A "thing" is a "matter of concern"- toward which we lean in our interest, and which leans toward us in its form, pattern, and color; simultaneously then, a created and a found reality. Whether "present-at-hand" as the "other" observed from the distance of inspection, or "ready-at-hand" as a tool in its immediate unthoughtof use, a "thing" is a relational being-with us.

In this series I am attempting to make visible the "matter of concern" that perhaps lies hidden below these everyday interrelationships - to effect two results at once: that is, to make obvious a thing's reality as a interpreted act by purposefully impressing a new interpretation onto the everydayness of its usual expression; and simultaneously, to create a new meaning, a new thing, a new matter of concern visualized by this superimposed interpretation.

Yes, in normal parlance, they are "abstracts" but I do not prefer this term because it connotes a separational distance from lived reality to an ideational plane; rather, by a new interpreted seeing of these things; i.e. by paying close attention and expressing my concern for that which shows itself, I am trying to bring closer the being-with nature of the thing.

I attempt in these images to take things to heart; neither pushing them off for objectified representation or dissection, nor taking them for granted as we use tools (the two ways we normally perceive "things"). I am trying to let the thing be what it is, as it is, - take it to heart, - and create/find/let speak a new meaning in the image.

The first 12 images here (Page#1) are a first attempt. I hope to add future images to this way of "seeing"

As usual, these images are copyright @ Joseph M. Arceri 2004. No reproduction or downloads are permitted. For prints or reproduction requests: jmaprax@verizon.net
They are best viewed in "original' size.