Excerpt from John Thomas Smith's illustrated book, Remarks on Rural Scenery,
published in 1797 defining a compositional "rule of thirds"
In visual composition there is something known as The Rule of Thirds. The rule operates under a principle Calvin Seerveld calls, "aesthetic obedience." By dividing the composition into a grid of thirds, the artist 'leads' the viewer to a desired point, creating a common ground... a meeting place to rest.
It seems that, as a culture, we have applied the Rule of Thirds to life:
1/3 Work (8 hours)
1/3 Free (8 hours)
1/3 Rest (8 hours)
Obviously, the breakdown is a simplification but a breakdown of sorts remains- most of us lead divided lives.
Compartmentalized lives is what we carry; a triune lifestyle resembling a chest of drawers. 'A place for everything...' Neat. Tidy.
Maybe our lives should be more like coffee tables; a place where everything is available, but in layers:
entertaining stuff
contemplative stuff
work-stuff
beverages, remote controls...
a 'common ground' for friends and family.
A coffee table also makes a nice footrest.
Looking Through the Window Near Our Coffee Table
by m r carter
