TEXTURES OF DECOMPOSITION AND CHANGES OF STATE

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             The Powers of Observation experiment allowed me to form connections between objects that can oftentimes be considered unrelated. Texture is one of my favorite aspects of our world. So, I sought out texture outside my home. At first, I looked at texture created by nature in objects like leaves and trees. Then, I searched for texture in inorganic material such as man-made plywood, picket fences, old car metal, and vinyl covering. What I discovered was that most of the texture was created through decomposition or a change in state of the material in both organic and inorganic forms. I approached both types of forms with a magnified point of view. From afar, a tree is just a tree and old metal is just that. From a closer perspective, the bark of a tree is changing its color by shedding its skin and rust forms on the old car causing a decomposition of the metallic element. While on the hunt for texture, I discovered that from an augmented and intimate point of view, it is difficult to tell the natural and unnatural forms one another.

            After I finished the documentation process, I composed a grid-like image of the textures. The sequence of images within the grid began with the texture most recognized as organic which then slowly developed into inorganic texture. In color, it is easy to see the beautiful hues and the natural tones that comprise the changes of state in the textured objects. Once I changed the images to black and white, the difference between organic and inorganic texture became blurred. The black and white images amplified the texture as well.

            For the classroom, I think observing the surroundings in detail is a great idea for virtual learning. Students may use the “powers of observation” in their own home to find new insights from familiar things. With comprehensive inspection of objects, students may design concepts and create new meaning which can allow them to look at the world with a new perspective.