So its the first week of our studio ‘Translating Observation’ , in class we discussed the importance of noticing and how when we are observing our surroundings it has to be a simple process with little thought.
The written form is a way to express thoughts in a clear and organised way. In our minds observations are as simple as comments that we make. Perhaps there something smells good and we say that out loud. But when writing a piece down we cant just write that the food had a good smell because that gives us no actual information. By processing this idea in our head, we can organise our thoughts and the senses we observe to communicate in written form to describe how this smelt, how it made us feel, to give an all round description that no matter when we read it we would always remember that moment. I think Robin is wanting us to engage with the written form as opposed to verbal, to really allow us time to put our ideas into a structured sentence to give it meaning and to ensure that it’s logical. The process of writing itself will help us transform all our ideas of a moment or experience into a physical and tangible artefact.
I think in simple terms Robins ideas about the written form is that what you have said isn’t useful until you write them down in an organised way. It needs to be both descriptive and subjective so this will give you something to write about when you are inclined to do so. As you write it’ll transform into a logical idea/event/experience or feeling.
Just by initiating this conversation in class has allowed me to notice more things, observe peoples behaviour and consider their story. We as people observe things 24/7 but now I have started transforming a few of these thoughts onto paper. Which in turn creates an exciting piece thats showcases everything I just witnessed but instead of a thought its turned into almost a snapshot picture of the situation I just witnessed. Not only that but it allows me to give a greater consideration to things I notice around me, I’ve begun to question, assume and imagine possibilities. I have begun to engage creatively, imagine stories that could be.
I think the more I do of these observations the more coherent and descriptive they will appear. Currently I am finding my feet in the way I transfer my thought observation to a written one but it’s something I will continually work at.
