Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
Visual literacy, which results from the ability
to use a visual language to exchange informa-
tion, is needed to design visual presentation of
abstract concepts we are working on. When we
apply strategies for visual problem solving, we
communicate through visual images as icons,
signs and symbols, as opposed to verbal symbols
or words. One of the conditions for developing
visual literacy is the visual intelligence, which
makes provision for interchanging thoughts,
opinions, or information without the use of
spoken words. That means we apply visual
processing in our thinking by creating images
to communicate notions and ideas, gain insight
into some difficult to analyze schemes and find
patterns and order in complex structures. Scien-
tists discovered time-related gains in cognitive
performance of people from various countries
(Flynn effect) along with growing visual in-
telligence. In his study of IQ tests scores for
different populations over the past sixty years,
James R. Flynn discovered that IQ scores in-
creased from one generation to the next for all
of the countries for which data existed (Flynn,
1987; 1994; 1999). Possible explanations of
the IQ growth include increased years spent in
formal education, the societal changes, better
worldwide nutrition, and the increase in test
taking skills. Visual intelligence of students is
also increasing due to playing three-dimensional
computer games that simulate real and virtual
worlds. Since students are able to perceive,
understand, and process progressively more
complex visual messages, visual way of com-
munication becomes more and more effective
and important.
It may be sometimes difficult to draw a line
dividing art, design, and craft because art works
often serve as a basis for useful traditional and
digital applications. In many cases we appreciate
exceptional design or craft as equal to art. For this
reason visual literacy is not a theoretical, abstract
quality. For example, glass is usually considered
a useful substance good for producing windows,
optical instruments, glassware, or mirrors. A
glass sculptor Dale Chihuly (www.chihuly.com)
utilizes glass for creating transparent sculptures
of thin glass, and large indoor and outdoor instal-
lations on land, water, or air of intricate colors,
thus becoming not only a glass sculptor but also
a successful entrepreneur. One may say Chihuly
converted a traditional craft form into art. More-
over, an interactive application for the iPhone
allows the user to make own forms by blowing
into the speaker of the phone and reshaping
Chihuly's ocean life- inspired creations (http://
mashable.com/2012/05/12/chihuly.html). Users
can download this free application, make their
own glass-blown sculpture following the style
of the artist, and use the touch technology in an
unexpected way.
Figures 1a and b present works of students tak-
ing my 2012 Computer Graphics courses, where,
in concert with the title of this topic, students go
beyond text with their science inspired solutions
by applying their art works to design projects and
practical applications. Below there are examples
of converting art projects and exercises in pattern
design into functional objects such as t-shirts.
Taylor Royal (Figure 1a) illustrated his verse
(written as a limerick), and then used his work to
design a t-shirt.
There once was a glamorous boat
That people said would always float
Till it hit some ice
Due to people vice.
To those dead this poem I devote.
While Cody Johnson (Figure 1b) applied for
this purpose his science-based artwork and a verse.
Carbon is found in all things
From diamonds to airplanes to buildings
Without it nothing would exist
Earth would be a dark, dark abyss
Good thing we have carbon and all it brings.
