Visual Literacy – Expand Your Creativity
Our culture is extremely visual. Everything from TV, advertising, movies, magazines, architecture, interior design, video games, im sure you get the point…
Visual Literacy is defined “as the ability to understand communications composed of visual images as well as being able to use visual imagery to communicate to others.”
In order to become visually literate, one must practice expressing their thoughts and ideas in visual forms such as drawings (encoding) and translating/understanding the meaning of visual imagery (decoding).
Visual literacy isn’t always easy. In fact some artists make their visual work difficult to understand, and only those truly observant will understand. Show me a photograph, and there is an excellent chance I will be able to interpret the photographers intentions only because of my years of practice and dedication.
Benefits of Visual Literacy
· Increase of Creative Capacity
· Enhanced Observational Skills
· Improves visual represented comprehension (charts, graphs..etc.)
· Improves Capacity to Develop Powerful Concepts and Solutions
· Enhances Ability to Think Simplicity
Sure visuals can be complicated, but those that have the most powerful concept are the simplest in form. If you are out to problem solve and need to understand the concept of simplicity, visual literacy is a great way of getting there.
Take a good look at the above image. I shot that image while I was in Wisconsin. I used special lens filters on my camera just to get my intention across visually. Any ideas on what I was trying to portray? Leave a comment and lets see what everyone comes up with. It’s a good starting point.
Those who are creative tend to have a high capacity of visual literacy. Unfortunately many major institutions other than design schools have tested visual literacy, however, I am big believer in Visual Literacy. It helps Problem Solve, and problems are a large part of everyday life. So why not emphasize something so important to everyday life?
Cheers
Mitesh Solanki
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July 16th, 2008 at 8:32 pm
I dont even know where to start interpreting that image. Perhaps a follow up post on how to go about interpreting visuals?
July 16th, 2008 at 8:40 pm
Mitesh I think its a lost world?
Interesting post its one of your best!!!
July 19th, 2008 at 6:37 pm
This was fun and challenging!
How about a message for death: “Go to the light.”
July 21st, 2008 at 3:34 pm
Great post Mitesh! I love the sun bursting through the trees as if it has a message for us. I’ve been reading A LOT on visual literacy. I work in technology integration at the elementary level and find ways to increase visual literacy lesson plans because our culture, as you so clearly wrote, is extremely visual. Thanks for the post too!
November 19th, 2008 at 3:16 am
Dear Mitesh
Very good shot & you are using special lens filters. i love this photo
sharad ambulkar
August 18th, 2009 at 6:33 am
What a great shot. When I look at your photo I see a spider’s web. It is interesting to read other peoples interpretations of your shot. I would really like to know your intention for this photo.
Karyn
November 18th, 2009 at 2:35 pm
To the image signifies hope ” There is a light at the end of the tunnel”. The trees are dark, ovewhelming / overpowering…but if overcome there will be a rewarding/ inspiring outcome. I’m surious what interpretation you were looking for? What were you trying to express.