48: The Anatomy of an Idea
Ideacraft, Part 2
As outwardly imperceptible phenomena, it’s hard to agree on what an idea actually is. In biology, thoughts are the electrical impulses that spike across an estimated 87 billion neurons in our brains. Ideas are formed when new networks of neurons are connected. While we can assume that ideas and creativity are inherent traits in all people, they can’t be directly observed.
In our everyday lives, it is easier to prove the existence of ideas through the observation of their influence and the outcome of their pursuit. The things we make and the actions we take are the embodiment of ideas. Ideas made real provide a consensus on the intention and realization of the creative impulse. But the impulse of an idea is often conflated with the things we make. Acknowledging that ideas are real requires an act of faith.
While we can see countless examples of tangible outcomes born of ideas (everything around you that was designed, made, and curated by humans started as an idea), we are left with the question: what, exactly are ideas made of?Â
As we look closer at an idea and its origin, we can reference the scientific definition to arrive at a creative understanding and application.
Ideas are formed when new networks of neurons are connected.Â
To say it another way:
Ideas are formed when previously unknown connections are made in novel ways.Â
To further refine it:
Ideas are novel connections between known things.Â
An idea is not an isolated act of creativity, but a complex pairing of divergent elements. While each of these elements are known things, it’s in their pairing and the resulting recontextualization of these elements that they take on new properties.
The simplest model of an idea is comprised of two known things held in tension. The more polarized they are to each other- the greater the conflict, and the more potentially charged the energy that is shared between them. The further we can push these theories to their definitive edges, the more they clearly define the limitations of the opposing element. A Venn diagram demonstrates this idea quite clearly.Â
Examples: Positive VS Negative, Light VS Dark. Innocent VS Evil. Tall VS Short. Fast VS Slow. Comedy VS Tragedy.
NEWS
I invite you to join me this summer for the Summer Sessions of my Ideacraft and Voice courses starting May 3rd and running through June 17th. I’ve been amazed by the commitment and growth of my students and hope you can join us.
What people are saying
"No doubt ! Certainly the most complete course to learn proven methods to develop good ideas and manage a project with solid foundations. Magnificent!" -Anonymous
"Sterling Hundley could well be the greatest art teacher of our age. Not only is he one of the most consistently exciting artists in the world, but he combines that with a deep well of knowledge and a great passion to learn more, to go deeper, and to share what he finds with his students and learn from them in turn..." -Katherine Cerulean
"Like an illustration boot camp! Fantastic, well-fleshed out course that offers a workable structure to the creative process, and exercises vital skills like value and composition. The ability to generate ideas is like a muscle that can be trained, and this course gives that structured training. 100% recommend!" -Anonymous
"This course was truly a key step in my artistic development. While I struggled before with finding meaning in my art, I finally feel like I know what I want to say..." -Daniel Milenkovic
"I was lucky enough to be able to participate in both Ideacraft and VOICE. I cannot find the words to adequately express how incredible this course has been, the community it has provided, and the lessons and directions learned. I look forward to any other courses Sterling may provide, and if you're in a position to afford the course, I highly recommend signing up and taking the time to participate." -SMerc
"The Voice course has been truly eye-opening and empowering for me. Through the series of exercises and projects Sterling has structured along with weekly critiques, I've learned new ways of examining my process and thought patterns. This had helped me dig out new methods of expression from what's already inside me and focus my authentic voice. I highly recommend this course as a way to identify, clarify and focus your own artistic voice." -Gregory Newbold
"...This class may be the most important one you ever take because it will help foster and reveal what is already inside you. I've seen multiple people in my class, from well established artists to those just beginning their journey, discover breakthroughs in their craft with Sterling's guidance. I've experienced it myself with some of the challenges he set us to surmounting and I'm blown away by what I've found..." -Jessica Fisher
IDEACRAFT CASE STUDY
