Unlocking the Creative Potential of Your Surroundings
Have you ever walked into a room and felt like something just wasn’t quite right, but you couldn’t put your finger on it? Or maybe you’ve admired the work of an interior designer, wondering how they managed to transform a space in such a captivating way. The secret lies in the art of seeing space in a new light.
As the founder of ABC Home, a premier building and renovation company in Aberdeen, UK, I’ve had the privilege of working with countless clients to help them reimagine their living and working spaces. And let me tell you, the most successful transformations always begin with a shift in perspective.
Cultivating the Photographer’s Eye
One of the key lessons I’ve learned on my journey is that seeing is a skill, just like any other. It’s not something that comes naturally to everyone, but it’s something that can be developed and honed over time. Think about the work of a skilled photographer – they have the ability to capture the world in a way that most of us simply can’t.
The Art of Seeing website puts it beautifully: “I make pictures. All kinds of pictures but mostly nature and travel pictures. I’m passionate about making images but also the creative process that produces them. I’ve learned some key lessons on my journey as a photographer. Among the most important are that Seeing is a Skill, Creativity is a Muscle and The Photographer’s Eye is something anyone can learn.”
Cultivating a “Whole Brain” Approach
Now, you might be thinking, “But I’m not a photographer! How can I possibly develop that kind of visual acuity?” The answer lies in what we call a “whole brain” approach to design and renovation.
Just as a photographer trains their eye to see the world in a different way, we can train our minds to view our living and working spaces with a fresh perspective. It’s about engaging both the analytical and creative parts of our brain – the left and right hemispheres, if you will.
Tapping into the Power of Observation
One of the most powerful tools in this “whole brain” approach is the art of observation. It’s about slowing down, taking the time to really look at a space, and noticing the little details that most people miss.
As Accra Shepp, a visual artist, puts it, “My aim was to describe them photographically as people first, people with names and families, not just the title ‘first responder.’”
It’s that same level of attention to detail and human connection that can transform a ho-hum room into a truly captivating space. By training ourselves to see the world in this way, we unlock a whole new realm of creative possibilities.
Embracing the Extraordinary in the Everyday
Of course, developing this kind of observational skill takes practice. But the rewards are well worth it. As Nina Squire, a pastel artist, says, “Recognising the extraordinary in your everyday wanders gives people a chance to share that escape with others via their artworks.”
It’s about learning to see the beauty and potential in the spaces around us, even the ones we’ve grown so accustomed to that we hardly notice them anymore. And that’s where the true magic happens.
Rediscovering the Flow State
One of the unexpected benefits of this “whole brain” approach is the way it can transport us into a state of flow. As the team at Austin Art Classes explains, “To get out of your own way, and to get out of your own head, and out of your ‘thinking mind’ and into being very present with whatever is in front of you, allows you to see and appreciate so much more of the world around you.”
It’s a state of total immersion, where time seems to stand still and we’re completely absorbed in the task at hand. And it’s in that flow state that the most remarkable transformations can occur.
Embracing the Journey
Of course, the journey of seeing space in a new way isn’t always easy. As Desiree Casoni, an artist and designer, says, “What we’re doing has been referred to as a new Renaissance, a new way of seeing art.” And like any Renaissance, it requires a willingness to push boundaries, to experiment, and to embrace the unexpected.
But the rewards are truly extraordinary. When we learn to see the world through a new lens, we unlock a world of creative possibility. We can transform the most mundane spaces into true works of art, and in the process, we can even transform ourselves.
So, if you’re ready to embark on a journey of creative exploration, I invite you to join us at ABC Home. Together, let’s unlock the power of seeing space in a whole new way.
