Sensory Drawing

Post # 5

During our on-site exploration, we engaged in various activities that triggered our physical movements and heightened our sensory experiences. We sought to interview

our breath and tactile sensations with the diverse materials, atmosphere, and overall environment of the site. These tasks not only stimulated my creativity but also gave rise to a myriad of questions, some grounded in logic and others more abstract. The extent to which these inquiries resonate varies among individuals, contingent on their ability to open their minds, imagine, and visually perceive creative thinking. This approach allows one to uncover unique perspectives that facilitate a deeper interaction with the site's context. Such interactions can yield fresh ideas that prompt further investigation, drawing inspiration from the rich historical background and events that have unfolded at Wymering Manor.

During the blindfolded task, we were organized into pairs, with one person blindfolded and the other guiding. The objective was to engage with the external structure of a house using senses other than sight. My focus was on exploring various materials through touch and interpreting my experience in terms of softness and hardness. The survey extended beyond materials to include elements of nature, such as tree branches enveloping the building, which I sensed might play a supportive role.

While blindfolded, I relied on both hands and feet to discern textures. Walking around the house, I could feel the softness of the grass beneath my feet and the hardness of stones arranged in distinctive patterns near doors and windows. This tactile exploration allowed me to connect with the diverse textures of the environment, enhancing my understanding of the exterior facade.

In the second task, each group of four participants was provided with an A0 sheet and a marker. The objective was to collaboratively create a continuous line without intersecting with the lines drawn by their group partners; the only exception being that participants could cross their own lines. The task was extended for a duration of 15 minutes, during which the marker was not to be removed from the sheet.

Initially, I found myself perplexed about the purpose of this exercise. However, as the task progressed, a fascinating result emerged. The collective drawing, composed of four distinct contributions, resembled a captivating piece of art. It effectively captured the individual inspirations and thought processes of each participant, demonstrating the unique ways in which they navigated their lines without crossing others.

This experience instilled in me a valuable principle—when faced with a challenge, don't overthink; instead, start the process and trust in your abilities. Open your mind to the imagination, allowing your feelings and sensations to flow, ultimately transforming into creative ideas. Personally, this exercise stood out as one of the most impactful activities of the day, prompting me to view Wymering Manor from various perspectives.