One of the problems of our daily life is that we are bombarded with information, images, sensations, emotions and noise. To be an effective artist, you have to be able to isolate, concentrate, observe, digest, sense and interpret these things. To do this, you must be able to focus and be present in the moment with nothing but your materials and the interpretation of yous subject to concern you.
This second exercise will help you learn how to see without judging; to observe without preconception.
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Please pick up an inanimate object close to you. It would be better if the object doesn't have any writing on it and isn't strongly sentimental to you. Choose something that you may never have closely examined before or from which you are detached to some degree.
Look at this object in your hand. Remove from your mind any words that describe its form or its function and look at it as if you have never seen anything like it before. Look at its ever shape, texture and colour. Notice the way is shines or absorbs light, its transparency, opacity, temperature, dryness and sense how your hand is responding to its weight, texture and form.
Don't judge it, don't assign labels or descriptions to it in your head. Don't call it 'dirty' - rather notice that it is not clean or new and that it has some 'stuff' on it. Don't decide that it should be thrown out - rather observe its cracks and curls; its patina and warm. Words are thoughts and this exercise is only about perception.
After three or four minutes with your object with no 'thoughtful' interruptions, you will be ready to continue your work.
