Think of texture as the personality of an object or shape. It’s the roughness of a weathered brick or the slickness of a pane of glass. It’s the detail that makes an image seem to spring to life. That’s because texture evokes emotion. Perhaps you’ve heard the saying, “The devil is in the details.” That’s because its the finishing touches that can elevate a design or image from ordinary to extraordinary.
Texture is all around us. It covers every surface. It’s the characteristics that give our world rich, complex layers of experience.
In our lives, texture can be seen, touched and sensed. When we search for meaning, we almost always begin by describing how the object or situation looks, feels to the touch, sounds, or which emotions it brings up. We are observing texture. The brick feels gritty, the glass feels smooth. A house of brick feels protective, a glasshouse makes us feel exposed. The sound of fingernails running along a chalkboard is a form of texture. So is the chill that ran down your spine as you read the last sentence. These are the layers that inform our experience.
Identifying the textural elements of our lives can guide us to a deeper understanding and empower us to make changes. What textures soothe you? Which ones do you find irritating? What can you layer on to increase your sense of well-being?
Today’s photo challenge is to look for and photograph texture. Share it with the hashtag #snapwithme2020.