Creating from the Dark: Navigating the Artistic Journey with Aphantasia

Recently, I found myself engaged in an unexpected conversation with a family member centered around the concept of "visualizing" things within the mind. While I can't quite recall how our discussion veered in this direction, the crux of the matter is that I possess a distinct deficiency in this area. Reading fictional books has always presented a challenge for me due to this very reason—I don't experience a cinematic playback in my mind; only the words themselves. This exchange prompted a series of lighthearted jests from both sides, highlighting the irony of pursuing a creative vocation while lacking the capacity for vivid imagination. It's certainly an intriguing paradox to be an artist who struggles with mental imagery. So, the question arises: how do I navigate this seemingly paradoxical terrain?

What is Aphantasia?

Aphantasia is a cognitive phenomenon characterized by the inability to voluntarily generate mental images in one's mind. Individuals with aphantasia typically lack the capacity to conjure up visual, auditory, or sensory experiences that are not directly in front of them. This condition was coined by Adam Zeman, a British neurologist, in 2015.

Aphantasia exists on a spectrum, and while some individuals experience a complete absence of mental imagery, others might have partial or weak visualizations. Some people with aphantasia might find compensation strategies, such as relying on verbal descriptions or written notes, to help them remember and conceptualize.

Mixing Paint Colours

Mixing paint colours with aphantasia might seem like a challenge due to the absence of mental imagery, but fear not—there are effective techniques and strategies that can help you navigate this process successfully. While you might not visualize colours in the traditional sense, you can rely on alternative methods to achieve the desired colour outcomes. Here's how you can approach mixing paint colours:

1. Color Theory Basics: Understanding colour theory is crucial for mixing paint colours effectively. Familiarize yourself with primary colours (red, blue, yellow), secondary colours (orange, green, purple), and complementary colours (colours opposite each other on the colour wheel). Knowledge of warm and cool colours also plays a significant role in colour mixing.

2. Physical Color References: Utilize physical color references like color charts, swatches, or color samples. These can help you identify colours more accurately without relying on mental imagery. Having a color wheel, colour mixing guide, or printed color charts can serve as your visual aid. I personally like to note down ratios I use to refer to, as time progresses you’ll have these memorized more.

3. Start with Simple Combinations: Begin by experimenting with simple colour combinations. Mix primary colours to create secondary colours, and gradually move on to more complex mixtures. As you gain experience, you'll develop an intuitive sense of how colors interact. Practice mixing colours in a systematic way. Start with small amounts of paint to avoid wastage and gradually adjust the ratios until you achieve the desired hue. Take notes on the combinations you've tried and the results obtained.

4. Trust Your Judgment: While you might not visualize colours, you can still rely on your other senses. Observe the changes in colour as you mix paints, paying attention to shifts in hue, saturation, and value. Trust your judgment and adjust the mixture based on your observations.

5. Embrace Uniqueness: Your approach to colour mixing might be unconventional due to aphantasia, but that doesn't make it any less valid. Embrace your unique process and focus on the results you're able to achieve.

How I approach my paintings

Absolutely, the concept of visualizing mental images might be foreign to me, but that doesn't halt my artistic journey. The question arises: how do I create new art without merely replicating photographs?

The truth is, I rely on tangible references to guide my artistic endeavors. Without the luxury of conjuring images within my mind, I've found my own unique approach to the creative process. Creating art from thin air is a challenge I embrace, and to avoid ending up with a blank canvas, I've learned to cultivate an arsenal of reference images that fuel my inspiration.

In my world, the role of the model often falls upon me. Since having someone readily available for impromptu posing isn't always feasible, I've taken the reins myself. Armed with a camera and an array of props, I capture a multitude of images, each portraying a distinct pose or scenario. These reference images, while not conjured mentally, serve as my starting point—a visual foundation upon which I can build.

Once I've amassed a library of reference images, it's time to transition to the digital realm. Armed with digital art software—my preferred choice often being Fire Alpaca—I dive into the creation process. With a tablet as my conduit and a plethora of reference images at my fingertips, I embark on crafting a digital sketch. My perfectionist tendencies come to the fore here; I meticulously refine and develop the digital sketch to a point where it resonates with my artistic vision.

This meticulous process is my means of translating ideas from a realm devoid of images into tangible art. The reference images I painstakingly gather become my guiding stars, while the digital medium grants me the canvas to weave my creative narrative. Despite the absence of mental imagery, my art is a testament to the power of adaptation and innovation—an avenue through which I channel my creativity into a tangible form.

Creating art without a mental canvas may be unconventional, but it's a journey that constantly challenges me to think outside the box. With each stroke of the digital brush, I bridge the gap between the imagined and the manifested, embracing the unique process that shapes my artistic expression.

“But all you do is copy!”

Copying from a reference image is not inherently "cheating," especially when that image was creating by yourself through photography and digital art, but rather a common and valuable practice in the world of art. Many artists, whether beginners or professionals, use reference images as a source of inspiration, guidance, and learning. It's important to understand that the use of reference images can serve different purposes and can vary in ethical considerations based on context. For instance, avoid copying someone else’s image entirely - this is just plagiarism.

These approaches to art offer significant advantages. They allow you to refine your photography and digital art skills while maintaining the ability to produce distinct artwork that is uniquely yours. While your process might not involve swift brush strokes on canvas like others, you possess a conceptual understanding of the eventual outcome of your painting.

I would love to hear if any of you also struggle to visualize imagery, if so - how have you navigated this?

See you next week!