Imagery

Where do Images Come From?

There are two ways to think about the sources of images: memory images and imaginational images. Responding to an experience-based question, such as “What did you have for breakfast this morning?” creates an image that recalls a memory based on an actual event. On the other hand, thinking about what is needed for innovation in a new lawn mower creates imagery that might be less familiar, imaginative, or even bizarre. Carl Jung would say that archetypal images may emerge from the collective unconscious in our dreams, thoughts, or even memories. The collective unconscious is that unknown knowledge or wisdom that is shared by humanity, which does not need to be experienced individually to emerge as an image.

What do Images do for Us?

Applied research studies have been conducted to illustrate the value of imagery in improving human performance or well-being. Imagery has been linked to performance improvement in sports, such as playing golf, soccer, or basketball; in encouraging healthy lifestyle patterns, such as eliminating food craving, reducing stress, stopping smoking, or increasing exercise. Imagery has been used to facilitate relationships when living in community, such as nursing homes or residence halls at college. Alternative health professionals, including mental health professionals, use imagery and visual expression in various therapies, including art therapy. Imagery has been shown to be effective to help people recover from illnesses or deal with depression or anxiety.

Creative and eminent artists, musicians, inventors, and other visual or performing artists often describe with vivid detail the imagery that leads to their outstanding performances. Imagery is used in the education of novices in the arts, in much the same way as it is used in sports, to imagine performance. For writers, imagery has a specialized role as writers describe in language vivid images with great sensory detail. Creating a metaphor that produces imagery is a writing talent, for instance.

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