The brain has been called everything from an enchanted loom, to an electrical storm, to a three-pound blob. It is the symbol of intelligence, the contrast to mind, the commanding organ of our bodies. The brain is oh-so many things, both culturally and biologically. Our brain is a mysterious and complex core where who we are lies. This mainframe determines our preferences and personalities, how we think, act, move and remember.
There have been some major advancements in the last 40 years, but when it comes to understanding how the brain processes information and produces outcomes, there is still so much that is yet to be learnt and discovered. By exploring and mapping the inner workings of how a normal brain functions and how it can instantaneously create new thoughts, learn new things and recall memories, can we understand what it means to be human – the very essence of our individuality, personality and abilities.
We must unravel how the brain works to help us understand the basis of human behaviour and actions. While each brain is unique, all healthy human brains share the same basic structures and functions. It’s the specific ways in which our brain cells communicate that makes each of us different, and this is influenced by both our genetics and interactions with our environment. With experience, whether physical or emotional, our brain remodels itself, strengthening and weakening existing connections and making new ones. Understanding how these unique connections are forged and modified will help us truly comprehend the link between the physical brain, our behaviour, and what makes us individuals.
Art washes from the soul the dust of everyday life.
Pablo Picasso
Artists of all disciplines use sketching as a means to record ideas, observations and memories. Renaissance artist, Leonardo da Vinci, was one of the first creatives to take a sketchbook to the streets with the belief that is imperative to have direct contact with life, and observe human’s actions to truly harness your talents. Da Vinci’s approach is seen today where drawing and sketching offers a way to disconnect from technology.
While experiencing art — from the act of painting and sculpting to a visit to an art museum—offers a variety of benefits to one’s well-being, including decreased stress and stronger critical thinking skills. Drawing and sketching in particular have been connected with improved creativity, memory, and stress relief, and are also used in art therapy.
To reap these benefits, you don’t have to draw with da Vinci’s level of accuracy. Instead, sketching can be used by anyone as a means to decompress and fine tune a range of critical thinking skills which is healthy for the brain’s neurological pathways, as well as the mental and emotional well-bring. Otherwise, viewers are more than welcome to simply admire my artwork through a simple like of the post, or a comment below! If you have any inquiries about my artwork, please contact me here, or follow the art on Instagram here.
References
Invaluable 2019, The Science-Backed Ways that Sketch Drawing Improves Mood, Invaluable, viewed 30 March 2022, <https://www.invaluable.com/blog/sketch-drawing/>.
Joewono, M, Karmaya, NM, Wirata, G, Yuliana, I, Widianti, GA & Wardana, NG 2018, ‘Drawing method can improve musculoskeletal anatomy comprehension in medical faculty student‘, Anatomy & Cell Biology, vol. 51, no. 1, pp. 14 – 18.
Juavinett, A 2020, So You Want to Be a Neuroscientist?, Columbia University Press, USA.
Queensland Brain Institute 2020, Why study the brain?, The University of Queensland, viewed 30 March 2022, <“>https://qbi.uq.edu.au/brain/nature-discovery/why-study-brain#:~:text=To%20understand%20and%20enhance%20healthy,knowledge%20to%20enhance%20brain%20function.>.
Raine Baljak 