Visual thinking is described as being between complete immersion in one's work and an objective, self-critical view, involving both intuition and thought. The speaker discusses their process in the studio using techniques like wax medium, working across multiple panels to allow for changes, and refining work until focal points emerge late in the process. They evaluate their work based on criteria such as complexity, connection, tension, contrast, and whether it adds new understanding or has multiple aspects of meaning.

1. VISUAL THINKING IEA Panel Discussion Sept. 24, 2010

2. what is visual thinking?

3. somewhere in between complete immersion in the work…

4. and the objective, self-critical state in which there is awareness of the viewer.

5. but also aware of the viewer and concerned with communication

6. being intuitive, subjective and deeply involved

7. a loop of observation and response, involving intuition and spontaneity, but also thought and self-criticism

8. my process

9. in my studio

10. techniques

11. process-oriented, looking for evocative leads

12. an eroded and aging surface, an old wall

13. sometimes just allowing the process to unfold

14. rapid, dramatic change is possible with cold wax medium

15. multiple panels also lead to constant changes during the process

16. focal points come late in the process

17. refinement and control of technique

18. buried technique, subtle shifts and nuances

19. going back and forth around a point that seems “just right”

20. visual thinking and self-critique…what am I aiming for?

21. my list of criteria

22. complexity

23. connection

24. tension

25. contrast

26. subdued energy

27. serenity

28. mystery

29. presence

30. authority

31. authenticity

32. innovative or adds to understanding of other work

33. has multiple aspects of meaning

34. inter-relationship of form and content

35. my self-critique criteria complexity connection tension contrast subdued energy serenity mystery presence authority authenticity innovative , or adds to understanding of other work has multiple aspects of meaning Inter-relationship of form and content