We all know that artists see the world differently. Nothing new about that. BUT—science now also found that artists have different brains! Yes, it’s a fact: the artist brain is different from the “normal” brain. What type of brain artists have and how scientists were actually able to find out—this is what you can learn about in this post. So let’s delve together into the psychology of artists!
Hey fellow artist, has it ever occurred to you that you have a different brain than other non-artists? No? Well, to me either. I’ve been creating art for a while now, but the thought never crossed my mind—until someone told me that the artist brain is actually different from the “normal” brain. How’s that?
I was keen to find out what type of brain I have as an artist, so I decided to look a bit more into it. ಠ_ಠ
And really, there seems to be neurological proof that artists have different brains from everyone else on the planet!
So far, there has only been little research to understand the biology of creativity, but one study was able to show that artists’ brains are different on a biological level. Who would have thought so?
But what actually makes the artist’s brain different? Let’s delve into the psychology of artists and find out!
What type of brain do artists have?
Science used to tell us that artists are “right-brained,” meaning they actively use the right side of their brain where creativity is believed to be rooted. On the other hand, scientists are believed to mainly use the left, analytical side of their brain.
However, a new study found that creatives don’t use different parts of the brain. It showed that artists have fundamentally different brain structures!
Now, how amazing is that? Let’s see how exactly artists have different brains…
How is the artist brain different from the normal brain?
The study I’m talking about was conducted at the Catholic University (KU) in Leuven, Belgium, and examined altogether 44 art students and students of other non-art subjects.
The participants were asked to complete various drawing tasks. While the students were working on the tasks, the researchers scanned the brains of both the 21 art students and the 23 non-artist candidates.
The scans revealed that the art students had more gray matter in the precuneus region of the brain. That area is usually responsible for fine motor performance and procedural memory.
I had never heard of that cerebral region and had no idea where it was located in the brain. So I quickly looked it up to better get my head around it. The graphic below provides a good overview.
This is where the precuneus region is located in the brain. (Graphic via simplepsychology.org)
Based on the results, the researchers concluded that the more developed structures in that part of the artist brain also play a role in visual creativity.
In other words, the different structures of the precuneus help artists “manipulate visual images in their brain, combine them and deconstruct them,” according to Dr. Chamberlain from KU Leuven.
In conclusion, the results put an end to the assumption that artists are “right-brained,” because the study found higher amounts of gray and white matter in both left and right structures of the brain!
Do artists have different brains per se?
Interesting enough. But the results beg the even more interesting question: are creative people developing more structures in that part of the brain as they are learning to create art or do artists have different brains from the get-go?
…which would bring us to the old “Are Artists Born or Made” debate.
But hang on. The researchers also said that the results couldn’t show whether artistic talent is innate or learnt. In their view, training and environmental upbringing are crucial to develop artistic ability, too.
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So, before you are thinking, “Oh, I’m not an artist, I’m not born with the right precuneus brain structure,” be sure that everyone is an artist—including you! Everyone has creativity and is able to work on their artistic skills.
…and don’t forget: whether you are a born artist or not, art is all about self-expression. It is known to have positive benefits on your mental health and helps promote your overall well-being. Hence, if you feel the calling to be an artist, for heaven’s sake go for it. Go and create art! Create the art you love and be happy! ♥‿♥
Continue reading: Art And Mental Health: How Does Visual Art Affect The Brain?
I hope this post provided you some interesting insights into the psychology of artists and encouraged you to start or continue making art. If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below. I’d love to hear from you! Make sure to sign up for my email list below so you don’t miss out on new blog posts and other cool stuff. ♥
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Thank you so much for sharing, Meghan. It means a lot to me and it helps get the word out about this blog. Thank you again (:
You are so cool! I don’t suppose I’ve truly read anything like this before.
So wonderful to find somebody with genuine thoughts on this issue.
Really.. many thanks for starting this up. This site is something that is required
on the web, someone with a bit of originality!
Hi Sterling, great that you liked the post! I’ve tried to combine facts and entertainment, and add a bit of my own perspective. (: