Jennifer Hofmann: Edges and Lumps and Creativity (oh my)
So, call me a nerd: I’ve been studying the brain recently, because it has such a profound impact on how you concentrate (or not), and how you organize your stuff.
Turns out there are specific neurons in your brain that process the edges of objects. Sounds crazy, but my guess is that this edge-noticing ability helped our ancestors track prey and predators.
You’re not hunting buffalo or running from an angry mastodon, but this is relevant to organizing your studio.
Take a look around. You’ll find object edges everywhere. Your computer screen has them. Papers have them. Books, files, pens, all your art supplies – you name it.
It stands to reason that the more edges your brain has to process, the more likely you are to feel overwhelmed. All those edges!
When you lump stuff together into piles, you give your edge-processing neurons a break. And you feel less overwhelmed. How cool is that?
The trouble starts when you can’t find what you need in your lumps.
But you can create helpful lumps – lumps that allow your brain to process fewer edges and allow you to find what you need.
You can use things like stair-step vertical files and wall-mounted file organizers to create helpful lumps. Or file bins – preferably without lids so you can see what’s in there. Trays and baskets lump together sets of art supplies.
Do you have a bunch of random things that make your brain process edges?
Play with putting them into helpful lumps and see what happens. You may be surprised!
If you want to hear more from Jennifer Hofmann, she will be presenting “It’s Not as Bad as You Think: Gentle organizing for creative spirits” on January 25th at the smARTist Telesummit 2010. Click here for all the details.
Written by Ariane Goodwin
Posted under smARTist Telesummit 2010
Print this post
223 days ago,
Carol Eaton-Preston said:
I so relate to this article. My studio is arranged around small stacks and rounded edges, no sharpness. Nothing to detract from the creative process.
[Reply]
223 days ago,
Max Chandler said:
Inspired. Thank you
[Reply]
222 days ago,
Wendy Edsall-Kerwin said:
I’m a huge fan of piling, but lately all the piles have sort of spread out. That’s a Winter project to take of!
[Reply]
221 days ago,
Ariane Goodwin, Ed.D. said:
My strategy is to just scoop it all up into one leaning tower, pick up the top piece and work my way down in 15 min. segments…
[Reply]
211 days ago,
Joan A Hamilton said:
Making my list of New Year Goals (Resolutions don’t work for long with me!) Breaking down each goal into achievable steps or stages at which points I can evaluate my progress. Including all the areas of my life that I want to make changes in.
This way small successes will help motivate me to keep going and not get overwhelmed by all the things I could/should be doing (instead of painting!lol! which is ultimately at the top of my list!)
I think it’s fairly common that most artists dream of having more hours in the day…and my conclusion is that the day won’t get any longer, we just have to use the hours we have wisely.
Here’s to a happy, healthy, creative, organized and focused New Year!
[Reply]