ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces productive forms of interaction and conflict into a studio practice helps to generate innovative forms of thinking and making. These forms of interaction and conflict can be very energizing and productive, but they can also evoke some level of fear and anxiety. There are many ways in which artists create and move into productive forms of interaction and conflict. Concurrent or overlapping projects help the artist from overworking pieces. Developing more than one project at a time allows the artist to take a break from a work while keeping hand and mind engaged. Developing projects simultaneously also strengthens the artist or designer's work and increases his or her ability to move in new directions. The benefit of this type of experience is supported by recent educational studies on "interleaving", a method of learning in which one moves back and forth between different, but related skills within a specific area.
