The Science Behind the Art
Power of images for communication
- In the beginning of recorded history, the majority of what we communicated wasn’t text-based.
- Before they can speak children make sense of the world through seeing.
- Images are stored in long-term memory, making them easy to recollect.
- Images act as a springboard for discussions.
Influencing emotions
- Visual stimuli and emotional response are processed in the same part of the brain, so they’re easily linked.
- Visuals quickly affect us emotionally and psychologically.
- They have the power to influence and encourage action.
- Behavioural psychologists agree that most decisions are based on intuitive judgement and emotions influencing rational thinking.
Language of the mind
- To go beyond surface knowledge we have to access the unconscious.
- Visual metaphors and images use the language of the unconscious mind, bypassing the limitations of words.
- They elicit thoughts, feelings and words that may be hard to verbalise or lie below the level of consciousness.
- This triggers new trains of thought and possibilities.
External visualisation
- Images can be rearranged in physical space, allowing ideas and thoughts to be compared, analysed and prioritised.
- Connections and relationships emerge giving deeper insight.
- Thoughts, ideas and feelings are recorded permanently and tangibly in your collage.
- It then acts as a continued reminder and source of motivation.
Visual metaphors
- Human thought processes are largely metaphorical.
- Visuals can represent these often unconscious metaphors.
- Discussion reveals the thinking and emotions behind your visual metaphors and how they influence your decisions.
- These metaphors can be assessed then accepted, modified or ditched; reshaping how you make decisions in the future.
Storytelling
- Engages us on a personal level, allowing people to share while encouraging others to listen.
- When told using personal visual metaphors it’s more memorable.
- You connect with others where the images and stories resonate.
- Facilitating communication and relationship building.
Learn more about the ‘science behind the art’ of coaching with collage in my book –
Collage as a Creative Coaching Tool:
A Comprehensive Resource for Coaches and Psychologists
A picture is worth a thousand words…