Positive Sign #1
A weekly series of interpretive diagrams, quotes, and speculations on creativity, optimism and the lives of artists.*
Positive Signs is an attempt to share my research into positive psychology with artists and art enthusiasts.
In the course of examining optimism, pessimism, and happiness in my art for the past few years, these themes have formed a feedback loop winding through my art, life, and attitudes. I have become endlessly fascinated with how individuals make their lives in the arts, and what keeps them motivated and resilient.
In my research, I have come across interesting findings in positive psychology, a branch of psychology that encompasses wellness and optimal experience. I hope to share some ideas that might help artists maintain optimistic outlooks. For the general public, contemporary artists’ lives may seem shrouded in mystery or rarefied discourse. I hope to increase popular understanding about artists’ lives, concerns, and enthusiasms.
Every Wednesday through June, I’ll post a selection of new works on paper, specifically, drawings with glitter and neon pen on gridded vellum, with occasional foil printing. I often see my works as opportunities for trust or skepticism, and so I welcome dialogue, debate or response.
*Notwithstanding brief forays into the nature of space, stuff, experience, and cognition.
References:
With thanks to the following authors, and apologies to Edward Tufte.
Csikszentmihalyi, Mihaly. Creativity: Flow and the Psychology of Discovery and Invention. New York: Harper Collins, 1996. [WorldCat.org listing]
Lakoff, George and Mark Johnson. Metaphors We Live By. Chicago and London: The University of Chicago Press, 1980. [WorldCat.org listing]
Ruppersberg, Allen, Allan McCollum, and Frédéric Paul. Allen Ruppersberg: books, inc. Limoges, France: FRAC Limousin, 1999. [WorldCat.org listing]
Seligman, Martin E. P. Learned Optimism. New York: Free Press, 1990. [WorldCat.org listing]
Tuan, Yi-Fu. Space and Place: The Perspective of Experience. Minneapolis, MN: University of Minnesota, 1977. [WorldCat.org listing]
Next Wednesday: Positive Sign #2: The 10 Dimensions of Creative Personalities.
Comments (1)
been to sfmoma in person several times but never been to sfmoma blog before now, drifted into it via link from somewhere else, saw the columnists, and randomly clicked one; and went straigh to this aritcle #1, odd, and coincidental because I have been EXACTLY in the ‘incubation period’ for a couple of days. That is why I’m endlessly browsing the net for days looking at the current worldwide goings on in our art world/exhibits etc. while at the same time putting together my latest ideas in my mind, turning it over,…incubating….I went through the preparation stage already. decided my next project is to do some 3 dimensional abstract futuristic work. I will read more later this week, as I see there are succeeding articles to this one, at which time I may still be incubating or I may start ‘hatching’ or be “hatching” something.