A New Perspective

by Judy

"If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change."

-Wayne Dyer-

There is an exercise for art students where the artist views a photo and draws a picture of what they see.  They then turn the photo upside down and draw a second picture of what they see.  Without fail, it's found that the second drawing more accurately represents the image in the photo.  Why is this?  Apparently, looking at the photo upside down keeps us from focusing on our preconceived notions of what something looks like.  When the photo is viewed upside down, the artist focuses on the smaller details, the shapes and lines, the little pieces, instead of the image as a whole.

A recent major event has made me feel as if my life has been turned upside down. Without really talking about 'it', we all know what I'm talking about. I'm flooded with many feelings - devastation, despair, worry.  And I know I'm not alone. (Alert...This is not a political post. This is not a post about 'sides.')

Looking at the big picture has been extremely frightening.  I just see this "big thing."  It feels overwhelming, intimidating and frustrating. But in a moment of clarity I thought of the art exercise, and I wondered if I could use that same idea to look at this "big thing" from a different perspective.  

By turning things upside down can this overwhelming thing be broken down into more manageable pieces?  Are there things there that I can work on?  According to author and creative expert Michael Michalko, "perception is an active rather than a passive process, it constructs rather than records 'reality.'  You construct how you choose to see the world."

By changing my perspective can I construct a more positive reality - at least a more positive path to follow? I can see myself walking this positive path, and just as the artist does, I imagine focusing on the smaller pieces, the shapes, the lines. As I walk this path I imagine being joined by others, who like me, are trying to find the positive amid all of the negative. With time, I imagine finding clarity, and with that clarity, I imagine this positive path branching off into many other positive paths.  

It's early in this thought process, so I really don't know if this is something I can do, but I do know that a new perspective is worth a try.  It is definitely worth a try.  

Do you ever feel the need to just turn things upside down? A new perspective can help all of us in every aspect of our lives.  Some time alone to be with your thoughts is usually helpful. Quiet time seems to bring about some lucidity and awakens our mind to look at things differently.



  

Attention

by Carol

It takes time that few are willing to give or make. It takes slowing down and looking, yes, but it also takes attention and thought. Since I was a little girl people have said to me "I can't believe you noticed that!" Of course (no kidding) they have also said "Are you paying attention?" - meaning am I looking  at what they think I should be looking at. Maybe I wasn't looking at those math problems, but I did notice that berry frozen in the snow.

It wasn't really on purpose when I was younger, but Meister Eckhart says that this looking is freedom. If we have "the freedom to look without preconception" we are able to discover new sights. It's work to unblock your vision, and realize that the rusty nail is as beautiful as a flower.

As I have been taking a watercolor/sketch course online, I have had to paint or sketch something everyday. I see my classmates choosing shoes, desk supplies, bowls, toothbrushes, and it makes me wonder why we are all drawn to the subjects we choose. It's the same with our photography, of course. Why is our Terri drawn to her flowers so strongly? Or Kim her bugs, Kelly her home vignettes, Cathy her nature walks, or me my boats? And on and on for all of us.

I think it comes from deep within - from everything we have done and seen, but also what our ancestors have done and seen too. Have you ever watched "Who Do You Think You Are?. Isn't it interesting that the histories often reveal generations of teachers, or musicians, or soldiers, or artists? I don't think it's a coincidence. I don't always know why I choose to see, but I'm so glad I do. I wouldn't want to be limited in what I see. I wouldn't want to be any other way! Why do you choose to look at what you do?  

"When a pickpocket looks at a saint, he sees pockets."

                                             Meister Eckhart

     (Don't forget to try some dark and moody for our gallery too!)