This image shows both a duck facing left and a rabbit facing right. Joseph Jastrow was the first to describe the illusion but the image was based on older sources.
Like the impossible triangle illusions of the past here is a modern day impossible object. Utilizing legos, a Sony Cybershot camera and some old fashioned know how the artist created this exceptional optical illusion.
illusion by bbzippo (c)2004
Here is another excellent optical illusion. The base image is an anomalous motion optical illusion. It is very hard not to believe that the image itself is not moving.
Which way is the dancer spinning… clockwise or counter-clockwise?
Most people will see her turning counter-clockwise, which apparently means you’re more left brained (logical). I see her spinning that way, and it’s at first almost impossible to imagine her going clockwise. But it happens, usually by focusing or when something unexpectedly alters your perception.
reality based
forms strategies
practical
safe
RIGHT BRAIN FUNCTIONS
uses feeling
“big picture” oriented
imagination rules
symbols and images
present and future
philosophy & religion
can “get it” (i.e. meaning)
believes
appreciates
spatial perception
knows object function
fantasy based
presents possibilities
impetuous
risk taking
Many people associate the right brain with creativity and lateral thinking, and there’s certainly something to that. Our left brains create structures that can act as barriers to alternative solutions and perspectives.
But your left brain plays a crucial role in creativity as well. Seeing logical associations between seemingly unrelated things is a hallmark of creativity. And the critical-thinking skills necessary to tell a good idea from a bad one are pretty important too.
So… tell us which way your dancer spins for you in the comments. And weigh in with your opinion about the right brain versus left brain for creativity… isn’t it a really a “whole mind” thing?
