Subject

C O N S I D E R:
From 'Form, Space & Vision, An Introduction to Drawing and Design'.
We spend our days taking in a great deal of visual information.... Most of the time we are content to observe things simply to identify them, position them in space, act with regard to their presence in such a way as to satisfy prevailing existential needs, and then file the information away. Such is the nature of a normal act of perception. But moments of heightened perception seem to occur when we are unusually mentally receptive, ready (consciously or unconsciously) to exercise our imaginations and to advance a little further in understanding ourselves in relation to the world. When these internal conditions apply, our senses seem to become keener to serve; and the visual sense in particular is likely to regard the world more acutely, and to discover aspects of it which suddenly assume significance. These new vistas--whether minute or on a grand scale--are significant for one fundamental reason: They present an external form into which we can imaginatively project ourselves. They have the capacity to not only invite imaginative response, but also to shape it.

".... Out of the millions of pebbles passed in walking along the shore, I choose out to see with excitement only those which fit in with my existing form-interest at the time...." Henry Moore

When one is on the lookout, certain forms stand out from the rest. Their shapes assume physical significance because they act as catalysts--they arouse those "felt thoughts" which comprise the substance of the imagination . . . . Any act of heightened perception not only provides us with detailed visual knowledge of the form perceived, but inevitably ensures that we gain knowledge about ourselves due to the compelling nature of our response . . . .

"For oft, when on my couch I lie
In vacant or in pensive mood,
They flash upon that inward eye
Which is the bliss of solitude;
And then my heart with pleasure fills,

William Wordworth's, 'The Daffodils'

[Collier, Graham. Form, Space & Vision, An Introduction to Drawing and Design. Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey: Prentice-Hall, 1985. pg. 226-243]

R  E  F  E  R  E  N  C  E  S 

2 Subject adj [14c] 1: owing obedience or allegiance to the power or dominion of another 2a: suffering a patticular liability or exposure [__ to temptation] b: having a tendency or inclination: Prone [__ to colds] 3: contingent on or under the influence of some later action [the plan is __ to discussion] -syn. see Liable

3 Subject vt [14c] 1a: to bring under control or dominion: Subjugate b: to make [as oneself] amenable to the discipline and control of a superior 2: to make liable: Predispose 3: to cause or force to undergo or endure [something unpleasant, inconvenient, or trying] [was __ed to constant verbal abuse]