‘’REFLECTION’

 

I read recently that ‘reflection is one antidote to the numbness caused by this cultural over-load; patient, ongoing consideration of the significance of the world to oneself’1

I belief that there is a great truth in this statement. It is all too easy to exist in a world full of deadlines and timetables that our society leaves practically no time to reflect on what it is all about or what is most important to us. While a lot of us do plan for the future we must evaluate the past to progress in our lives.

As an artist I have always kept a journal, but more of a visual journal to record something of interest that I would have fallen upon. It is always a good idea to keep a journal with you at all times especially while traveling as the environment

Is constantly changing and the un-known is very exciting and unfamiliar.

These diaries would usually consist of images and doodles and very few words. This is one of the reasons why a feel more relaxed with the visual than the text . I can express myself freely and clearly with a series of marks and if we think about it, children learn to draw before they can write so it is a very natural form of expression. From drawing on sand with a stick to scribbling with our fingers on a window filled with condensation.

I hold a fear of the literal that I have realized through my reflection from Tuesday s session. While reflection is a self-observation of our inner thoughts and actions, it can be a tough task to do but also tougher to evaluate the work of your fellow colleagues. You feel a little overwhelmed and embarrassed especially if your views are not that informed on a particular subject.

While I found the exercise a challenge, I feel it is an important learning curve to ensure that your maximum potential is achieved.

Reflection need’ s to become a conscious habit or part of a ritual like the visual diary or as I come to think about it this on-line journal what we have started.

‘ Rituals use repetition to create the experience of walking the same path again and again with the possibility of discovering new meaning that would otherwise be invisible’2

                                                          MC .Bateson

 

 References 

 1.Drawing from life, The journal as art. MC. Bateson. New York press 2005

2.Drawing from life, The journal as art. MC. Bateson ,New York press 2005