The Aesthetic Dimensions in Art and Society

Chapter 11: Key The terms “low key” and “high key” are often used in photography. They refer to photographs that are overall bright or dark. “High Key” images are predominately light or  white, like a white cat sitting on a white sofa. “Low Key” is dark and somber, a black dog in a dark tunnel.  […]

Potential

The nature and extent of what’s possible Reflecting on this single point of light emerging from the darkness, I think about the Big Bang or Big Breath and connect it to the notion that from nothingness the universe burst forth into “pure potential.” To see what I might have on this subject, I went to […]

Equanimity

Under stress, we can at least gather our feathers This image of a flamingo illustrates the kind of composure referred to as “equanimity”—steadiness of mind under stress. Calm. His feathers aren’t ruffled. His posture reminds me of the social science phenomenon of “cocooning,” a term coined in the 90’s by trend forecaster Faith Popcorn to describe how […]

Snow

  High in the field of frigid darkness The place where potentials reside, Atoms rise, congregate and coalesce. I am born, a vaporous singularity.   Wandering there, I reach out to the closest being A speck of dust carried in an atmospheric wave, Clinging, descending. The order within expresses symmetry, six arms.   Growing, gaining […]