Thinking by drawing: Advancing by thinking

Abstract

In our culture, it is usually considered that thinking is basically a mental activity. We are not usually aware that we are also thinking when we speak, write, read, draw, walk or play. In fact, the way we think forms part of what we think. By externalizing thoughts, we shape what we have inside of us. This involves a process – some steps that, however, being prior to the result, are usually dismissed. They are not considered valid since the important thing is the outcome. However, the steps that are dismissed lead to new and creative aspects of thinking, aspects that were perhaps previously unforeseen. Three examples of reflection are presented. They are based on the idea of respect within the couple and they are the work of three young students who, through their writings, drawings, sketches and tests, externalize the representations and meanings that they are developing. The various ways in which they express what they think and what they feel about this idea evidence new unanticipated meanings created in the course of the process of sketching their thinking. This psychoeducational approach would favor other ways of thinking, alien to those that only focus on the outcome of an activity.

Keywords: Drawing, process, respect, meanings, representations, thinking.