the creative mind
Do you ever wonder how creative you really are? Before you answer this question, know that being creative doesn’t necessarily mean you can paint, dance or write music…rather creativity shows itself as a way of thinking, processing and seeing things.
Besides the fact that I’ve always been fascinated with the workings of the brain, I’ve often wondered where creativity (not talent) really comes from; i.e., nature or nurture? After taking the Brain Type Test (created by the Art Institute of Vancouver) I gained some valuable insight about the way my brain processes, learns and categorizes information.
The brain is composed of two hemispheres, known as the left and right hemisphere. While each hemisphere has unique functions, which one side performs and the other does not, both hemispheres possess the ability to analyze sensory data, perform memory functions, learn new information, form thoughts, and make decisions. By the time we are two years old, one hemisphere begins to dominate our decision-making and creative processes.
The left hemisphere specializes in analytical thought. It is responsible for dealing with “hard” facts such as abstractions, structure, discipline, rules, time sequences, mathematics, categorizing, logic, rationality, and deductive reasoning. It is also responsible for details, knowledge, definitions, planning, goals, words, productivity, efficiency, science, technology, stability, extraversion, physical activity, and the right side of the body. Left hemisphere ability is the predominant focus in school and society.
The right hemisphere specializes in “softer” aspects than the left hemisphere. The right hemisphere is responsible for intuition, feelings, sensitivity, emotions, daydreaming, visualizing, creativity, color, spatial awareness, and first impressions. It is also responsible for rhythm, spontaneity, impulsiveness, the physical senses, risk-taking, flexibility and variety, learning by experience, relationships, mysticism, play and sports, introversion, humor, motor skills, and the left side of the body (the old belief that left-handed people are more creative does hold some scientific credence). The right hemisphere also has a holistic method of perception that is able to recognize patterns and similarities and combines those elements into new forms.
The Brain Type Test consists of 54 questions and can be completed in about 10 minutes. After completing the test, you will be given your free left and right brain score. You will also be given a small detailed paragraph explaining the characteristics that are associated with your each side. The detailed evaluation explains the exact nature of your brain’s halves’ ability to communicate with each other and how that communication affects your life in how you learn, remember, process data, and contemplate issues.
Here are my results:
Left Brain: 41%………..Right Brain: 59%
Left-brained percentages:
54% reality-based
32% linear
27% sequential
21% logical
17% symbolic
14% verbal
Right-brained percentages:
44% fantasy oriented
43% intuitive
38% nonverbal
37% concrete
34% random
30% holisitic
While I wasn’t surprised to see that I’m more right-brained than left-brained, I found the breakdown of information in each hemisphere incredibly useful for explaining a number of things…like why my mixed media work tends to always demonstrate a sense of order amongst chaos. Take the test…and see if the results shed some creative light for you!
please note: While the test was created using extensive and detailed research, the purpose of this tests is (1) for education and general knowledge, (2) to provide a fun and useful tool and (3) promote a greater understanding of creativity.
