Advisor

Bethards, Connie

Committee Member

Stewart, Connie K.

Department

Art Education

Institution

University of Northern Colorado

Type of Resources

Text

Place of Publication

Greeley (Colo.)

Publisher

University of Northern Colorado

Date Created

5-1-2013

Genre

Thesis

Extent

151 pages

Digital Origin

Born digital

Abstract

This thesis explores the nature of generative parameters, and their present – as well as their much greater potential – function in visual art assignments. An effort of thoughtful self-study, it examines important questions that were revealed during the teaching of a fifth grade art unit. Collaboration and chance were used in that unit as productive constraints. Bringing together insights gathered from a number of sources and my own classroom action research, a theory of teaching for creative behavior is offered with suggestions for good practices in the art room. Promoting creative thinking in the art classroom does not require that students have complete freedom. Actually, the parameters or constraints that the art teacher imposes on students’ artmaking helps to focus their efforts and can lead to creative breakthroughs. The goal is that students progressively develop their own aesthetic preferences and self-impose constraints on their art. Artists must create their own problems to solve; the learning of problem-finding behavior is a major educational necessity beneficial to artmaking and nearly every other mode of human inquiry. The components of problem theory are discussed (problem identification, problem finding, and problem solving). Various conceptions of creativity are examined; most importantly, creativity as synthesis. Special attention is given to the implications of cognitive theory, stream of consciousness, synectics, randomization, exercises in empathy, analogies, and other methods of ideation for the generation of novel ideas. Elements of arousal theory, the structure of memory, and phenomenology are also referenced. Connections are made to the philosophies and techniques of prominent art figures, both historical and contemporary.

Degree type

MA

Degree Name

Master

Language

English

Local Identifiers

ConklinThesis2013

Rights Statement

Copyright is held by author.

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