Art Synectics

This excellent book illustrates beautifully the analogy building aspect of the powerful Synectic problem solving process, from the standpoint of art & sketching. It never cease to amaze me, as I often turn to the many pages for creative inspiration. It is also packed with easy to follow and fun exercises. It is among my first few books on understanding the Synectic process. Synectics was created by William J J Gordon & George Prince in the 50's or 60's. The process can be applied in both the educational as well as business settings. In fact, Gordon had created many exercise books for use in the schools. Unfortunately many of his good stuff in this respect are now out of print and hard to get.

If you teach art, make art, or just like to try new things, get this book any way you can! Ideas are simple and short-- no reading and reading just to find the procedures- no long-winded justifications. There are several activities on each page which serve for a one or more class periods project or as a jumping-off place for your own ideas. I think you'll turn to this book again and again, as there is just too much to digest in a year of classes. The only drawback is the lack of visual examples. There are no color photos and, often, the examples are from professonal artists and may not match the project exactly. As a source of inspiration, though, this has no equal (unless it's Roukes' other book, Design Synectics, for which I long!). There is even a spinner to generate ideas! If you have trouble finding this one, try saxarts.com

I have taught art for ten years, and this book is an invaluable resource. makes the instructor more creative, as well as the student.