Artwork
My most recent work is in collaboration with the College of Neuroscience and Behavioral Studies at the University of Utah. I am conducting experiments that explore the possible cognitive effects of basic design principles. The objective of this work is to begin to understand the cognitive processes that all images insight and how to possibly amplify these, in order to add value to an artwork and possibly our daily lives.
My online performances artwork utilizes the viewer as collaborator to build data driven experiments. These experiments often use galley-based artwork as a variable for online cognitive testing. This work not intended to be "scientific" research, but a means to began a conversation with the public.
Divergent Thinking
Divergent Thinking (DT) is a primary cognitive process used in creative problem solving. Four aspects of DT, as described by psychologist J.P. Guilford are:
Fluency: Rapid production of ideas or solutions.
Flexibility: Simultaneous production of multiple approaches to a problem.
Originality: Ability to produce different ideas than others.
Elaboration: Ability to fully conceive the extent of an idea.
Research topics
Can images insight Divergent thinking?
Divergent training programs are designed to assess either verbal, written, physical, or a combination of these skills. One of the primarily critiques of this type research is that little is done to identify the specific element of training that positively affects creativity.
This work focuses on the visual sections of previously tested Divergent thinking training, and examines the images separately.