I used to put small objects such as these into brown lunch bags for my students to draw, using only their sense of touch to introduce them to the shapes (no peeking!). Not the same thing, but a very good way to see without one’s eyes. Mr. Peanut was the easiest for them to identify (that hat and peanut texture let them perceive something they had already experienced), as was a rubber alligator, but a tiny pagoda was nearly impossible. Most students drew a turtle. And the wooden figurine that looked like a fertility goddess was even harder than the pagoda. I wonder if the goddess would like to take a walk when it warms up. She’s still hanging out in my studio and would probably enjoy getting dusted.
Burying small objects in a tub of rice and then trying to identify them by touch is also a technique used for people who have experienced a stroke, teaching them to reconnect with their perceptions. Worked for me.
On my car’s dashboard, I travel with a 2.5” Oscar the Grouch. He makes my journeys joyous and whimsical. Years ago I purchased a few plastic “heroes” I adore and made each a little wood message box. Mark Twain, Leonardo da Vinci, Marie curie and a few others. They sit on a shelf in my study. Whenever I am stuck on a question without an answer, I write down my issue and hand it off to my “board of directors.” Literary questions, creativity blocks, etc. You’d be amazed how handing off your problems to a panel of experts frees you up to pursue other things. Not surprisingly, I eventually get my answer. Telepathically of course. I highly recommend something similar to anyone struggling through life’s little and big questions.
Just for fun I once added up the earthly ages of everyone on my board of directors and learned that I was tapping into the wisdom learned in over 500 years.
I love the concept of "The Art of Noticing." This resonates with me deeply although I have never thought about it in relation to small objects. I will definitely be giving this a try.
I have used this concept more in my art and poetry Noticing (Learning to Look Without Grabbing) Muraqabah (مُراقبة) — sacred attention, watchfulness without grasping). If that makes sense.
I love this. It makes me realise I usually travel with companions in my imagination. What will I take home to tell my husband? What will I take for the people who follow my author newsletter? If a character in the novel I'm working on was here with me, what would we be noticing? And when I'm out and about with my horse, I'm noticing with his senses (because that's a matter of our survival). Charming piece, Rob.
What a twist on perspectives and appreciation, somewhere in there I am sure gratitude. I will find something to make lil figurines out of to engage with this activity and growth opportunity. Thank you very much for posting.
I used to do this! I love that this reminded me to start again! It really gives photography a focus when you take mini objects along and its a real conversation starter.
I've used various small objects in the past 1) my alter-Lego "Dabelle" persona was a long term companion and project with her own IG account and printed photo books 2) a tiny white magnetic figurine 3) Danbo
I really loved this concept. I feel like it would really boost one’s imagination and it’s fun to see the world from a guide’s perspective. You’re forced to see everything from somebody else’s perspective.
This...this is psyhogeography run by fairies.
I love it.
I used to put small objects such as these into brown lunch bags for my students to draw, using only their sense of touch to introduce them to the shapes (no peeking!). Not the same thing, but a very good way to see without one’s eyes. Mr. Peanut was the easiest for them to identify (that hat and peanut texture let them perceive something they had already experienced), as was a rubber alligator, but a tiny pagoda was nearly impossible. Most students drew a turtle. And the wooden figurine that looked like a fertility goddess was even harder than the pagoda. I wonder if the goddess would like to take a walk when it warms up. She’s still hanging out in my studio and would probably enjoy getting dusted.
Burying small objects in a tub of rice and then trying to identify them by touch is also a technique used for people who have experienced a stroke, teaching them to reconnect with their perceptions. Worked for me.
Wow this is great, and Sally the rice idea is excellent too!
This is so cool... At 62 I carry around a miniature Wile Cayote in my pocket....I guess im not alone after all...
On my car’s dashboard, I travel with a 2.5” Oscar the Grouch. He makes my journeys joyous and whimsical. Years ago I purchased a few plastic “heroes” I adore and made each a little wood message box. Mark Twain, Leonardo da Vinci, Marie curie and a few others. They sit on a shelf in my study. Whenever I am stuck on a question without an answer, I write down my issue and hand it off to my “board of directors.” Literary questions, creativity blocks, etc. You’d be amazed how handing off your problems to a panel of experts frees you up to pursue other things. Not surprisingly, I eventually get my answer. Telepathically of course. I highly recommend something similar to anyone struggling through life’s little and big questions.
This is fantastic!
Just for fun I once added up the earthly ages of everyone on my board of directors and learned that I was tapping into the wisdom learned in over 500 years.
So are you!!! Thank you kindly.
I love the concept of "The Art of Noticing." This resonates with me deeply although I have never thought about it in relation to small objects. I will definitely be giving this a try.
I have used this concept more in my art and poetry Noticing (Learning to Look Without Grabbing) Muraqabah (مُراقبة) — sacred attention, watchfulness without grasping). If that makes sense.
I love this. It makes me realise I usually travel with companions in my imagination. What will I take home to tell my husband? What will I take for the people who follow my author newsletter? If a character in the novel I'm working on was here with me, what would we be noticing? And when I'm out and about with my horse, I'm noticing with his senses (because that's a matter of our survival). Charming piece, Rob.
Lots here that made me pause and think this morning. A pleasure as always to read it. Thank you.
What a twist on perspectives and appreciation, somewhere in there I am sure gratitude. I will find something to make lil figurines out of to engage with this activity and growth opportunity. Thank you very much for posting.
I used to do this! I love that this reminded me to start again! It really gives photography a focus when you take mini objects along and its a real conversation starter.
I've used various small objects in the past 1) my alter-Lego "Dabelle" persona was a long term companion and project with her own IG account and printed photo books 2) a tiny white magnetic figurine 3) Danbo
The alter ego idea sounds really fun!
I really loved this concept. I feel like it would really boost one’s imagination and it’s fun to see the world from a guide’s perspective. You’re forced to see everything from somebody else’s perspective.
This is so delightful but also an amazing activity to get the creative mind flowing! I am going to try it out with some of my coaching clients.
Oooh I'd love to hear how that goes!
I loved this project!! I am looking forward to trying it myself
awesome
I love this, and did it with a small bear figurine ("Mr. Fuzzy") in 2024 when I backpacked 75 miles of the Colorado Trail. A selection of pictures from his (our) journey are here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Q1ZslB8SBijT9LyaYKnjKjXiEqaAutT9?usp=sharing