In psychology, Gestalt is a mind and brain theory positioning that the operational principle of the brain is holistic, parallel, and analog, with self-organizing tendencies. In essence, our brains seek to make sense out of shapes and forms we see in order to categorize them as something recognizable. Much like the saying, "the whole is greater than the sum of its parts".
For example, take this shadow.
There is no visual reference as to what it is (the object that the shadow is of). But, the shape is indeed a familiar shape and as our eyes scan the image from top to bottom, our brain tells us that that is a shadow of a stop sign with the street signs on the top. Initially, though, the shadow shape might not be recognizable as to what it is.
Here is another example where there is no reference as to what is causing the shadow shape. There is barely enough visual information around the shadow to tell your brain what it is. You might find that you have to scan this image a little bit longer to make sense out of what it is.
It is the shadow of the rails on some wooden steps. Now that I've told you, your brain is probably doing the "aha!" kind of thing.
Every week, a group of us from around the world post our shadow shots over at Hey Harriet. Entertain your muse and be amused by stopping by to see what others have posted!
You can view all of my 2009 Shadow Shot Sunday images on my Flickr account. You can view them by clicking here and then select the "Shadow Shot" set.
25 comments:
Our imaginations can have fun with the top shadow, psychology aside. A whimsical shadow, the street sign appearing as a rotor on a helicopter lifting the stop sign out of the way so as to speed us along our way...
The rail shadow sits perpendicular to the steps. For those who are not sure as which direction to go, just follow the shadowy line upwards.
Nice captures!
What my husband said..haha. He manages to cover all the bases with his comments.
Interesting to think about how we think ~ how our brains work to organize, categorize and make sense of what we view.
I'm wondering how blind people process. Yesterday I met two women who are blind.
Good question, Patti! I wonder if there Gestalt thing happens with auditory information-particularly if you were blind. But, you know, from being severely myopic, I would imagine that even for blind people (because they do see shadows and to some extent, vague shapes and forms), that their brain is doing the Gestalt thing. When I have no eye correction on, I have less visual information to work with, but my brain is still organizing information in the Gestalt kind of way.
Really good ponder, though!
nice shots and thoughts to accompany them!!
That's the great part about shadows! Love that second one on the steps...the texture & wrapping of that shadow is visually stunning!
Nice shots and very interesting:-)
It's early Sunday morning here in Brisbane and I want to thank you for getting my brain into gear before I've even had my first cup of coffee for the day!
The second shot really does look quite abstract until you know what it is, lovely textures in there too...
shadows and imagination go hand in hand don't they...great captures.
I love the wood in the bottom shot.
Yes, stand up paddling is super fun, addicting even! In waves, on flat water, when it's warm, when it's cold... You'd be amazed how easy it is!
OK, now my head hurts...but I do love the grain of the weathered woods on the rails, that my brain TOTALLY loves!!!
I like your short essay as well as the lovely examples. I'm a big believer in pattern making brains. Well done.
I like the rail shadow...texture of wood is always kind of artistic and unexpected...
Happy SSS!
Very interesting post and great capture of shadows. We could not really judge an object by its shadow alone.
Thanks for the visit
Yep if you don't see the original thing shadows can set your brain at work!
Must shadowy cars
stop for shadowy stop-signs
or may they breeze through?
Snowflake or star? You decide!
'Aha' goes the brain! I love your posts. Always much to ponder :)
Oh and fabbo shots too!
Nifty shadows and interesting commentary as well. I'm glad you to Sacred Ruminations and enjoyed (rather than being overwhelmed by) my tamale extravaganza. I added your link to my 'reader' to quickly look through some of your previous posts ... recognized a few previous shadow shots so I know I've been here before. I like what I see so methinks I'll leave it there so I can visit again for more than shadows on Sundays as time permits.
Hugs and blessings,
A very intersesting post to go with excellent shadows!
Nice shadows - and great post.
U right! Visualising is sometimes vey exciting.
Love your shots. Visualizes and examining always ended to conspiracy in my thoughts, that sometimes have had right ending.
Happy SSS, dear P and xoxo much...
Interesting post and creative shadow-spotting there.
love the yurt!
Very good shots!
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