Essays

The writing is a significant part of The Hungry Imagination, regarding all things related to perceptual engineering.

ESSAYS ARE FREE

From a philosophical approach “three” has appeared mystical, mysterious, and alluring, often the case for things we yet to comprehend. Grouping things in threes can often feel complete. Is it that we choose to distinguish three or that we see it regardless of what we do? Either way, history shows we have a strong predisposition to see things in groups, especially three. It seems to be a proven rhythm found in the arts and life in general. Geometrically, The tetrahedron is the essential building block of the universe.[1] The triangle is a significant shape that appears everywhere. The "three" is part of all structures, and without adhering to the principles of the triangle, buildings would fall apart.[2]

We see patterns whether we try or not, but for this reason, an artist can use this propensity to capture our intrigue.[3] Anyone who discovers familiar shapes in a cloud has experienced a tendency towards patterns. The triangle then is appealing from both an engineering and an artistic perspective because of its significant influence transcending everywhere. If we are the stuff of the universe, then we are structures of triangles, and it will influence our thinking to seek and recognize them. We then manipulate and embellish upon these basic building blocks to elaborate patterns of structure not only materially but with our thoughts.

Consider the complexities of music. What musicians discover to lure us in the best way possible also reveals underlying mathematical models. To the point that those artists who are most successfully intriguing, the ones most memorably appealing, can show measurable differences distinct from all others through the analysis of patterns. Musicians, as well as dancers, painters, writers, speakers, sculptors, or moviemakers, who consistently and profoundly captivate us until we submit with laughter or tears, benefit from thoughtfully planned designs. Beautiful architecture that is emotionally affecting draws from the knowledge of engineering. The concepts of perceptual engineering can be applied and repeated with a significant degree of accuracy but simultaneously subject to the whims of the observers' malleable mindset. Hence, part science, part art.

By studying these patterns, we find the dance between repetition and change, inserted strategically for best results. The enigmatic tool of the emotional tension spring between continuity and dynamics. How does one attain such expertise to lead like a conductor does an orchestra? It is a daunting task, but we can study it. The patterns are there. Compounding this difficulty is that people come in all types, each with their own biological and experiential influences, which would explain why each society or community tends towards their particular kind of conventions. Our given culture compels us to adapt, which is necessary for survival. Once primed to specific likes and dislikes, we are inclined to adhere to them, to the ways of our acquired culture, and its language.

❝Your beliefs become your thoughts. Your thoughts become your words. Your words become your actions. Your actions become your habits. Your habits become your values. Your values become your destiny." 

— Chinese Proverb

After we get past the idea of merely thinking in threes, we may explore the more complex groupings, but always there is a pattern to discover and follow. The artist's way is all about seeking "patterns." Arranged to procure emotional content to elicit a response from the observer. Not just any response but specific and predictable responses. Considering music has so much to offer for study, we can then compare a well-composed magic performance to a Bach Fugue. Everything in its rightful place for maximum effect. Not too much, not too little, but all parts supporting and powerful as a whole. An exercise of thinking creatively and strategically to affect us emotionally by resonating with what is intrinsic to all of us; patterns.

One who masters the skill to communicate in ways that defy most of us is my interpretation of a great artist. Doing what anyone else can do is not what an artist does. Painting by numbers is not the same as Picasso. All artists do Art, but doing Art does not necessarily make the artist. To read something, hear something, see something, or experience anything prepared by an artist can so profoundly affect us intellectually and emotionally we may be awestruck. The maker of such an arrangement seems to step outside the box of commonality. And achieve the distinction of what others deem "artist." Curiously, artists sometimes speak in abstractions, which are difficult to interpret into academia — often explaining that "they just do it." Perhaps it is an unconscious competence through years of experience from honing their skill.[4]

❝The sculpture is already complete within the marble block before I start my work. It is already there. I just have to chisel away the superfluous material." 

— Michelangelo Buonarroti.

Poetic but obscure. Maybe Michelangelo knew, but some artists do not recall how they became so expert. Often ignoring the massive work and experience that came before. Consider a scientist whose ability improves with every formal and proper investigation, which eventually becomes second nature, to the point of appearing as if "they just do it." When such an expert has a hunch, scientific training still guides them even without awareness.

Use three to compose. It does not have to be three, but it is a good starting point. "3" can be applied to a beginning, a middle, and an end, three compositions as a set in a show, and three sets as a complete show, then iterate from there. Cautiously follow your gut. Be aware that knowledge based on aesthetics alone is neither proven nor necessarily correct. Testing is a must. However, unconscious competence could sometimes elevate us to the brink of knowing just before revelation. Beauty is nature's hint for truth, and by honing our artful skills to recognize it, are we not better scientists? An expert artist is fluent in a language that is ripe with knowledge and wisdom. The information is valuable and worthy of scientific investigation but to unravel the mystery requires transcending both art and science as if they are one.[5]

Last Word

We often obtain knowledge without our awareness. Which then influences decisions about the world, yielding positive or negative consequences. But regarding the good ones, the information gathered can sometimes lead one to discover a profound truth. Yet not explain how they arrived at it. Some call it intuition but a guess based on a genuine intellectual pursuit of truth while using reliable tools with vast experience in experiments seems more than mere guesswork. It could be unconscious competence. Ironically, science admonishes guesswork while practicing it all along. Otherwise, how would any investigation begin without the hunch to ask the questions in the first place? The problem is in distinguishing the difference between what is valuable insight or not.

— Armando Lucero