Mind Maps are a very effective way of starting a research project , recording initial brain storming; they are also a great way of visually recording the main ideas that are formulated or discovered during the research process. A journal has the advantage of allowing for great detail, and lengthy reflections; however, a mind map allows the artist to see at a glance the whole field of inquiry as it develops. This 'bigger picture' of the research can be very stimulating in terms of creativity - making connections between ideas, and abstract ideas to concrete art making processes. In this way, they are a visual thinking tool, and not simply a depository of ideas. With mind mapping apps we have the advantage of being able to quickly alter the maps as the inquiry progresses, and use hyperlinks to journals and other research.
In this video, we see the way that a mind map can relate to the thinking process, the generation of ideas, and the actual making of the art.
In this video, we see the way that a mind map can relate to the thinking process, the generation of ideas, and the actual making of the art.