May 2014
Welcome --
"Sculpture occupies real space
like we do … you walk around it
and relate to it almost as another person
or another
object."
(Chuck Close)
Let's consider the rich lessons a sculpture holds. It's a wealth of different views, textures, perspectives
and styles in one object. You can experience it from different angles, in different light, during different times, and so on.
You can return to it and see it anew, walk around it, or just commune with it. We've all done this. We all have our favorites.
Now let's bring this into a deeper practice. Allow the sculpture to be a representation of possibilities, full of limitless teachings.
Go to a museum with a friend. Find a sculpture that speaks to the two of you -- one that you can walk around. Choose an angle of it that you like. Have your friend do the same. Revel in the experience. Feel what it's like to enjoy what you're seeing -- and why.
Now, switch positions -- literally stand in the other's place and experience what your friend was seeing. Allow Your Self to appreciate his/her take on the piece.
Then move to two new angles -- switch again -- repeat.
Purposely find a viewpoint that doesn't speak to you.
Be with it. Let it teach you something -- about your sense of tolerance and acceptance.
You don't have to like what you see -- you probably won't, at first. Just appreciate the notion of "other".
Play with this. Find other sculptures, go with other friends. And then -- take it back into the real world.
When you find Your Self with someone who has a different viewpoint:
Stop.
Breathe.
Walk around the "sculpture".
Dare to experience it differently.
Again, you needn't like it. And what's the worst that can happen? Nothing. The best? -- an entirely different understanding of something you hadn't "seen" before.
Enjoy the Art ~
"Sculpture is the art of the intelligence."
(Pablo Picasso)