Lately I've been really interested in the creative process (that's what happens when you take an engineering class), and one of the tools I've been learning to work with is mind mapping. It is a really useful skill to help structure ideas or brainstorm.
Lately I've also been stuck on the idea of why do I create? I've always been interested in learning new things, but up until now, I had never really developed a creative skill. So, there must be a reason for why I have continued not only to knit, but to learn new skills related to knitting.
Eager to practice my new mind mapping skill, I decided to explore why it is that I feel the need to create. Why is it that producing handmade objects has become a priority in my life?
Obviously, this is a difficult question to answer, but the fiber arts continue to have such a positive effect on my life and I'm glad that I stuck with it and continued to explore.
This post is written for Day 5 of Knitting and Crocheting Blog Week 2012 hosted by Eskimimi. To find other posts like this one, check out the website or click here for a complete listing.
That's a really interesting way of getting ideas down on paper! I like it a lot - it's like a written brainstorm! My husband is an engineer so would be really into this too! :)
ReplyDeleteVery cool :)
ReplyDeleteI Love your Mind Map! My mind is defiantly not that organized, I am finding though that keeping the "why" in front of me is getting more and more important. It helps me set priorities.
ReplyDeleteI love it! What a great way to apply what you're learning to what you love:)
ReplyDeleteMind maps are awesome. I love yours! My whole family are engineers, my dad seems to have passed his technical mind down to us all :)
ReplyDeleteLove it! It's a fascinating question....
ReplyDeleteIt can be quite a revelation when we disect the reasons for doing something. You have discovered all sorts of positive aspects and this has made for an interesting Day 5 post. Definitely a good way to 'do something a bit different'!
ReplyDeleteB x
very good post, certainly makes you think
ReplyDeleteVery good idea, such a great way to figure things out.
ReplyDeleteWe should all take some time to create a mind map ... I'm sure it would affirm why we do what we do and even spark more creativity! I'm anxious to read "Imagine" by J. Lehrer which is about creativity and how we come up with new ideas. Maybe you've read it already?
ReplyDeleteOh wow! I haven't even heard of that one and I'll certainly check it out! If you get a chance to read it, please blog about it! I've actually been struggling with Thinkertoys by Michael Michalko recently.
Deletevery good post. would you mind doing explaining a bit more how to kickoff a mind mapping session? I would love to know more about it.
ReplyDeleteBTW- Your map is art! Frame it please :-)
LOVE.
ReplyDeleteLove your mind map!
ReplyDeleteI'm catching up on your blog week posts. The mind map is great! I never think much about why I create. I knit, therefore I am. If I don't knit I'd be writing, doodling, rearranging, doing something with my hands.
ReplyDeleteVery cool post. I'm sensing a right and left brain power struggle going on. Following your chart I'm with ya except on the past part...not sure I totally understand your thoughts there. Gonna add you to my blog log, you're the only one who's visited everyday throughout this blog week challenge. That will make visiting easier when the challenge ends. Many thanks for your visits and comments, appreciated.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you on the struggle part, obviously you have a bit more background understanding than I do on the subject. I wish I could have a long conversation with you about this!
DeleteI knew I liked you for a reason...because you are brilliant. Love this post.
ReplyDeleteI happen to feel the same way about you, Andi!
DeleteLove this! The few mind maps I've done only make me ask more questions.
ReplyDeleteYup, I totally understand what you mean! Questions and more questions. I struggle with them as well, but I'm hoping that they will become more intuitive to me with practice.
DeleteI haven't seen a mind map in a really long time. I don't suppose your favorite fibers are alpaca and wool?
ReplyDeleteWow, cool! I've never really grasped the concept of mind maps; when I try they always come out with the littler sub-concepts out of order from the big things. Definitely not as neat as yours. :)
ReplyDeleteThat. Is. Awesome. Love! :)
ReplyDeleteYour mind map is so interesting. Great idea for "something different" day.
ReplyDeleteAwesome! Good to know why you're doing what you love.
ReplyDeleteLove your list/workseet
ReplyDeleteThis is amazing - I never thought of mapping my creative process, so this is quite an inspirational post for me. I agree with about everything that is branched of there
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea. You should frame this. It's an important reminder why crafting is important in one's life.
ReplyDeleteThat is such an awesome idea! I might have to "borrow" this mind mapping idea and try it on my reading.
ReplyDelete