According
to Brian Kennedy in his Ted Talk entitled, Visual
Literacy: Why We Need It, “Visual literacy is the ability to construct
meaning from images. It is a form of critical thinking that enhances
intellectual capacity.” With so many stimuli around us we often do not actually
see things even when we are looking directly at them. Being visually literate
goes hand in hand with the term “mindfulness” which we have explored throughout
the Alverno curriculum. Mr. Kennedy
states that the process to become more visually literate has the following
steps. You must look, see, describe, analyze, interpret, and construct meaning.
The object I have chosen to focus on is an aesthetically beautiful triangular table which has been in my living room for the past two years. I have often admired it from afar but never really looked at this piece of furniture. It is made of wood and the pattern looks to be painted with light brown, dark brown, tan, and black tones. When looking closely I noticed that there are birds and faces in the decoration on the table top. It is of excellent design and follows the rules of form and function. After reading chapter 1 of the textbook a sentence stood out to me, “The rules of design are equivalent to visual culture’s grammar.” That prompted the questions, “Of what culture did this table derive? What is the artists chosen pattern telling me?”
After researching online I found that this table
was not painted but instead was beautified by a technique called Italian
marquetry. In marquetry an artist uses different veneers to create shapes and
pictures. If I were more visually literate I could pin point which Italian
style the image was. I am guessing it is a Renaissance or Baroque pattern. I am very curious as to what kind of wood the
piece is made from and what historical time period it was created. There are many
questions I may never have the answers to but this exercise into visual literacy gave me a better
understanding and appreciation for the table that I see every day. 
Michelle,
ReplyDeleteBrian Kennedy gave a beautiful definition didn't he? It was like an a-ha moment of a definition for me. Visual literacy is more than just seeing the beauty (or chaos) in something, when we apply critical thinking skills it helps further our intellectual capacity! Which totally makes sense, instead of giving a short or generic answer, if we take a few minutes to really think about the situation, we could come up with some creative and thought-provoking answers!
I'm guilty of quickly scanning or glancing over things. I don't stop to appreciate or really see and think about the things that I encounter in my everyday. Paying a little more attention and being mindful helps open my eyes and mind to new things!
Beautiful table, was it a gift or handed down from a family member?
-Melinda T
Michelle, congratulations on digging a little deeper to discover that the table is not painted but instead is a lovely example of Italian marquetry. Like Melinda, I'm curious if this table was purchased or if is was a gift or if it's from a member of your family.
ReplyDeleteI also appreciate that you provided a close-up of one of the images on the table. I can't tell if it's a jester, royalty, a gargoyle, or ?? What are your thoughts?
One of the things that struck me about the table is its triangular shape, which is rather an unusual shape for a table. I then notice the repetition and juxtaposition of shapes: Triangle (table itself), triangle (outline of decorative shapes) then circle, petals, circle. Both the placement of the shapes and the different shades of brown, gold, and beige drew my eye into the center, almost as if it were a bullseye. It truly is a lovely piece that practically demands closer inspection.
I have a feeling that if it were in my house I'd have bruises on my shins from running into its corners. LOL
Thanks for sharing.
Dawn