Computer Art and the Brain
October 7th 2006 09:03
ucndoit2
A muddle or something meaningful?
The first of these images is prepared very simply with a minimum of skil, but a certain knowledge born of practice.
Just keep looking, different people will see different things, discuss it with others, talk about it with your family, involve the littlies and the oldies; you'll be surprised what they see.
I see hearts and swirls, the feather from a hat, and in the shadowy background I see a boy looking into the picture, or alternatively out at us.
Can you do something similar on your PC, see what everyone has to suggest, once again you'll be surprised. I'd really like it if you'd let me know.
The second image I am going to leave entirely up to you, don't attempt to do it.
Just keep on looking and see what the mind suggests to you.
Most of us are now aware of the complexities of the brain and its development in childhood. Many are not so familiar with what happens after that.
With ageing, and this can start quite young, the brain deteriorates and we assist this with our lifestyles and poor eating, lack of exercise and sleeping habits. For some various illnesses have an impact.
As our brain deteriorates it collects plaques in inconvenient places.
This inhibits our capacity to use our brains to their maximum potential. Our memory and concentration suffer.
Until fairly recently this was considered to be irreversible but we now know that increased brain activity can keep our neural connections sprouting and compensate for the deposits of cholesterol and other damaging substances and of the process of ageing itself.
This new sprouting of neural connections enables us to maintain our brain function longer.
But we need to do NEW things to challenge the mind as well as ensuring that we look after our brains in other respects and I'll tell you a little more about that next time.
For now, look at the Computer Art, discuss it, play with Microsoft Paint and encourage those who are computer illiterate to acquire some computer skills.
After all, most of us are lacking in computer literacy and I've probably no need to tell you that.
I look forward to your comments and hearing of your experiments and views.
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Comment by DaveG
Comment by Homer Joyce
I see an English Bobby trying to make sense of Princess Diana’s death. It’s night time. He’s nearing the end of another drag shift. He’s struggling a bit (a lot), and is wondering whether or not he should stop overtaxing his brain and just have a lime gelati or snot icecream. instead, or visit the local whorehouse and get another freebie. But, fear not Officer Plod, here comes a smiling whale to help you out. The smiling whale been trying to work out why his brothers the dolphins and seals, and his sister birds are being killed by oil spills, and thinks no-one will ever know the answers to such questions fully, therefore his method is to give the brain a rest from conspiracy theories, consumerist/capitalist corruption, and just swim and gorge on plankton. He’s here to help reorganize Officer Plod’s brain into a more rational and logical thought pattern, remove the darkness and shed some light.
I’m sure if I look at it longer, I’ll see more …
Homer.
Comment by katyzzz
Photography Tips
MS Paint Art
I think Paint has its own possibilities and the old program seemed better that way.
I have no plans to engage at a more sophisticated level as yet but would be happy to comment on and
feature those with greater ability in these areas.
My attempts are to encourage brain activity by new neural sprouting and to engage those having very
minimal to non existent computer skills to try out the paint program and give everyone a colourful,
hopefully thought provoking, image as reward for their efforts thus seting the cycle in motion.
Thanks a lot for your interesting thoughtful comment.
katyzzz
Comment by katyzzz
Photography Tips
MS Paint Art
I new it would be, my mind is still realing, nothing wrong with your neuronal activity
it seems, although, this fascination with all things obscene, does present me with some difficulty,
I feel falgellation, for you, really is the way to go.
Get out the stocks, such a crowd pleaser.
You've certainly given me something to think about, I'll get back to you next year on that.
Dave is such a sweet guy, don't you think? He's into Art.
Have you tried encouraging computer illiterates, and I'm talking about those having virtually no computer
skills at all, to get involved with Computer Art and thus help them with their computer skills?
Well, no, I suspected not really, you're still having considerable trouble with George Orwell, come to
think of it, thought police and all those Government employees, ..... perhaps!
Thanks for your input, it will take me some time to recover, you really do set a frenetic pace.
katyzz, barely still in one piece.
It's all about the mind, you see, and you've certainly done that more than competently.
I'll be in touch again, after I've recovered.
Comment by Homer Joyce
I have a feeling that my fascination for the obscene presents me with more difficulties / quandaries / dilemmas than it presents to other people. But, point noted, and stored in the hard-drive section of my brain for future reference on regular-access-retrieval mode (RAR) rather than random access mode (RAM).
It all started out as mere fascination with human nature. At various times I have been raised above the obscene to contemplate the potential of human nature, but more often than not I dwell in the lower murky depths of the depravity of human nature, and its potential for harm. Reading true crime novels is probably not helping.
I will, however, take your counsel on board and try to concentrate more on the potential for good, rather than the potential for bad.
E.g. there was a time when my main research subject was the Lives of the Saints (those who had overcome their own natures). One of the things that struck me most was how much certain saints had achieved intellectually due to their disciplined lifestyles. (it still doesn’t incline me towards flagellation). St Bede the Venerable is one who comes readily to mind. To enter a monastery at seven and begin serious studies in such a broad range of subjects as science, the arts, philosophy, mathematics and theology, leads me to believe that there are quite a few people out there with very limited knowledge of what their own brains are capable of. Another is St Alphonsus of Ligouri (who wrote more than 90 books in the pen-and-paper age). The list goes on and on …
As astounding as all of this is in relation to the capacity of the human brain … God has an infinibite of memory in His hard drive …
Homer.
Comment by Homer Joyce
Re: Have I tried encouraging computer illiterates?
Over the years I have considered various occupations (including teaching) but due to my dysfunctional upbringing, none of them have come to fruition.
When I was studying writing at an adult college, I also studied computing, for I was computer illiterate myself until 1994. One of the female teachers took umbrage to the fact that I was occupying the scanner in her classroom on such a regular basis. I did have permission to do this for the college only had one scanner, and as long as I didn’t disturb her students I was allowed to use it. Her attempts to make me feel uncomfortable and leave … didn’t work. I could sense her vibes but I wanted to learn how to use a scanner for publication purposes, so I persevered. She eventually put a complaint into the principal of the college. He apparently said to her that I was not doing anything wrong, and she had to live with it.
When the college had a teach-the-teachers day, they realised that no-one at the college knew how to use the scanner. So they invited me in to teach the teachers how to use it (and paid me) … She was such an attentive student. The irony was not lost on my writing teacher, nor myself.
Now that I have finished that anecdotal account …
I have considered teaching, but am not that interested in spending more time at university gaining a teaching degree, or applying to a TAFE to teach computer illiterates because there are people more qualified than myself to do that … and probably more passionate … I’d rather teach illiterates a love of words … I have actually put an application into the University of Woolongong to teach creative writing … and informed them that I hold many postgraduate degrees from the School of Life …
Homer …
Comment by katyzzz
Photography Tips
MS Paint Art
You absolutely fascinate me.
I, too, have my fair share of problems with Universities.
You are obviously very highly intelligent but I often wonder if that is what Universities want.
Let's hope you don't get the "you must do it our way" response. Mind you, I don't think they'll express
it that way, it's more likely to be. Thankyou for your application. Unfortunately, it has not been
successful. We had applications from some exceptional candidates and of these we chose someone
who fitted our criteria more precisely. In fact, you'll be lucky if you get that much.
Taking on board your reluctance to do the 'complete our course' stuff with which I entirely sympathise
have you tried the WEA. Don't be offended, some retired Professors teach there and WEA is generally
open to all sorts of ideas - so I believe, mind you, I wouldn't rush to do most of their courses but you,
I feel sure would attract a certain audience.
You demonstrate that you are open to suggestions from other people, once again putting you way
ahead of me.
You remind me so much of my son, exceptionally bright, but he always has to do things his way,
whereas you seem to be more adaptable.
If I make incorrect assumptions about you please forgive me and I really ought not to be so preachy.
I really like your anecdotes about your learning experiences and the teaching the teachers, your own in
particular. And they paid you. Well done, you could teach me a thing or two I'm quite sure of that.
Katyzzz
Comment by katyzzz
Photography Tips
MS Paint Art
I've put a new post on conversation in the family, with some new computer art.
You may find this explains more precisely what I am trying to do and expands a little more on the
comments I made on your last communication to katyzzz.
Looking forward to having your views.
katyzzz
Comment by Homer Joyce
This is the response I am expecting from the Uni.
Dear Mr Joyce,
We would like to thank you for your application to teach at our prestigious establishment, but unfortunately we cannot thank you. You have done nothing but waste our time, not to mention our paper and ink.
We only received two applications for this position: Yours and one from a homeless person with a history of mental illness, alcoholism and quite a substantial criminal record. The board of directors were unanimous in their decision to lobby the government to have this person’s name taken off the known sex offenders list so as to enable him to commence employment with our university asap.
We will, however, keep your application on file, as we all pissed ourselves laughing reading it, and the photocopied versions may come in handy in the event of a toilet paper shortage.
Sincerely …
Comment by katyzzz
Photography Tips
MS Paint Art
You're a genius. I laughed sooooo much!
What were you like at Physics, Mathematics and Chemistry at school.
Don't tell me NO GOOD, I'm sure you'd ace them now.
The world is your oyster, although I don't think oysters laugh much, but I know the world doesn't.
You summed up the reply from the University so well.
Could you change your identity, I believe thieving it is the best way to go rather than paying for it,
to give yourself a profile more in keeping with that of the preferred applicant.
Unfortunately I think you'll find the pedophile will get his name removed from the register, all it needs
really is some s... a.... lawyer, funded by the Government in these circumstances to come up
with some technical error as to his inclusion and he'll get the job, sorry to disappoint you.
The Government will be pleased as that's just one more of the disabled off the Centrelink list.
Their next task is to ensure employers take on the deaf and sightless to look at images on computers
and listen to video clips of Government propaganda, after which engagement the Government will
be able to say that all Government campaigns are carefully scrutinised for propaganda.
That's a whole bunch of people off the list.
Next task is to get those in hospital out on hour release to look for work and to legislate for employers
not to disriminate when such people arrive for interview wearing their hospital gowns and with their
drips attached.
But this has nothing to do with Computer Art, does it, although computer literacy might be valuable. k
Comment by Homer Joyce
The bit about the deaf and sightless working for the Govt Propoganda dept is priceless ...
Comment by Homer Joyce
You will be pleased to know that I have included a MS Paint picture in my latest post ...
Homer ...
Comment by Homer Joyce
Re: the second picture.
I see a kangaroo with a boogie board. Being very patriotic (what kangaroo isn’t?), he’s bought some Ken Done clothing from down at the Rocks, and is at Bondi Beach about to go for a surf. He’s slouched on one of those fold up beach chairs, and someone’s multi-coloured umbrella is casting a few shadows over him. He’s got sharks on his mind though. He’s got a very circumspect look on his snout. Not sure if he’ll go in today, but it’s going to be hard to resist. Just look at that sky.
Homer.
Comment by katyzzz
Photography Tips
MS Paint Art
You always have such good ideas, but I think the bobby one will remain the ultimate "classic"
I meant to get back to you, I see from your latest post that you're feeling very tired.
Take some time out, relax and enjoy yourself.
You don't look very fat, so some really pleasant "naughty" food might be nice.
Perhaps a nice iced chocolate with a slice of cheesecake in an ambient cafe, or even lemon meringue
pie or pavlova with ice cream. Take your time, then take yourself for a walk along the beach or into
a spacious park!
Wish I could join you. Enjoy the sun and a blue sky and take your time to stop and smell the roses.
katyzzz
Comment by Homer Joyce
I would love to indulge in some naughty food but I have no-one's naked body around to use as an easel ... Oh, I forgot to mention ... computer art is a new field to me ... I like to do finger paintings and then eat them (oops) ...
Don't worry, it's all my rampant imagination ... None of what I imagine ever really happens ...
Homer
Comment by katyzzz
Photography Tips
MS Paint Art
Finger painting sounds like fun, very tactile.
I don't know much about Computer Art myself but I do like playing with "paint".
When you have the time and inclination, check out conversation in the family, you might like looking at
the pretty and the not so pretty pickies there, no, not a typo for bickies or even brickies.
I thought by now you'd be taking that well earned break or even indulging yourself lying prone in bed.
Oh, dear, these things always come out wrong! The unconscious mind, tricky thing that!
Thanks for all your interest. I'll keep my eye on you. katyzzz
I've some unpleaseant University things to attend to, it's going to be a long and tedious day.
To-morrow brings the promise of better things and, unlike the song says, it will come..... well,
hopefully....the alternative seems intolerable, although it will happen one day! I haven't thought my
way out of that one.!
Comment by Homer Joyce
I will check out conversation in the family …
Onanism is not my preference subconsciously or consciously. I hate it when it rains in my dreams.
Have as good a day as is possible …
Homer.
Comment by katyzzz
Photography Tips
MS Paint Art
features the working of the brain. Just thought I'd let you know. katyzzz
Comment by katyzzz
Photography Tips
MS Paint Art
the usual computer image there to confuse everyone and get those neural connections sprouting and
encourage one to explore the mind. Cheers, katyzzz
Comment by Homer Joyce
I will check it out then ...
Homer ...
Comment by katyzzz
Photography Tips
MS Paint Art
Comment by K.L. Almeroth
Motherhood
Katyzzz,
I see hearts in both...that's about it...
Is my brain blocked?? Freaking out...
K.L.
Comment by katyzzz
Photography Tips
MS Paint Art
Just taking the first image, and Homer saw a myriad! But that's Homer, he is a story teller!
You'll see the feather to the left and curled back a little on itself.
The 'pencil' outine depicts a helmet.
You'll see an animal outlined in the upper middle right, with a purple and a yellow ear and a little red
nose, a tiny foot and a tiny tail on its green rear body.
To the right and within the 'helmet', you'll see the silhouette of the main torso of a boy, with a cap on,
looking into or out of the picture, it changes backwards and forwards, the usual tricks the mind often
plays with visual imagery!
Given time, you may have your own interpretations, it's wherever the mind leads you!
I do hope you are having a good rest and letting the mind unwind a little.
Luv, katyzzz!