'The Art Of Mind' - An Artistic Reflection Framework

Episode 12 – The Three THINKING Dimensions in Art: From Individual Insight to Collective Creativity

Art encompasses much more than just an expression of emotion—it is also a mirror reflecting the way we think and perceive the world. In our creative endeavors, our thought processes operate on three essential levels, which can be described as I-THINKING, WE-THINKING, and US-THINKING. Together, these dimensions help explain how art is conceived, shared, and sustained across personal, social, and global contexts.

I-THINKING represents the deeply personal and introspective nature of creativity. This is the realm where an individual artist's internal impulse sparks the very beginning of an idea. Before any artwork is presented to the world, it is nurtured in the quiet corners of the artist's mind. It is here that the raw, spontaneous inspiration—rooted in personal experiences, recollections, and emotions—gives birth to distinctive styles and techniques. For many artists, the first initial sketch lines usually emerge quite instinctively or without thinking, as if drawn by a force beyond rational thought, only to be later examined and refined with more deliberate reflection. This initial stage is crucial; it sets the foundation upon which all further creative exploration builds.

Moving beyond individual creativity, WE-THINKING captures the dynamic nature of art as it emerges within a social context. Art does not evolve in isolation; rather, it thrives on collaboration, dialogue, and the shared experiences that occur in creative communities. Within studios, galleries, or museums, the exchange of ideas among artists, curators, and critics profoundly influences the creation and interpretation of art. For example, when an exhibition is organized, the way artworks are presented and the narrative woven around them can significantly shape the audience's perception. This social interaction not only enriches the art itself but also molds the emotional impact it has on its viewers. The conversations, debates, and shared experiences that occur within these spaces all contribute to the evolution of artistic movements and ensure that creative expressions remain vibrant and responsive to their cultural settings.

At the broadest level lies US-THINKING, which encompasses the collective consciousness and acknowledges that art is part of a larger cultural and historical fabric. Art is not merely the product of individual minds or even small groups—it resonates on a universal scale. Consider how many artistic movements, such as Surrealism or Modernism, have emerged as collective responses to the socio-political and intellectual climates of their times. Museums play a critical role in this dimension as well; they preserve and contextualize art, allowing it to speak to both contemporary audiences and future generations. In today's digital age, art continues to transcend geographic and cultural boundaries, connecting diverse audiences and driving a global dialogue about creativity and meaning. A masterpiece by an artist like Picasso (like Guernica), for instance, can simultaneously represent personal expression, reflect the influences of his immediate social environment, and serve as a cornerstone of global art history.

Understanding these three dimensions of thinking—individual (I-THINKING), social (WE-THINKING), and collective (US-THINKING)—provides a comprehensive framework for both creating and experiencing art. It helps artists, curators, and museum professionals navigate the art world with greater clarity, ensuring that every creative decision is layered with personal insight, informed by social interaction, and enriched by a broader cultural context. 

I-THINKING

In essence, the art process is an intellectual and emotional journey that is as much about personal impulse as it is about shared human experiences and universal narratives. When you create art or even engage with it as a viewer, you are participating in this complex interplay of thought—the delicate balance between the personal and the collective, the spontaneous and the deliberate.

Reflect on your own creative projects or the artworks that have moved you. Where do you see your ideas emerging from? Is it an internal spark that drives your personal expression, a collaborative spirit that fuels your communal engagements, or an awareness of the broader cultural currents that shape your artistic vision? These three dimensions are not isolated—they work together to form the rich tapestry of artistic expression, inviting us to explore not just what we create but also how we connect with the world around us.

Ultimately, art is a living dialogue between our individual minds and the broader human experience. By appreciating the distinct contributions of I-THINKING, WE-THINKING, and US-THINKING, we not only deepen our understanding of art but also empower ourselves to create works that resonate on multiple levels.

In the next blog I go deeper into the WE-Thinking .... 

"More importantly, this artistic reflection framework (with its three dimensions now fully uncovered) may help to understand each others thinking, and thus facilitate in creating common spaces of understanding."

How is your art translated within these thinking dimensions? Or within the holistic artistic framework as a whole? And how could this be of use to you or others? 

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

Reference art work for this blogpost: I-Thinking: Frida Kahlo's "The Two Fridas" – A symbolic exploration of identity and inner conflict.

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'The Art Of Mind' - An Artistic Reflection Framework

Coming up next: Episode 13 – The Power of WE-Thinking (expected 25/06/2025)

Check out my previous blogs:
Episode 1 & 2 – Introduction & Concept
Episode 2 to 5 – The Three Brains
Episode 6 to 10 – The OC² Process: The OPEN, CHANGE & CLOSE Phases

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