Optics and Illusions

Do you like optical illusions? As a youngster, looking at something in a way that altered my perception was intriquing to say the least. Even now, while surfing the net, one can find some videos of  Illusory Imagery Check it out. One might even consider this illusion hallucinogenic ... and no mind altering substances are necessary to appreciate it!

The following painting was done by Russian Artist Yuriy Matrosov

 

Although the picture above is not really an optical illusion...in way it is. Trompe L' Oeil ( to fool the eye ) trys to give the illusion of something three dimensional and to place it on a two dimensional surface.Drop shadows are sometimes used to make an image pop off of the surface underneath.

This "Dragons Eye" is always fun to do on larger rocks. The surface has to be flat enough, yet rotund enough to make the eye look real. These have been done these in the past, and are always a bit challenging in trying to get a dimensional and glassy look from the painting. This is this week's "Rock of the Week'.

A Mystery to be lived

"Life is a mystery to be lived, and not a problem to be solved." This quote from Adriana Trigiani echoes what seems to have been happening lately.I've had a tooth pulled, a cracked windshield replaced, and a hot water heater go kapoot. I've also been eating lots of vegetables and trying to get a good night's sleep.What does any of this have to do with the price of tea in China? Metaphors and symbolism has always intriqued me. Everything always seems to have so much meaning, yet is still so mysterious!

When something is put into words, our interpretation of those words trigger images and ideas that are questionably either positive or negative. Yet all our thoughts are malleable. Just as much as the previous paragraph can be considered jibberish, it probably still brings ideas and images to the fore.

 Do you ever stop and ask yourself, " Why did a picture and thought about a gazebo just pop into my head? Can you trace it back? Was it a memory, a complete thought or merely a passing one ? Did it contribute to a certain belief or cherished opinion? These are thoughts that I've been having about having thoughts lately. Oy! (The committee always seems to be in session). Does this mind even have a mind of it's own?

Having a source for one's thoughts will fortify our opinions for sure. Making an assessment, evaluation or observation will keep us from making a judgement which invariably will cause a reaction if voiced. Socrates questioned everything. Not a bad way to proceed. Another way is to keep one's silence and be thought of as "Ignorant" ( or conversely wise or humble ) than, as Abraham Lincoln would say " Open one's mouth and remove all doubt !"

Below, is this weeks Rock of the week...

Do fish bark? Hmmm...