It isn't visual art, but I was going through some videos and came across one here from some composers I appreciate. In the interview they are asked about their creation for their opera. You'll find some similarities in how they gather ideas and craft them into musical metaphor and how you could apply this to your own creative endeavors. Listen to the video interview and offer up any thoughtful conversation.
A Roundtable Conversation on Tomorrow, In A Year from The Knife on Vimeo.

Welcome to the totally awesome Aldana drawing blog extraordinaire.  We will be using this blog as a lighthearted way to express ideas, learn about some new artists you might not know about and offer more insight into your endeavors in the art world.  Participation does count. I'd like you to post something every week.  Be involved!  Rattle off ideas, flesh them out with other students, see their reactions. As we all know, talking online is usually a little more brutal than face to face, however, I'd like it if you retained the same decorum that you would have with one another in the class room, besides, you never know who will be the next unibomber and you don't want to piss them off.   So for the first week, I just want a simple discussion on concept.  Please, be open and honest as well as insightful and don't leave ill thought simpleton answers.  Elaboration is encouraged... but then again, nobody likes a douche so keep that in mind.

For discussion, what do you think "concept" is and what is its roll in YOUR art?  To what degree is concept important to your work?  What is your definition of "art"? Why is your definition right?  What is your goal as a budding arti