Las Vegas has a lot of optic nerve — in this overwhelming environment, with so much to see, it can be hard to know how to look. We asked artist and teacher Martin Kreloff, who’ll administer his “Learning to See” class to Zappos employees this month, for a few pointers.
Orange Is the New Orange. “Here’s an exercise that will increase one’s powers of observation. For the next few days, consciously notice everything you encounter that is orange. You’ll be amazed at how often the color appears — not just the obvious, such as traffic cones or coffee mugs, but you may also discover the color as a subtle design element in that favorite area rug that you look at every day. Change colors every few days — lavender, chartreuse, aubergine.”
Hocus Pocus, It’s All in the Focus. “Focus on an interesting object — perhaps a favorite knickknack. Now, take your index finger and, holding it in the air, very slowly outline its entire shape. Your finger and eye are working together. As you practice this, your preconceived notions of shape will give way to a deeper appreciation of the complex multidimensionality of objects.”
Memories, Like the Corners of My Mind. “Close your eyes and mentally wander from room to room in your home. Visualize as many details as you can — pictures on the wall, books on the table, the colors of an accent pillow. Go back further, to other rooms from your past. You will be astonished at how much detail you recall — and the emotions that these recollections evoke.”
Leading an Artful Life. “Many define art as something beautiful framed on the wall. This is very limiting. I believe we continually make creative decisions that enhance our everyday lives. The cut and color of our hairstyle, our choice of clothes. Whether these decisions are made casually or consciously, each reflects our aesthetic sensibility.”