There’s a theory suggesting that certain activities of the brain have been divided into the two hemispheres. This theory also suggests that many people prefer one side (or method) of brain function over the other. The western culture as opposed to the eastern cultures tends to prefer teaching to deploy the left brain more-so than the right.

Physiologically, brain functionalities are also divided. In other words each half of the brain controls one half of the body. However, the functions are inverted, in so much that each side of the brain controls the opposite side of the body. (Right Brain = Left side). This issue presents a paradox, because most artists use both hands when creating. Therefore, the entire brain is at work coordinated in such a way that what is expressed in art creation is indeed a combination of both sides.

As analogy for those who are familiar with computers. The brain is one incredibly sophisticated network of storage devices much like computers. Computers manage a large framework of mathematical equations to handle input and output in special areas called “random access memory” also known as RAM. Input is placed into the system by any number of devices; a mouse, keyboard, scanner etc...Then, depending on what the system has been instructed to do via the software program that is running, a series of equations is then processed on the input information and output information is generated. That output may be a picture on a screen, a printed page or a sound etc. The way computers handle information is a very primitive, but effective way of demonstrating how the brain also works. Our brain however, is faster and more efficient than any computer known to man, and based on any number of previously solved equations, it is able to anticipate rather than just respond to, any number of situations. In other words we can predict what will come next and instantaneously respond to it.

Since we are primarily dealing with brain function let's look at something else. All areas of the brain are essentially storage devices. In most of our daily mundane activities we are either in one state of brain function or the other. For example, as I am composing this article and typing, I am primarily functioning with the left side of my brain. In that I must logically determine the message that I wish to convey, contemplate the sequential order by which I am to convey the idea, then verbally express it. As the left side of my brain is in primary control, the right side is serving as a storage and retrieval access point. However, if I am driving a car or performing some other function which requires me to engage my concentration in real time, I would be using more of the right side of my brain.

Using the analogy that improvising over a collaborative art creation is much like driving a car, let's expand on that picture. The vehicle is the canvas. The movement of the brush on the medium may be considered as the road. The complexity and density of the artwork may be likened to the traffic conditions by which I must manoeuvre. Finally, my own responses to all of these conditions determine if I keep riding along, get lost on the journey, or simply crash.

The Zone!

As stated earlier, when performing most routine tasks, our brains will favour one side (or mode) over the other. However, what most artists seek to attain is more of a moderated or “whole brain” function. When a person is in the mental state where both sides of the brain control the somatic (muscular) functions of the body, this is when their artistic expression is the most pure. This is what athletes and performing artists refer to as “The Zone”. It is that special frame of mind that we enter into when we are acting upon what we expect to happen and creating, for that instant, a response that we feel is appropriate.

For visual artists, it is a frame of mind that places us more in the role of a viewer than performer. It is almost akin to being outside of your body, and allowing the senses to be in control of your creation. In order for this to take place, the left or analytical side of brain must relinquish primary control of the muscular functions of the body, and allow the creative/expressive side to take over.

Muscle Memory

Muscle memory is a physiological phenomenon in which the brain has been “programmed” to send a macro of routines (conditioned responses) to certain parts of the body. In the case of most artists those parts would primarily be the hands. These routines are executed without any forethought or contemplation. In fact, they are mostly felt rather than thought through, which means that their execution is nearly automatic. This is because they are stored in the creative and not the analytical side of the brain. When it comes to art creation, only “perfect creation” not just creation alone makes masterpieces. In other words, what we train our muscles to do will become a conditioned response later on. Therefore, the approach to the art creation should be upon accuracy and not speed.

Secondarily, when an artist is creating, what he is actually doing is programming his brain, not just his muscles, with these sequences. He is training his hands and eyes to know what each particular pattern feels and seen like. The purpose of art creation is to program the brain to be able “fire off” these macros in a way that fits the context of what the artist is creating, not just for the generic sense of learning them. More macros an artist has stored inside of his brain may give him a large artistic “vocabulary” but vocabulary is insignificant without context. Discovering context is the most important goal because what the artist is looking to do is make an artistic statement. Just as in any other conversation, someone wants his statements to reflect his thoughts and passions and most of all…to be understood by his audience. Without being understood, the artist risks the danger of boring or losing his audience altogether.

Sleep & Brain Function

The importance of proper rest cannot be understated. While we are awake and experiencing our day to day lives, our brains are acquiring huge amounts of information. Some of this information is new and unfamiliar to us. As this new information is acquired, our minds need time to determine what to do with it. Most new things that come to our minds deposit themselves on the left side of our brains, which is the assimilative or cognitive side. This is where the importance of sleep comes in. As we sleep an interesting thing happens inside our brains. New information is transferred, collated, stored, and referenced for future use, on the right side of the brain. This transfer process can only take place while we are asleep. Why? Simply because, while we are conscious, the majority of mental energy is exerted by the left side of the brain. In order for collation and storage processes to properly take place on the right side we must completely allow the left side to shut down and "download". 

O.J.