Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
micro, a macro scale, or as blown-up pictures, are
often used as a point of departure in traditional and
computer art, while mathematical relations and
formulas make a ground for algorithmic programs
for graphics. Creativity is highly valued, but often
misunderstood, because it is often mixed with
originality: simply bringing together previously
existing concepts in a new way. Creative thinking
is based on the flexibility of mind, as well as on
knowledge of previous works in one's field. It
does not mean that erudition is the justification
for teaching the art history and foundations, as it
may not result in stimulating future research and
creative work. It seems possible to develop ones
ability to think intuitively and creatively. Thus
creativity is sometimes described as the abil-
ity to see connections and relationships where
others have not. The ability to think in intuitive,
non-verbal, and visual terms has been shown to
enhance creativity in all disciplines.
Visual way of thinking is strongly supported
by our creative thinking. Traditionally ascribed to
right-brain activity, it means the ability to think
in non-verbal, visual terms, to see connections
and relationships where others have not, and to
imagine or invent something new. Creative think-
ing has been described as involving the skills
of flexibility, originality, fluency, elaboration,
brainstorming, modification, imagery, associative
thinking, attribute listing, metaphorical thinking,
and forced relationships. The aim of creative
thinking is to stimulate curiosity and promote di-
vergence. Creativity has been also described as an
attitude: the ability to accept change and newness,
a willingness to play with ideas and possibilities,
a flexibility of outlook, the habit of enjoying the
good, while looking for ways to improve it. With
this approach, we may continually improve our
ideas and solutions by making refinements to our
work. Studies have shown that creative individu-
als are more spontaneous, expressive, and less
controlled or inhibited. They also tend to trust
their own judgment and ideas, they are not afraid
of trying something new. Georg Wilhelm Hegel
(Macdonald, 1970, p.372) wrote at the beginning
of the 19
th
century, “The goal of art is to aid in the
comprehension of the world's ideas.”
Completely different outcomes follow the two
types of thinking: precise or expressive. We may
contrast the works of electronic design completed
with first-rate tools with the expressive art works.
For technology-oriented people teamwork with
artists may bring a conflict between precision
and accuracy of ready solutions and the artist's
individual style. On the other hand, deformations
in electronic art result in transforming the initial
image aimed to depart from that what the eye can
see. One can see many reasons for such transfor-
mations, either through programs or software.
With purposeful deformations, we make mental
shortcuts, react to synthetic signs, and imply
connotations to symbols or icons. In advertising,
messages are often successful due to impressive
imaging that gives a shorthand summary of ideas.
CREATIVITY VS. INTELLIGENCE
Intelligence and creativity have been previously
considered to be two distinctly different variables
that often enough do not even tend to occur
together (Wallach and Kogan, 1965, Torrance,
1962). Intelligence has been originally equated
with the ability for convergent thinking, while
creativity with the capacity for divergent thinking.
Divergent thinking involves the ability to generate
numerous and diverse ideas (fluency), the capac-
ity to generate unusual and unique associations
(originality), the capacity to shift perspectives or
directions of thought and ideas (flexibility), and
the ability to improve upon a simple idea through
embellishment or detail (elaboration) (Runco,
1986, Rogers, 1985). Joy Paul Guilford (1959,
1967, 1968) described different types of creative
abilities: sensitivity to problems, fluency factor,
novel ideas, flexibility of mind, synthesizing and
analyzing ability, reorganization or redefinition
of organized wholes, complexity, evaluation, and
