Research and Analysis:

Perception is the process by which we interpret and understand our sensory experiences in order to make sense of the world around us. It is a complex cognitive process that allows us to take in sensory information from our environment through our sense organs and translate it into a form that we can understand and respond to.

From further research, I have come across that there are some basic rules and principles that govern perception, which psychologists and neuroscientists have explored through various theories. Here are some key points to consider about perception:  

• Stimulation: Perception begins with stimulation, where our sensory receptors are engaged by stimuli in the environment.

• Organization: Our brain organizes the information it receives, which involves arranging it into meaningful patterns.

• Interpretation: The organized data is then interpreted based on past experiences, expectations, and cultural backgrounds.

Study.com. (2022). Available at: https://study.com/learn/lesson/stages-perception-overview-purpose.html.

Here are some, but not all, of the Gestalt Principles. Used to help specify compound aspects of human perception.

• Figure-Ground Organization: We tend to separate images into figure, which is the object of focus, and ground, which is the background.

• Similarity: Objects that are similar tend to be grouped together in our perceptions.

• Proximity: Items that are close to each other are often perceived as a group.

• Continuity: Our brain prefers to see continuous patterns, rather than disjointed ones.

• Closure: We tend to fill in gaps in information to perceive a complete image.

The Interaction Design Foundation. (n.d.). What are the Gestalt Principles? [online] Available at: https://www.interaction-design.org/literature/topics/gestalt-principles#:~:text=There%20are%20six%20commonly%20recognized.

Our senses can adapt to constant stimuli over time, which means that we become less aware of a stimulus if it remains constant. For example, you might stop noticing the sound of traffic if you live on a busy street.

Residing in various locations such as Lewes near Brighton and Palmers Green in North London has broadened my understanding of the unique soundscapes that different communities experience. Living adjacent to a train line and the North Circular Road, I became intimately familiar with the constant hum of traffic and the rhythm of trains. Conversely, while near Brighton, my home was adjacent to the countryside, where the ambiance was filled with the melodic chirping of birds and the occasional sounds from farm animals—a stark contrast to the urban clatter. Over the course of a year, I grew accustomed to both environments. However, I found the natural sounds of the countryside, though less predictable, to be more soothing and enriching for the soul, especially when compared to the relentless, metallic grinding of machinery and vehicles, which felt hollow and unvarying.

Aside from adopting a plant-based diet some time ago, I also eliminated added sugar. This change brought about a noticeable shift in my taste perceptions, particularly with fruits. After just two weeks of focusing on whole foods, I found that all the fruit I ate tasted significantly sweeter than before. This experience highlighted how our senses can adapt and change based on our dietary choices, underscoring the dynamic nature of our sensory experiences.

We perceive objects as unchanging despite changes in the sensory input. For example, I would recognize a friend's face regardless of the lighting or angle from which we may see it.

Culture can influence perceptual processes, as can individual differences. For example, someone who grows up in a culture with lots of exposure to a particular type of pattern or shape might be more adept at recognizing that pattern or shape.

In an ever-changing environment, my attention is often geared towards impacting the areas within my reach, instead of stressing over aspects that are out of my control.

I've never been keen on watching the news, even though it was common in my family. My scepticism stems from a belief that local newspapers, which half a century ago may have reflected community-relevant information, have evolved. Nowadays, news about distant events often holds little direct relevance to my life, thus avoiding unnecessary anxiety.

I went vegan in 2017, which helped me recover from health issues. This change, also made me more aware of environmental impacts, influencing a project in my previous course on environmentalism. It's clear to me how individual experiences can shape one's work and perspectives.

A.U.M. Films (2014). WHAT THE HEALTH. [online] WHAT THE HEALTH. Available at: https://www.whatthehealthfilm.com/facts.

In terms of gathering information, especially in my field of work, I often turn to YouTube or LinkedIn for insights. For entertainment, I prefer curated content on platforms like Netflix, Disney, or BBC, steering clear of random TV shows. I place a high value on reliable, fact-checked, and peer-reviewed sources to avoid propaganda and media biases. This approach helps me stay informed and grounded in a world where information is abundant but not always accurate.

The rapid advancement of virtual and augmented reality (VR and AR) technologies is reshaping our understanding of perception. These innovations offer new ways to experience and interpret our environment, deepening our insights into human behaviour and interaction.

A prime example of this evolution is the use of VR in animation. Animators using VR headsets can collaboratively create environments and animations in a virtual movie set. This combination of technology and teamwork allows for unprecedented precision in animation, moving beyond the traditional, often tedious methods to a more dynamic and intuitive approach.

apps.autodesk.com. (n.d.). Autodesk® Create VR for Autodesk® Maya® | Maya | Autodesk App Store. [online] Available at: https://apps.autodesk.com/MAYA/en/Detail/Index?id=3751509454670639690 [Accessed 28 Nov. 2023].

As an animator myself, I'm excited about the potential of VR to revolutionize our creative processes. While I haven't yet adopted VR, the prospect of designing and animating in a virtual space is tantalizing. It promises a more immersive and interactive way of storytelling, blurring the lines between the creator, creation, and the medium.

This shift towards VR and AR in animation is not just a technological upgrade; it's a fundamental change in how we perceive and engage with the creative process. In my blog in the future, I plan to explore this thrilling future, where technology transforms our artistic capabilities and redefines our interaction with the world of animation.

In "The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou," the blue uniforms of the crew visually unite them on their ocean journey. The film's commentary highlights the importance of emotional moments, and Anderson's use of red often points to deep emotions and trauma. The colour red may subtly reveal the complex stories of the characters, matching Anderson’s use of red in his other movies.

PERSPEX. (2019). Colour in Film - The Work of Wes Anderson. [online] Available at: https://www.per-spex.com/articles/2019/5/28/colour-in-film-the-work-of-wes-anderson.

Anderson’s rich colour choices are captivating and carry strong themes, helping to express social dynamics, character development, and the nuances of human connections. His thoughtful mix of warm and cool shades showcases his skill in drawing out a range of emotions, from comfort to deep sadness, and underscores his command of colour as a form of storytelling.

Ultimately, Anderson’s clever and balanced colour designs create scenes that feel both nostalgic and perfect, yet are filled with emotional layers that address the complexities of life in a striking visual way.

My study into how colour is used in film to affect emotions and themes has grown my understanding and assurance in using colours not just for style but as symbols themselves. They add depth, enrich the story, and help push the narrative forward.