via Instagram http://instagram.com/p/bFhUWlsqJd/
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Sunday, June 16, 2013
#cheese!!!! :) Working on the face in this #painting #art #brain #pain
via Instagram http://instagram.com/p/ao6ME0MqCt/
Thursday, June 13, 2013
DNA in our Brain BREAK When We Learn Something New!
I certainly didn't expect to discover that in my research!
DNA Day (International DNA Day or World DNA Day) is April 25th and was first commemorated in 2003 and organized by the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI). It was initially meant to recognize the work of those that published the first paper on the structure of DNA back in 1953 (James Watson, Francis Crick, Maurice Wilkins, Rosalind Franklin and colleagues).
First a little bit about the structure of DNA.
DNA consists of two stands which are anti-parallel to each other which form a spiral formation linked by hydrogen bonds better known as a double-helix. (It's much more technical than that so if you are interested in learning more, start with this Wiki page http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Double_helix).
So what's the interesting thing going on with the DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) in our brains?
Well apparently when we are learning something new, during the learning activity, the DNA in our brain experiences a double-strand break (DSB)... yes our DNA breaks! Yet, after the activity, the DNA re-bonds rather quickly within a 24-hour period. Whew.
Interestingly enough, for those with Alzheimer's or similar mental illness, the break either takes longer to heal or don't heal at all.
But this double-strand break is normal folks. It's a normal part of our brain activity. DSB occurs in various parts of our brain but it is more prevalent in our Dentate Gyrus (necessary for spatial memory-used when you're learning a new physical environment like if you moved to a new city). Our Dentate Gyrus resides deep within our Hippocampus.
Though my drawing focuses in on the Dentate Gyrus area, I included some notes on what we learn as we grow up. The learning of some of these things resides in other parts of our brain, but the same DSB happens there. So I highlighted one of these DSB but note, as mentioned above, DSB occurs in various areas of the brain when we're learning something. Things on the list that do involve spatial memory include learning to drive, ride a bike and swim.
Now go break some DNA stands and keep learning! :)
Feedback is always welcome.
Regards,
Contemporary Artist
Tel: (646) 504-5034
www.hunterart.com
info@hunterart.com
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DNA Day (International DNA Day or World DNA Day) is April 25th and was first commemorated in 2003 and organized by the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI). It was initially meant to recognize the work of those that published the first paper on the structure of DNA back in 1953 (James Watson, Francis Crick, Maurice Wilkins, Rosalind Franklin and colleagues).
First a little bit about the structure of DNA.
DNA consists of two stands which are anti-parallel to each other which form a spiral formation linked by hydrogen bonds better known as a double-helix. (It's much more technical than that so if you are interested in learning more, start with this Wiki page http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Double_helix).
So what's the interesting thing going on with the DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) in our brains?
Well apparently when we are learning something new, during the learning activity, the DNA in our brain experiences a double-strand break (DSB)... yes our DNA breaks! Yet, after the activity, the DNA re-bonds rather quickly within a 24-hour period. Whew.
Interestingly enough, for those with Alzheimer's or similar mental illness, the break either takes longer to heal or don't heal at all.
But this double-strand break is normal folks. It's a normal part of our brain activity. DSB occurs in various parts of our brain but it is more prevalent in our Dentate Gyrus (necessary for spatial memory-used when you're learning a new physical environment like if you moved to a new city). Our Dentate Gyrus resides deep within our Hippocampus.
Though my drawing focuses in on the Dentate Gyrus area, I included some notes on what we learn as we grow up. The learning of some of these things resides in other parts of our brain, but the same DSB happens there. So I highlighted one of these DSB but note, as mentioned above, DSB occurs in various areas of the brain when we're learning something. Things on the list that do involve spatial memory include learning to drive, ride a bike and swim.
Now go break some DNA stands and keep learning! :)
Feedback is always welcome.
Regards,
Michelle Hunter
Tel: (646) 504-5034
www.hunterart.com
info@hunterart.com
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- Get a FREE handwritten postcard from me! Join my mailing list here: http://bit.ly/HunterArtList
- Contact me to commission a painting or drawing (info@hunterart.com / 646-504-5034)
- The Brain Series of Paintings, so far: http://hunterart.blogspot.com/p/brain-paintings.html
- Purchase prints to fit your space here: http://www.hunterart.imagekind.com
- Like on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/hunterart
- Follow on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/artcoholic
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
I'm gathering some notes on the #brain and #laughter as I read a couple articles on it. Of course this is for an upcoming brain #drawing :) #funny #neuroscience
via Instagram http://instagram.com/p/aMe_JrMqLu/
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
Beginning the exploration if what happens to our #DNA in our Dentate Gyrus when we are #learning somethings new. #brain #neuroscience #drawing #art
via Instagram http://instagram.com/p/aKHEOwMqBS/
Saturday, June 1, 2013
Pictures of "Brain Rhythm" at Austin's Art.Science.Gallery #art #science #brain
Hello there,
Recently, my painting "Brain Rhythm" took its first trip outside of New York to travel to Austin Texas for Art.Science.Gallery's group show called "Join our Evolution".
Through the use of tons of bubble wrap, crumpled newspaper and lots of tape, the painting arrived there and back safely (thank goodness). Below are some pictures of the painting at the show.
It was a great experience and working with the Art.Science.Gallery team was a pleasure, they certainly put me at ease. I look forward to sharing more of my work with them in the future.
Read about the painting "Brain Rhythm" here (http://hunterart.blogspot.com/2011/10/new-brain-painting-brain-rhythm-24x24.html)
Special thank you to Hayley Gillespie, Ph.D. (owner / ecologist / artist | Art.Science.Gallery.) and her team for making the show a success and working closely with the participating artists so the works arrived there and back safely.
Contemporary Artist
Tel: (646) 504-5034
www.hunterart.com
info@hunterart.com
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Get a FREE handwritten postcard from me! Join my mailing list here: http://bit.ly/HunterArtListContact me to commission a painting or drawing (info@hunterart.com / 646-504-5034)
The Brain Series of Paintings, so far: http://hunterart.blogspot.com/p/brain-paintings.html
Purchase prints to fit your space here: http://www.hunterart.imagekind.com
Like on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/hunterart
Follow on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/artcoholic
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Recently, my painting "Brain Rhythm" took its first trip outside of New York to travel to Austin Texas for Art.Science.Gallery's group show called "Join our Evolution".
Through the use of tons of bubble wrap, crumpled newspaper and lots of tape, the painting arrived there and back safely (thank goodness). Below are some pictures of the painting at the show.
It was a great experience and working with the Art.Science.Gallery team was a pleasure, they certainly put me at ease. I look forward to sharing more of my work with them in the future.
 |
| © Ian M. Wright |
 |
| © Ian M. Wright |
 |
| © Ian M. Wright |
Special thank you to Hayley Gillespie, Ph.D. (owner / ecologist / artist | Art.Science.Gallery.) and her team for making the show a success and working closely with the participating artists so the works arrived there and back safely.
Regards,
Michelle HunterContemporary Artist
Tel: (646) 504-5034
www.hunterart.com
info@hunterart.com
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Get a FREE handwritten postcard from me! Join my mailing list here: http://bit.ly/HunterArtListContact me to commission a painting or drawing (info@hunterart.com / 646-504-5034)
The Brain Series of Paintings, so far: http://hunterart.blogspot.com/p/brain-paintings.html
Purchase prints to fit your space here: http://www.hunterart.imagekind.com
Like on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/hunterart
Follow on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/artcoholic
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday, May 25, 2013
Friday, April 19, 2013
Latest Painting: The #Brain and #Depression
Over a year in the making...I'm pleased to announce the completion of my latest brain painting titled "I Want"
While depression was already a topic in my Brain Series queue, starting it was sparked by the death of a good friend who suffered from depression. Finishing it took a good amount of will from me.
What Could I Do?
This experience for me was a shock and got me thinking. We all have ups and downs, yet why do some of us struggle with building ourselves back up during the downturns? Think about how many people you interact with on a regular basis where things seem like they are fine. Perhaps some people you know say that things will be fine and put on a brave face while they may be spiraling downward inside? How would you know that they are going through this internal battle when on the surface, things seem fine-when you probe and show concern but you aren't getting an honest response?
The Composition
The questions above led me to want to have a mask in the composition of the painting. The mask in the painting is of a smiling face while the person is instead feeling detached. Will the person put the mask on and put on an appearance that all is fine or will they or show/express how they really feel?
I wanted the scene to be a social setting and chose a restaurant where people are coming and going or having a meal or drink with the person they are with. Also the large windows show people going about their business, the world doesn't stop for anyone, life goes on.
I ended up painting someone outside the place looking into the restaurant. While I was working on the rest of the painting, I felt fine not painting a face on her. In the end, I chose to leave her without a face. Make of it what you will.
In the painting, I painted the brain as an MRI scan so you can see where the outline of the cortex is (it's the white outline and explained later in the "Research" section below). There are parts of the outline that are thinner than others which is what it could be like for someone suffering from, or likely to develop depression.
Research
My research on the topic lead me to a NY Times article on a study that looked into the family history of depression. Thinning of the cortex appeared to be a trait of those susceptible to developing depression. While there are numerous articles on the topic, this one shaped the angle I approached for the painting. I found it interesting that parents that are depressed could unknowingly pass along traits of the illness to their children. It's still to be determined whether it is passed via genetics or if it is just a byproduct of the children's environment or a combination of both.
Some In Progress Pictures
You're welcome to use any of the means below to let me know what you think. It's important to share and be honest if you are comfortable doing so.
Regards,
Michelle Hunter
Contemporary Artist
Tel: (646) 504-5034
www.hunterart.com
info@hunterart.com
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Get a FREE handwritten postcard from me! Join my mailing list here: http://bit.ly/HunterArtList
Contact me to commission a painting or drawing (info@hunterart.com / 646-504-5034)
The Brain Series of Paintings, so far: http://hunterart.blogspot.com/p/brain-paintings.html
Purchase prints to fit your space here: http://www.hunterart.imagekind.com
Like on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/hunterart
Follow on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/artcoholic
Follow on Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/hunterart
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I Want
20" x 24"
Acrylic on stretched canvas
While depression was already a topic in my Brain Series queue, starting it was sparked by the death of a good friend who suffered from depression. Finishing it took a good amount of will from me.
What Could I Do?
This experience for me was a shock and got me thinking. We all have ups and downs, yet why do some of us struggle with building ourselves back up during the downturns? Think about how many people you interact with on a regular basis where things seem like they are fine. Perhaps some people you know say that things will be fine and put on a brave face while they may be spiraling downward inside? How would you know that they are going through this internal battle when on the surface, things seem fine-when you probe and show concern but you aren't getting an honest response?
The Composition
The questions above led me to want to have a mask in the composition of the painting. The mask in the painting is of a smiling face while the person is instead feeling detached. Will the person put the mask on and put on an appearance that all is fine or will they or show/express how they really feel?I wanted the scene to be a social setting and chose a restaurant where people are coming and going or having a meal or drink with the person they are with. Also the large windows show people going about their business, the world doesn't stop for anyone, life goes on.
I ended up painting someone outside the place looking into the restaurant. While I was working on the rest of the painting, I felt fine not painting a face on her. In the end, I chose to leave her without a face. Make of it what you will.In the painting, I painted the brain as an MRI scan so you can see where the outline of the cortex is (it's the white outline and explained later in the "Research" section below). There are parts of the outline that are thinner than others which is what it could be like for someone suffering from, or likely to develop depression.
Research
My research on the topic lead me to a NY Times article on a study that looked into the family history of depression. Thinning of the cortex appeared to be a trait of those susceptible to developing depression. While there are numerous articles on the topic, this one shaped the angle I approached for the painting. I found it interesting that parents that are depressed could unknowingly pass along traits of the illness to their children. It's still to be determined whether it is passed via genetics or if it is just a byproduct of the children's environment or a combination of both.
Some In Progress Pictures
You're welcome to use any of the means below to let me know what you think. It's important to share and be honest if you are comfortable doing so.
Regards,
Michelle Hunter
Contemporary Artist
Tel: (646) 504-5034
www.hunterart.com
info@hunterart.com
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Get a FREE handwritten postcard from me! Join my mailing list here: http://bit.ly/HunterArtList
Contact me to commission a painting or drawing (info@hunterart.com / 646-504-5034)
The Brain Series of Paintings, so far: http://hunterart.blogspot.com/p/brain-paintings.html
Purchase prints to fit your space here: http://www.hunterart.imagekind.com
Like on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/hunterart
Follow on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/artcoholic
Follow on Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/hunterart
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
#Brain Drawing for Foursquare Day!! Our Internal Navigation System
I couldn't help but feature our internal navigation system within our brain, the Hippocampus, on a compass for Foursquare Day. In honor of the app, I also changed the N or North placement on the compass to a Foursquare mayorship symbol, the crown.
Foursquare is useful in letting users know what's around them in terms of places of interest and what's trending. Of course it needs to know where we are to make an accurate list of places so our phone would need its GPS option turned on. Well our brains have an internal GPS as well, so to speak.
In the drawing, I have a transparent brain in the center of the compass. The brain is transparent so you can see where the Hippocampus resides. The compass has the usual navigation markers but I changed the North indicator to a Foursquare crown used for when someone gains mayorship of a location. The Hippocampus, in orange in the drawing is emitting signals and pointing towards the crown, or North.
Our Hippocampus is located in the Limbic System of our brain. The components of the Limbic System manage our emotions, memory and sexual arousal. For the purpose of this post, the focus is on our internal navigation system managed by our cool Hippocampus. The Hippocampus is the component in our brain most closely tied to long-term memory formation.
Did you know that there are cells within and around our Hippocampus that map out our place, head direction and grid?
- When we learn of specific places, destinations or landmarks, our Place cells light up when we come across a place we recognize.
- We have our own internal compass run by our Head Direction cells. It tells us what direction we're facing. So, if you ever have a feeling that you're heading in the right or wrong direction, you may have your Head Direction cells to thank.
- How about when you're on the move either walking, running, biking or driving? Ever think about the distance you may have traveled? Our Grid cells help us to gauge that.
It's awesome how we have systems built within us that help us to get around. So, where will you be heading to today?
Regards,
Michelle HunterContemporary Artist
Tel: (646) 504-5034
www.hunterart.com
info@hunterart.com
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Get a FREE handwritten postcard from me! Join my mailing list here: http://bit.ly/HunterArtList
Contact me to commission a painting or drawing (info@hunterart.com / 646-504-5034)
The Brain Series of Paintings, so far: http://hunterart.blogspot.com/p/brain-paintings.html
Purchase prints to fit your space here: http://www.hunterart.imagekind.com
Like on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/hunterart
Follow on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/artcoholic
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Source:
1. Wellcome Trust (2008, September 15). The 'Satellite Navigation' In Our Brains. http://www.wellcome.ac.uk/News/Media-office/Press-releases/2008/WTX050443.htm
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
#Brain Drawing for World #Autism Day
In my research, I didn't realize that there were different types of autism. The variations are referred to as Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs). The disease is 4x more likely to effect boys than girls. Scientists are continuing to explore the cause of the disease and treatments.
Autism is loosely described as faulty wiring in the brain. Experiences could include only being able to really experience one sense at a time, like smell or hearing, and it could at times be unbearable. Also there are communicative challenges that are verbal and nonverbal. Irritability or outbursts exhibited by a person with autism is an expression of their frustration with not being able to communicate effectively, if at all. Symptoms also include emotional detachment and repetitive behaviors. Those are only a few behaviors common for those with autism.
The below brain drawing is meant to visualize the inability to sync signals in the brain.
For the drawing, I represented that as a plug and an outlet. For the normal brain, the front and back parts of our brain work instantly and simultaneously together. So the plug would be properly positioned to go into the outlet-making a connection so that information could be transferred throughout the rest of the brain.
However, the brain of someone with autism has faulty wiring which prohibits neurotransmitters, or messages, to be sent and processed through the brain. That is shown here in the drawing where from the front of the brain, the prongs of a plugs are not in the correction position to go into the outlet that is bringing messages from the back of the brain.
Also, there are particular areas of the brain that are effected by abnormalities compared to someone without autism:
- The long blue shape between the plug and outlet is the Corpus Callosum. This structure facilitates the communication between the left and right hemispheres of the brain.
- Below the plug is the Amygdala. The amygdala affects social behavior and emotion.
- Beneath the brain is the Cerebellum. Abilities like balance, coordination and motor ability are controlled here.
Enjoy your day :)
Regards,
Michelle Hunter
Contemporary Artist
Tel: (646) 504-5034
www.hunterart.com
info@hunterart.com
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Get a FREE handwritten postcard from me! Join my mailing list here: http://bit.ly/HunterArtList
Contact me to commission a painting or drawing (info@hunterart.com / 646-504-5034)
The Brain Series of Paintings, so far: http://hunterart.blogspot.com/p/brain-paintings.html
Purchase prints to fit your space here: http://www.hunterart.imagekind.com
Like on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/hunterart
Follow on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/artcoholic
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sources:
Michelle Hunter
Contemporary Artist
Tel: (646) 504-5034
www.hunterart.com
info@hunterart.com
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Get a FREE handwritten postcard from me! Join my mailing list here: http://bit.ly/HunterArtList
Contact me to commission a painting or drawing (info@hunterart.com / 646-504-5034)
The Brain Series of Paintings, so far: http://hunterart.blogspot.com/p/brain-paintings.html
Purchase prints to fit your space here: http://www.hunterart.imagekind.com
Like on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/hunterart
Follow on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/artcoholic
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sources:
1. Hamilton, Jon, "What's Different About The Brains of People With Autism?" npr.org, June 4 2012
2. Watson, Stephanie, "Discovery Health "What is autism?"" www.health.howstuffworks.com
Friday, March 22, 2013
How Dehydrated are You? The #Brain and World #Water Day
Did you know that we are losing water with each breath we take? When sweating or eliminating waste, it may be more obvious. We're constantly losing water, the essential fuel for our bodies but more importantly our brains run on. So if you notice that you usually feel afternoon fatigue, have sleep issues, focus issues, depressed...those are symptoms of dehydration (though see a doctor if you feel there is something else going on).
For World Water Day, I've done a drawing illustrating several important points between water and our brains:
- Our brain is 85% water and will begin to shrink when it becomes dehydrated. When we wake up after we sleep, our brains are already dehydrated. DEHYDRATION SHRINKS YOUR GREY MATTER! Breathing through the night is the longest stretch of time we don't replenish ourselves. One-percent of dehydration leads to 5% shortage of cognitive function. So drink a glass of water when you get up.
- In my drawing, I show that by the right side of the brain image looking rock like. It's dried up and needs water to bring it back to full capacity. The water being poured into the back party of the brain is being quickly absorbed.
- Drinking water on a regular basis helps to deliver nutrients and remove toxins that build up in the brain.
- That fact is represented in the above drawing where the black dots are toxins in the brain. The glass of water that is being poured on the brain is flushing out the toxins. The toxins end up in the puddle of water.
Why does your brain need to much water? It is the part of your body that uses up twice as much energy than anything else. The energy is needed to produce hormones and neurotransmitters for you to function optimally. Also our brains can't store water so it needs to be replenished regularly throughout the day.
I don't have as good a memory as I would like as I explain in this brain painting of mine. Chronic dehydration may be the cause! Something that is fortunately fixable!
I'll leave you with this quote from an article I read in my research:
"On average, the amount of shrinkage equated to 14 months of age-related wear and tear, or the withering away associated with two and a half months of Alzheimer's disease." [2]
Drink up!
Regards,
Michelle Hunter
Contemporary Artist
Tel: (646) 504-5034
www.hunterart.com
info@hunterart.com
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Get a FREE handwritten postcard from me! Join my mailing list here: http://bit.ly/HunterArtList
Contact me to commission a painting or drawing (info@hunterart.com / 646-504-5034)
The Brain Series of Paintings, so far: http://hunterart.blogspot.com/p/brain-paintings.html
Purchase prints to fit your space here: http://www.hunterart.imagekind.com
Like on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/hunterart
Follow on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/artcoholic
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sources:
1. Hear, Merlin, "How to Improve Memory, Focus, and Concentration" www.waterbenefitshealth.com
2. Macrae, Fiona, "Water on the brain: Grey matter literally shrinks without hydration" www.dailymail.co.uk, May 20, 2010
Thursday, March 14, 2013
Pi Day! How Does the #Brain process #Math? #piday
It is 3:14 on 3/14 :)
Happy Pi Day to all of you that either love or hate math.
It's interesting how Pi is becoming an increasingly precise number as it has been calculated to over trillion digits past its decimal point. Yet, we usually refer to it as an approximation of 3.141509. Pi is the calculation of the circumference of a circle divided by the diameter.
So in doing my research for Pi Day, it was cool to learn that math isn't processed using one section of our brain but it depended on the type of calculation we are doing. I represented that in my drawing as having the symbol of Pi grow from these distinctive regions of the brain colored in yellow and red within a circle, of course.
If seeking a precise number like what does 5 x 7 =, then it is our left frontal lobe (yellow area) takes charge as the equation requires verbal representation of numbers. Then 5 x 7 = becomes five times seven equals. As for something like learning the multiplication table, we just recite that to memory.
It's different when you're looking more for a range. For example, if I add 23 apples to this pile of 50 apples, would the number of apples be closer to 70 or 90. Parietal Lobe, colored in red (more specifically the inferior parietal cortex) has a role in understanding space and used for reasoning. So while the addition of apples will make a bigger pile, it wouldn't be as large as 90 apples and it would be closer to 70.
Now treat yourself to some pie! Just try to avoid cutting it into fractions.
Regards,
Michelle Hunter
Contemporary Artist
Tel: (646) 504-5034
www.hunterart.com
info@hunterart.com
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Get a FREE handwritten postcard from me! Join my mailing list here: http://eepurl.com/OUkJ
Contact me to commission a painting or drawing (info@hunterart.com / 646-504-5034)
The Brain Series of Paintings, so far: http://hunterart.blogspot.com/p/brain-paintings.html
Purchase prints to fit your space here: http://www.hunterart.imagekind.com
Like on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/hunterart
Follow on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/artcoholic
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sources:
Butterworth, Brian,"A Head for Figures," Science Magazine, May 7 1999
Peterson, Ivers,"MathTrek: Brainy Figuring," Science News
Happy Pi Day to all of you that either love or hate math.
It's interesting how Pi is becoming an increasingly precise number as it has been calculated to over trillion digits past its decimal point. Yet, we usually refer to it as an approximation of 3.141509. Pi is the calculation of the circumference of a circle divided by the diameter.
So in doing my research for Pi Day, it was cool to learn that math isn't processed using one section of our brain but it depended on the type of calculation we are doing. I represented that in my drawing as having the symbol of Pi grow from these distinctive regions of the brain colored in yellow and red within a circle, of course.
If seeking a precise number like what does 5 x 7 =, then it is our left frontal lobe (yellow area) takes charge as the equation requires verbal representation of numbers. Then 5 x 7 = becomes five times seven equals. As for something like learning the multiplication table, we just recite that to memory.
It's different when you're looking more for a range. For example, if I add 23 apples to this pile of 50 apples, would the number of apples be closer to 70 or 90. Parietal Lobe, colored in red (more specifically the inferior parietal cortex) has a role in understanding space and used for reasoning. So while the addition of apples will make a bigger pile, it wouldn't be as large as 90 apples and it would be closer to 70.
Now treat yourself to some pie! Just try to avoid cutting it into fractions.
Regards,
Michelle Hunter
Contemporary Artist
Tel: (646) 504-5034
www.hunterart.com
info@hunterart.com
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Get a FREE handwritten postcard from me! Join my mailing list here: http://eepurl.com/OUkJ
Contact me to commission a painting or drawing (info@hunterart.com / 646-504-5034)
The Brain Series of Paintings, so far: http://hunterart.blogspot.com/p/brain-paintings.html
Purchase prints to fit your space here: http://www.hunterart.imagekind.com
Like on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/hunterart
Follow on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/artcoholic
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sources:
Butterworth, Brian,"A Head for Figures," Science Magazine, May 7 1999
Peterson, Ivers,"MathTrek: Brainy Figuring," Science News
Monday, March 11, 2013
The Brain and Sleep for National Napping Day!
Oh happy National Napping Day to all of you! Gotta love these unofficial holidays :)
For this blog post, featured below is a painting from my Brain Series on the Brain and Sleep.
National Napping Day was started in 1999 by Boston University professor William Anthony, Ph.D. and his wife Camille Anthony. This holiday was started as a way for Americans to adjust to Daylight Savings Time where we lose an hour of sleep.
A good amount of research has been done on this subject. Results have proven that one can be more productive during their day when they take a mid-day nap. Try it, you'll see.
Benefits of napping include:
Regards,
Michelle Hunter
Contemporary Artist
Tel: (646) 504-5034
www.hunterart.com
info@hunterart.com
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Get a FREE handwritten postcard from me! Join my mailing list here: http://eepurl.com/OUkJ
Contact me to commission a painting or drawing (info@hunterart.com / 646-504-5034)
The Brain Series of Paintings, so far: http://hunterart.blogspot.com/p/brain-paintings.html
Purchase prints to fit your space here: http://www.hunterart.imagekind.com
Like on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/hunterart
Follow on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/artcoholic
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For this blog post, featured below is a painting from my Brain Series on the Brain and Sleep.
 |
| Zzzzzzz (Sleep) (c) Michelle Hunter
http://hunterart.blogspot.com/2011/05/new-painting-nap-time.html |
A good amount of research has been done on this subject. Results have proven that one can be more productive during their day when they take a mid-day nap. Try it, you'll see.
Benefits of napping include:
- Recharges you and Relives stress: Having a long day, feeling stressed out or feeling sluggish. Take a nap! You can awaken recharged and more alert to tackle what else lies ahead. An effective nap interval would be from 20-40 minutes.
- Better able to retain what you've learned: If you're able to get in an hour or hour and a half nap, you can sustain a high level of brain activity throughout the day versus a declining amount if you don't nap. A rested brain can more easily retain what had been learned.
- Do ideas tend to come to you when at rest? hint hint... Have something on your mind that you need to resolve and an answer isn't coming to you. Take a nap! The burst of energy that the brain receives after a nap can help get those creative juices flowing.
- Improve productivity: Who will get more work done during the day? Someone that works 8-hours straight or someone that works for 4 hours, takes a nap and works an additional 3 hours? Answer is the one that takes a nap! Work is done at a slower pace with more distractions if one works through the day. After a nap though, you can handle the rest of your days tasks with the same energy you walked in with. You'll get more done in that time and can work more efficiently.
Regards,
Michelle Hunter
Contemporary Artist
Tel: (646) 504-5034
www.hunterart.com
info@hunterart.com
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Contact me to commission a painting or drawing (info@hunterart.com / 646-504-5034)
The Brain Series of Paintings, so far: http://hunterart.blogspot.com/p/brain-paintings.html
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Friday, March 8, 2013
Celebrating the Female #Brain on International @womensday!
Hello there!
On this March 8th, the world celebrates the 102nd year of International Women's Day.
As the date approached, I started doing some research to learn about what difference have been discovered between the female and male brain. Of course with science, nothing is exact but much is learned and explored. In the area of gender differences in the brain, studies suggest that:
Fun stuff! Enjoy your day ladies and as always, feedback is welcome :)
Regards,
Michelle Hunter
Contemporary Artist
Tel: (646) 504-5034
www.hunterart.com
info@hunterart.com
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Contact me to commission a painting or drawing (info@hunterart.com / 646-504-5034)
The Brain Series of Paintings, so far: http://hunterart.blogspot.com/p/brain-paintings.html
Purchase prints to fit your space here: http://www.hunterart.imagekind.com
Like on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/hunterart
Follow on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/artcoholic
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On this March 8th, the world celebrates the 102nd year of International Women's Day.
As the date approached, I started doing some research to learn about what difference have been discovered between the female and male brain. Of course with science, nothing is exact but much is learned and explored. In the area of gender differences in the brain, studies suggest that:
- The bond between the left and right hemispheres (Corpus Callosum) are stronger in women than it is for men. As such, we are more inclined to use both hemispheres of our brain when it comes to language like when we are reading or hearing something. Our language ability can be that much more exercised.
- Our brains also tend to have more white matter which is the substance that connects the different parts of our brain. However, males may have a larger percentage of grey matter which serves cognition and decision making.
- Our areas of the brain used for processing math may develop slower than males.
- Our brains tend to be slightly smaller than males (~10% smaller)
- When it comes to navigation, women are more inclined to use landmarks to get a sense of where we (turn right at the Barnes and Nobles) are while men are more directional (east at next light, then west).
Fun stuff! Enjoy your day ladies and as always, feedback is welcome :)
Regards,
Michelle Hunter
Contemporary Artist
Tel: (646) 504-5034
www.hunterart.com
info@hunterart.com
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Contact me to commission a painting or drawing (info@hunterart.com / 646-504-5034)
The Brain Series of Paintings, so far: http://hunterart.blogspot.com/p/brain-paintings.html
Purchase prints to fit your space here: http://www.hunterart.imagekind.com
Like on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/hunterart
Follow on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/artcoholic
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Saturday, March 2, 2013
What Dr. Seuss Book do these words come from?
I welcome you to read this blog post on ... National Reading Day! It's celebrated throughout the country the same day Dr. Seuss was born. It is commemorated in schools on the closest school day to March 2nd.
As you are reading this, lots of interesting things are going on in your head! That's how cool the brain is :)
I've done some research on reading and the brain. Apparently a key area in our brains for reading comprehension is the area between our left Temporal and Occipital Lobes. The Temporal Lobe plays an important part in language and speech pronunciation among other functions. The Occipital Lobe is where our primary Vision Cortex resides.
In the below drawing I've represented that region with a keyhole. Flowing into that keyhole are words from one of Dr. Seuss' popular books. From the drawing, do you know which book the words come from?
Regards,
Michelle Hunter
Contemporary Artist
Tel: (646) 504-5034
www.hunterart.com
info@hunterart.com
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Contact me if you would like to purchase original paintings or drawings (info@hunterart.com / 646-504-5034)
The Brain Series of Paintings, so far: http://hunterart.blogspot.com/p/brain-paintings.html
Purchase prints to fit your space here: http://www.hunterart.imagekind.com
Like on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/hunterart
Follow on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/artcoholic
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As you are reading this, lots of interesting things are going on in your head! That's how cool the brain is :)
I've done some research on reading and the brain. Apparently a key area in our brains for reading comprehension is the area between our left Temporal and Occipital Lobes. The Temporal Lobe plays an important part in language and speech pronunciation among other functions. The Occipital Lobe is where our primary Vision Cortex resides.
In the below drawing I've represented that region with a keyhole. Flowing into that keyhole are words from one of Dr. Seuss' popular books. From the drawing, do you know which book the words come from?
Regards,
Michelle Hunter
Contemporary Artist
Tel: (646) 504-5034
www.hunterart.com
info@hunterart.com
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Contact me if you would like to purchase original paintings or drawings (info@hunterart.com / 646-504-5034)
The Brain Series of Paintings, so far: http://hunterart.blogspot.com/p/brain-paintings.html
Purchase prints to fit your space here: http://www.hunterart.imagekind.com
Like on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/hunterart
Follow on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/artcoholic
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Your #Brain on #Love - Happy Valentines Day
Happy Valentine's Day to you, whether you are attached or not.
If you have experienced love, or lust, you may think that it all comes from the heart, well not really - it comes from your head.
The below drawing shows most of the areas in our head that drive our initial attraction which in time leads to love. I was trying to figure out the best way to include in my drawing all the areas I came across in my research. Best I could think of at the moment was cutting a cross section of the brain out to see these love bug areas within.
Clockwise starting from the left:
Not shown is an area deeper in our brain that produces that feel good feeling of lust/desire. That is the Ventral Tegmental area which produces dopamine. I talk more about dopamine in my brain paintings on smoking (remember what I said above about addictions). When you and your partner are in that lovey-dovey phase in the relationship, this area of the brain is highly active.
May your brains be full of love today and always :) and remember the importance of loving yourself too!
Tel: (646) 504-5034
www.hunterart.com
info@hunterart.com
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Contact me if you would like to purchase original paintings or drawings (info@hunterart.com / 646-504-5034)
The Brain Series of Paintings, so far: http://hunterart.blogspot.com/p/brain-paintings.html
Purchase prints to fit your space here: http://www.hunterart.imagekind.com
Like on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/hunterart
Follow on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/artcoholic
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you have experienced love, or lust, you may think that it all comes from the heart, well not really - it comes from your head.
The below drawing shows most of the areas in our head that drive our initial attraction which in time leads to love. I was trying to figure out the best way to include in my drawing all the areas I came across in my research. Best I could think of at the moment was cutting a cross section of the brain out to see these love bug areas within.
Clockwise starting from the left:
- The first red love bite, as I'll call it, is the Nucleus Accumbens. This is responsible for those feelings of attachment we develop with a loved one, be it a partner or a child or even a pet. This area receives dopamine feel good signals which I refer to later. Keep in mind that dopamine plays a role in addictions also.
- The next love bite area on the top is the Caudate Nuclei. This area becomes more active further along in the relationship with one falls in love - when a relationship turns into a long-term one. Commitment to a partner comes from time spent and memories shared with that person. The Caudate Nuclei plays a part in learning and memory, the storing of those good feelings and events you share with a person.
- The other love bite area shown in the drawing is that of the Insular (area shown on the right). This area is believed to be the trigger for our wide range of emotions including romantic and parental love.
Not shown is an area deeper in our brain that produces that feel good feeling of lust/desire. That is the Ventral Tegmental area which produces dopamine. I talk more about dopamine in my brain paintings on smoking (remember what I said above about addictions). When you and your partner are in that lovey-dovey phase in the relationship, this area of the brain is highly active.
May your brains be full of love today and always :) and remember the importance of loving yourself too!
Regards,
Michelle Hunter
Contemporary Artist Tel: (646) 504-5034
www.hunterart.com
info@hunterart.com
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Contact me if you would like to purchase original paintings or drawings (info@hunterart.com / 646-504-5034)
The Brain Series of Paintings, so far: http://hunterart.blogspot.com/p/brain-paintings.html
Purchase prints to fit your space here: http://www.hunterart.imagekind.com
Like on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/hunterart
Follow on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/artcoholic
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Wednesday, February 13, 2013
I'm Participating in Mondelez International Artist Showcase
Hi there,
For Black History Month, I'm am pleased to be able to showcase a couple of my paintings at Mondelez corporate offices in East Hanover, NJ. Not familiar with Mondelez? Well they are the (new) company behind your favorite snakes like Ritz and Oreos.
Five paintings of mine from the brain series will be included:
- Caffeine Headache
- Don't you remember?
- The Brain and Smoking part 1
- The Brain and Smoking part 2
- Yet to be Seen
Thank you to Milo at www.blackartistnews.com for the connection.
When speaking with the coordinator, she made a very good point. When people think of African American art, one may usually think of a more ethnic style of art. That though is only a small portion of the style of art African American artists create. Works span modern, contemporary, abstract and the list goes on. As such, we can't be found in one place. There isn't a registry, that I'm aware of, where artists can create a profile. Some artists may not even want to note their ethnicities on their website (I'm half black and middle eastern in case you were wondering).
We are out there though and happy to share our work with you :)
Tel: (646) 504-5034
www.hunterart.com
info@hunterart.com
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Contact me if you would like to purchase original paintings or drawings (info@hunterart.com / 646-504-5034)
The Brain Series of Paintings, so far: http://hunterart.blogspot.com/p/brain-paintings.html
Purchase prints to fit your space here: http://www.hunterart.imagekind.com
Like on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/hunterart
Follow on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/artcoholic
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For Black History Month, I'm am pleased to be able to showcase a couple of my paintings at Mondelez corporate offices in East Hanover, NJ. Not familiar with Mondelez? Well they are the (new) company behind your favorite snakes like Ritz and Oreos.
Five paintings of mine from the brain series will be included:
- Caffeine Headache
- Don't you remember?
- The Brain and Smoking part 1
- The Brain and Smoking part 2
- Yet to be Seen
Thank you to Milo at www.blackartistnews.com for the connection.
When speaking with the coordinator, she made a very good point. When people think of African American art, one may usually think of a more ethnic style of art. That though is only a small portion of the style of art African American artists create. Works span modern, contemporary, abstract and the list goes on. As such, we can't be found in one place. There isn't a registry, that I'm aware of, where artists can create a profile. Some artists may not even want to note their ethnicities on their website (I'm half black and middle eastern in case you were wondering).
We are out there though and happy to share our work with you :)
Regards,
Michelle Hunter
Contemporary Artist Tel: (646) 504-5034
www.hunterart.com
info@hunterart.com
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Contact me if you would like to purchase original paintings or drawings (info@hunterart.com / 646-504-5034)
The Brain Series of Paintings, so far: http://hunterart.blogspot.com/p/brain-paintings.html
Purchase prints to fit your space here: http://www.hunterart.imagekind.com
Like on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/hunterart
Follow on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/artcoholic
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday, February 2, 2013
It's Groundhog's Day! Don't get stuck in the past
Whenever I think about Groundhog's day, I don't think about the animal itself or the purpose of the day. I think about the Bill Murray movie where the day keeps repeating itself.
Do you feel that you are consciously or unconsciously stuck in the past? That was the inspiration for the first painting in my Brain Series called "Past, Present, Future or Dreaming".
The idea for this painting came from realizing, at a certain point in my life, that there were a couple of people around me that seemed to be stuck in the past. Like nothing that would happen in the present mattered. What happened in the present was only relevant in the context of the past. For someone on the outside of that thought process, it just didn't make sense. For those within it, it at some point became a natual way to think.
Personally, I think the past is only relevant when it has to do with present moment decision making. As an example, I'm at a restaurant and there's shell fish on the menu. Based on a prior experience with shell fish, I learned to stay away from it. Therefore, I make the decision to pick something else from the menu and continue being in the moment with whoever I'm having dinner with. Done. Period.
Instead for someone living in the past, they may see shell fish on the menu and go back into that experience of what happened the last time they had it. Perhaps they fell it, vomited, went to the hospital, etc. In doing that, the luxury of being in the moment is long gone. All that was really needed in that moment of seeing shell fish on the menu was recalling that you had a bad experience and will not order it. Done. Period.
If you feel that you are stuck in the past, feel free to share your experience here. I would recommend the book "The Power of Now" by Eckhart Tolle. Don't be surprised if you find yourself reading it a couple of times.
Tel: (646) 504-5034
www.hunterart.com
info@hunterart.com
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Contact me if you would like to purchase original paintings or drawings (info@hunterart.com / 646-504-5034)
The Brain Series of Paintings, so far: http://hunterart.blogspot.com/p/brain-paintings.html
Purchase prints to fit your space here: http://www.hunterart.imagekind.com
Like on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/hunterart
Follow on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/artcoholic
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The idea for this painting came from realizing, at a certain point in my life, that there were a couple of people around me that seemed to be stuck in the past. Like nothing that would happen in the present mattered. What happened in the present was only relevant in the context of the past. For someone on the outside of that thought process, it just didn't make sense. For those within it, it at some point became a natual way to think.
Personally, I think the past is only relevant when it has to do with present moment decision making. As an example, I'm at a restaurant and there's shell fish on the menu. Based on a prior experience with shell fish, I learned to stay away from it. Therefore, I make the decision to pick something else from the menu and continue being in the moment with whoever I'm having dinner with. Done. Period.
Instead for someone living in the past, they may see shell fish on the menu and go back into that experience of what happened the last time they had it. Perhaps they fell it, vomited, went to the hospital, etc. In doing that, the luxury of being in the moment is long gone. All that was really needed in that moment of seeing shell fish on the menu was recalling that you had a bad experience and will not order it. Done. Period.
If you feel that you are stuck in the past, feel free to share your experience here. I would recommend the book "The Power of Now" by Eckhart Tolle. Don't be surprised if you find yourself reading it a couple of times.
Regards,
Michelle Hunter
Contemporary Artist Tel: (646) 504-5034
www.hunterart.com
info@hunterart.com
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Contact me if you would like to purchase original paintings or drawings (info@hunterart.com / 646-504-5034)
The Brain Series of Paintings, so far: http://hunterart.blogspot.com/p/brain-paintings.html
Purchase prints to fit your space here: http://www.hunterart.imagekind.com
Like on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/hunterart
Follow on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/artcoholic
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday, January 21, 2013
What makes someone a leader? #inauguration
Today, two leaders are being recognized: Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and President Barack Obama.
There are a number of factors within ones mind that makes them a leader instead of a follower. One of those is the Limbic System (in green in the drawing). It is something within all of us that stores our memory. Recalling relevant experiences is very important for a leader so they can then make a preferred course of action based on prior learnings. That decision making process happens in the Pre/Neo Frontal Cortex (the orange region in the drawing).
Another important characteristic within a leader is the concern for others. Our Limbic System is also our emotional control center. It's not only families or loved ones that a leader is concerned about. It is also their constituents or key stakeholders. Decisions they make are meant to be in the best interests of those they work with.
These areas of the brain are more dense and active with learned knowledge.
What are some leaders that you look up to? Do you consider yourself a leader or a follower?
Regards,
Michelle Hunter
Contemporary Artist Tel: (646) 504-5034
www.hunterart.com
info@hunterart.com
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Contact me if you would like to purchase original paintings or drawings (info@hunterart.com / 646-504-5034)
The Brain Series of Paintings, so far: http://hunterart.blogspot.com/p/brain-paintings.html
Purchase prints to fit your space here: http://www.hunterart.imagekind.com
Like on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/hunterart
Follow on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/artcoholic
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
It is #Wikipedia Day!!! Our online hippocampus.
Need I say more! What a great tool Wikipedia is. On this day in 2001, the site went public. An insane amount of information is on there that is always evolving to include new stories and significant events.
For the occasion, I've done a quick brain drawing. The Wikipedia icon we are familiar with is placed where the hippocampus part of our brain lives. What is the hippocampus? It is a key part of our memory functioning. When we are learning something, which is what we set out to do when accessing such resource sites like Wikipedia, the hippocampus is busy storing the information that comes in.
How do you use Wikipedia? I use it sometimes for quick research on parts of the brain. Usually I'll cross reference the information with books and other resources I have on the brain. The Wikipedia tool certainly points you in the right direction for further research.
Happy birthday Wikipedia!!
Regards,
Michelle Hunter
Contemporary Artist Tel: (646) 504-5034
www.hunterart.com
info@hunterart.com
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Contact me if you would like to purchase original paintings or drawings (info@hunterart.com / 646-504-5034)
The Brain Series of Paintings, so far: http://hunterart.blogspot.com/p/brain-paintings.html
Purchase prints to fit your space here: http://www.hunterart.imagekind.com
Like on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/hunterart
Follow on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/artcoholic
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