'The Art Of Mind' - An Artistic Reflection Framework

Episode 10 – The CLOSE Phase: Taking Action, Sustaining Change, and Embodying Artistic Experience

Art isn't static—it comes alive through action and deliberate effort. The CLOSE phase is where creative ideas move from thought to tangible expression, ensuring that artistic work not only happens but lasts. In this phase, our cognitive processes are put into practice, turning inspiration and transformation into real-world impact.

Unlike the OPEN phase, where we absorb ideas, and the CHANGE phase, where we experiment and refine, the CLOSE phase cements our creative journey. It involves a deliberate commitment that spans all aspects of our thinking:

• Drives (Primitive Brain): The instinctual energy that pushes us to create.
• Perseverance (Emotional Brain): The determination to keep our vision alive.
• Engagement (Rational Brain): The conscious decision to shape and sustain our creative work.

Primitive Brain: The Drive to Create

Artistic creation starts with a deep-rooted urge—a drive as ancient as our survival instincts. Think about cave paintings or street murals; they reflect a natural need to express and leave a mark. This drive makes us:

• Repeat techniques until they become second nature.
• Create art that stands as a cultural record.
• Develop styles that define movements and institutions.

These instinctive drives are the catalysts that push creative professionals—from solo artists to entire museums—to constantly produce and evolve.

Emotional Brain: The Power of Connection

Emotional connection turns art into a living, memorable experience. When we repeatedly engage with art through rituals and shared experiences, its meaning deepens. For example:

• Artists often revisit and rework past pieces to refine their vision.
• Audiences develop lasting bonds with artworks they encounter over time.
• Museums build exhibitions that reinforce cultural themes and ensure ongoing engagement.

By anchoring art in emotion, we create lasting impressions that grow stronger with every encounter.

Rational Brain: Conscious Engagement

The CLOSE phase also demands deliberate, conscious action. Whether putting on a final brushstroke, planning an exhibition, or setting up a museum strategy, our rational mind plays a key role in transforming ideas into reality:

• Artists finalize projects through practice and experimentation.
• Galleries and museums use interactive methods to simulate and refine audience experiences.
• Curators build lasting cultural narratives by connecting new ideas with established traditions.

Conscious engagement makes sure that our creative work isn't just fleeting—it becomes a part of our cultural landscape.

The Catalyst Function: Moving Beyond the Self

Creativity extends far beyond its creator. The CLOSE phase drives art into the world, turning personal expression into a shared cultural phenomenon. This phase ensures that art becomes:

• A catalyst for broader change: Transforming ideas into experiences that influence society.
• A consolidated expression: Art is actively experienced, remembered, and integrated into everyday life.
• An ongoing cycle: Each finished piece invites further exploration and evolution.

Thus, the CLOSE phase is about manifesting (or consolidating) your creative vision in a way that endures and inspires others.

Final Thoughts

The CLOSE phase isn't just the end—it's where ideas become real, where culture is built, and where creative expression takes on a life of its own. It's the point where artistic endeavors fully commit to their impact, resonating with audiences and forging a lasting legacy.

So ask yourself: Where does your creative journey find its final expression? Embrace the CLOSE phase as the moment you bring your art into the world, solidifying your vision and making it a lasting part of the cultural conversation.

*** Your thoughts and reactions are come on Instagram***

Reference art work for this blogpost: Michelangelo's "The Creation of Adam", symbolizing the final act of artistic manifestation.

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'The Art Of Mind' - An Artistic Reflection Framework

Coming up next: Episode 11 – Brain Connections (expected 18/06/2025)

Check out my previous blogs:
Episode 1 & 2 – Introduction & Concept
Episode 2 to 5 – The Three Brains
Episode 6 to 9 – The OC² Process, The OPEN Phase & Change Phase (Part 1 & 2)

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