In The Little Book of Contemplative Photography, the author, Howard Zehr, suggests an exercise that I find very helpful, especially to enhance my understanding of images - including my own. He suggests that once a week we spend at least 10 minutes with a selected photograph and then, he instructs;
‘As you do, consider three topics in this order:
1 I see (Describe: examine each object, each detail, the light etc. The associate: what are you reminded of by the shapes, juxtapositions etc?)
2 I feel (What do you feel as you look at the image?)
3 I think (Interpret and analyse)’
Obviously it is intended that the sequence can be applied to any photograph or work of art (or, indeed, any aspect of life!) but, for now, I invite you to examine the two pictures of the small sculpture below:
I recommend Zehr’s book. It is a slim volume, cheap, and includes a number of useful exercises.
From a grotesque nut (image 1) to sympathy for a human in pain.
Thanks Elena. That’s interesting. I imagine the sculptor followed a not dissimilar path.
My copy of the ‘Little Book’ should be winging it’s way to me any day now. Hopefully it’ll get my creative juices running!
I hope it helps. For me, it opened a few doors.