightful and entertaining book, which has been translated into 20 languages, Daniel H. Pink offers a fresh look at what it takes to excel. A Whole New Mind reveals the six essential aptitudes on which professional success and personal fulfillment now depend, and includes a series of hands-on exercises culled from experts around the world to help readers sharpen the necessary abilities. This book will change not only how we see the world but how we experience it as well.”
Thank you, thank you, Mr Pink (fab name!).
So, good news for you, my darling. You’re in the right field, and you’ve got a head start!
All is not lost for left-brainers, though. There are plenty of things you can do to develop right-brain aptitudes. Mr Pink's book gives plenty of ideas, and his website is full of interesting stuff.
My personal recommendation, even if you have no desire to draw, is to get a book called Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain by Betty Edwards. Excellent exercises for shutting up that control-freak left brain, and giving the right brain a turn for once. Put it on your Christmas list.
Another must your Christmas list is also by Daniel Pink. It’s in manga format, and it's called Johnny Bunko. The last career guide you'll ever need. Brilliant stuff.
Are you wondering why I used the image of a walnut for this post? Well, have you ever noticed how the brain with its two hemispheres looks rather like a walnut? That's right-brain thinking for you! Besides, you try finding a copyright-free photo of a brain on the internet.
Are you wondering why I used the image of a walnut for this post? Well, have you ever noticed how the brain with its two hemispheres looks rather like a walnut? That's right-brain thinking for you! Besides, you try finding a copyright-free photo of a brain on the internet.
Love it, Elizabeth.
ReplyDeleteAnd I've still got Betty Edwards' books on my shelf after your recommendation years ago.
More and more, though, I'd like to think that we're developing a left AND right brain approach, rather than left OR right...
Absolutely, Alasdair. I totally agree with you. The point is to not develop just the left brain approach and neglect the right. Both sides are equally important. It's all about balance.
ReplyDeleteOur art teacher has great exercises for knocking the 'left brain' out of our drawing. We sketch something in front of us, as usual, observing carefully, using our 'usual hand. Then we do it again, in less time, with our other hand, not taking the pencil off the paper at all. Then again, faster. Lots of variations - turn away and then draw it again, without looking. It's amazing which ones come out 'best'! try it...
ReplyDeleteThanks, Nicky. Have you tried the "copy the signature" trick? Write your signature, get someone to copy it, then turn it upside down and get them to copy it again. Guess which one turns out best. A useful trick if your drawing isn't going well - turn it upside down.
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