10. Ways of observing
On the introduction to Permaculture course we were introduced to a number of interlocking tools. One of these was as part of the SADI-M process; Survey, Analysis, Design or Decisions, Implement and Maintain. The survey element is about developing a detailed understanding of the territory, it connects to the observe and interact principle.
We were introduced to an exercise where the invitation was to observe a community orchard and forest garden using nine prompts, developed by permaculture practitioner, eco-feminist and author, Starhawk:
Observing Flow - how does air, water, people, animals etc move through this space, what traces are left? What is the source of the flows and how is that renewed?
Observing Communities - what is growing together and apart, are there any patterns?
Observing Edges - where does one system meet another? How many edges are there?
Observing Energy - noticing where energy comes into and leaves a system, where is energy transformed from one form to another
Observing Limits - what limits growth? How has that been adapted to?
Observing from stillness - staying still for at least 15 minutes but the longer the better. Notice what changes with time.
Observing past and future - what do you notice that tells you about the past, and what may have changed over time? What gives clues to the future of this space?
Observing Patterns - what patterns are there? Textures, colours, shapes. What patterns are repeated?
Observe from ‘I wonder…’ - generate questions that begin with this prefix, and don’t worry about answering them. Keep them focused on the physical reality, at least to begin with.
We were each allocated a prompt and began observing alone. We were encouraged to move around the space and observe from different angles and distances, and reflect on how different it would be if we undertook this exercise at different times of day or the year. We were invited to document our observations however we chose, drawing, writing, photography etc. After about 20 minutes we joined other people who had observed with the same prompt and shared our findings, before coming together as a whole group and sharing what we had discovered.
I loved this observation exercise, it was deeply creative, both practical and poetic. It demanded a level of attention and curiosity that provided a creative, expansive framework for research. By initially working alone and then sharing ideas we accessed the diversity of the group’s experience, all of whom had noticed different things. We also recognised common ground where we had noticed the same things, building a group dynamic of curiosity, delight and commonality.
I’d like to use this tool through the life cycle of visioning and planning projects, and with participants within projects. The creative possibilities of what is discovered and how that is documented feel huge.
I also feel that this tool supports me in finding a balance between an instigating artist and a socially engaged practitioner. I have felt that lots of my work requires me to harness my creativity to support and enable others. Working as a jobbing artist often means that the subject matter or theme, the group I'm working with and the frame of the project are set. I want to explore projects that are initiated by me, enable me to explore and follow my own creative impulses in community with others. Finding this new way of working, for me, and this balance feels more tangible with practical tools like this exercise - where my creativity is given free expression as part of the process.
Resources, references and further reading
Nine Ways of Observing by Starhawk | Spiritual Practice
Social Landscapes - Observing Flow
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