Psychological or symbolic effects at work...

Close-up image of blue water with gently rippling surface
Why would one associate this image or setting with calm?

Long shot of blue, oceanic horizon, in which the sea is only mildly distinguishable from the sky where they meet
What is the focus of your gaze in this photo?
Is the horizon clearly separated from the sky?
Is the feeling of endlessness automatic unconscious or symbolic?

A patch of translucent, blue sky with scattered wisps of gauze-like white cloud
What other sensory images go through your mind as you view this image?
Where are you  as you look up?
What do you envision up there?




Assignment

Open up a word or text document and record some of your spontaneous responses to the following questions:

In general, would you say that these images call up on personal, sensory experiences or abstract ideas or both? Have images such as these influenced what you generally associate with the color blue in terms of ideas, attitudes or feelings? Can you connect such sensory experiences with cultural perceptions? Where in your culture do you see evidence of the symbolic meaning(s) of blue?

Please go back to the classroom and share your thoughts on any or all of these questions!