history of modern thought
Ways of Seeing - perspective
Images from Flickr - https://www.flickr.com/photos/x-ray_delta_one/with/3910733891/ , James Vaughan
In our current COVID world and in place of the physical classroom I find it interesting that we are using the tools of modern technology to cast our gaze back to the past. When so much of history is reflected back to us in all manner of contemporary design, fashion, publication, film and television. when artists cast their creative vision forward to create the future, it somehow always reminds me of high styled 50’s cinema and advertising.
Audrey in Givenchy
Funny Face, 1957, Stanley Donen, Paramount Pictures. Pinterest - https://pin.it/499VO20
Perspective
What stayed with me from the lecture is the nature and development of perspective. It was refined to show us the depth of our world. That depth allowed artists to create a hierarchy and place importance on one thing over another. Grounded in mathematical principals, there were rules to perspective.
In my current life my house is up for sale and i have been looking for a new residence. Perspective especially in the photography of potential new dwellings has become a puzzle. Altered through lenses and photoshop these perspectives need to be undone so a truer sense of space can be seen. They have played dirty tricks on me. Big boxes have turned out to be shoeboxes.
The development of technology has allowed our perspective to become so distorted. In a time where we understand the physics of perspective we are still sold a misshapen, larger than life view. Everything is ‘extra!’ In many areas the adherence to the mathematical principals of perspective are thrown out the window. Design has fed us an alternate world view, and for the most part, we eat it up. Even when what we see with our eyes doesn’t match.
Image by Stuart Garske, Dinosaur Designs, serenity in the bedroom
The ideal form - simplicity - truth
With perspective comes truth. Looking around my house, I have found that I am surrounded with simplicity.
Simplicity of form.
There is a truth to all these objects. None have a pretense, or are cloaked in decoration. For me they represent ‘ideal forms’ and they bestow a sense of calm and order to my environment. I do find truth in these items. They speak honestly about themselves and their makers.
carefully crafted simplicity comes with a price tag.
is truth now such a rare idea, that it carries more monetary value in todays world?
Is truth unatainable for some…
Images by Stuart Garske
Left to right, Murano glass vase, Sleepwalker by Yoshimoto Nara, Moon bowl by Kartell, Stelton EM77 Water Vacuum Thermal Jug by Erik Magnussen, Beetle Bowl by Dinosaur Designs, Yurimaru Hand blown Glass by Amanda Dziedzic, Rock Vase by Dinosaur Designs.