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Clayton Lord on new art and new audiences

mirror neurons/mirroring

June 1, 2010 by Clayton Lord

Mirror neurons are a type of neuron primarily found in the ventral premotor area and intraparietal area of the primate brain, with possible existence in other areas.  They fire both when a specific action is performed and when a person observes the same action performed by another — a process called mirroring.  It is unclear whether the link demonstrated between action and perception and production and comprehension (as in a stage show and the audience watching it) is completely true, but some research seems to indicate it might be.

Filed Under: Glossary

Comments

  1. Katherine Cramer says

    June 24, 2011 at 1:13 pm

    I’ve also been interested in mirror neurons having first seen the 2005 NOVA presentation at a time when I was preparing a workshop on Empathy. How we experience all that we observe down to the cellular level seems key to increasing our understanding of how story, art, music, relationship and emotions are somatically processed and inform our ways of navigating life’s complexities. The link between early notions of empathy or even catharsis and how we self-educate to act appropriately may be a powerful tool that is most often used unconsciously. As a psychotherapist with former training in acting, a deep love for The Arts and attunement to narratives, how might I consciously use my mirror neurons to increase my therapeutic empathy skills? Thanks for keeping a spotlight on the mechanics of empathy and how we are enriched by experiencing Theatre Arts as well as all the other forms of expression.
    Katherine in Oakland

About Clayton Lord

Clayton Lord is the Vice President of Local Arts Advancement for Americans for the Arts, the nation’s leading nonprofit organization for advancing the arts and arts education. He holds a B.A. from Georgetown University in English and Psychology. Read More…

About New Beans

I believe that art makes better humans, but that that can only happen when the line from art to audience is as taut, clean and consistent as possible.  The interplay between artmakers and audience members is central to what we do and vital to the success of the enterprise.  That crackle across the wire, that static in the air at a live event, is good.  It makes your ears hum, your hair stand on end--it's what connects people in a room behind and in front of the fourth wall.  As Tom … [Read More...]

Disclaimer

The views on New Beans are Clay Lord's own, and do not necessarily reflect the views of his employer, Americans for the Arts, or any clients or affiliates.  Please email Clay at claytonlord@gmail.com with any questions.

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