How to Look at Everything

By simply learning how to look at the world around us more creatively we can experience life more fully, David Finn assures us. In this newest title in Abrams' popular "How to Look at . . ." series, the acclaimed photographer reveals-in a charming, intimate, conversational text and evocative photographs-how to develop an enriched way of seeing.

Writing on such themes as "the mind's eye," "the gift of light," and "forms that shape our lives," Finn, who has authored three previous titles in the "How to Look at . . ." series, implores readers to experience the world visually with sensitivity, imagination, and passion. He shares his own personal view of how to enjoy more intensely the pleasures that make life truly worth living: beautiful sights, fascinating objects, shared experiences, and warm companionship.

70 photographs, 30 in full color, 6 x 8"

DAVID FINN is an acclaimed photographer whose images have illustrated many monographs and books, particularly on sculpture. He has written several titles for Abrams, including How to Look at Photographs, How to Look at Sculpture, and How to Visit a Museum.

Finn, who previously wrote How To Look at Photographs and How To Look at Sculpture, has broadened his scope in this delightful and personable book, which could well be used as a textbook for an art appreciation class. The subject of the book is "not what we look at, but how we can open our minds and hearts to see more than the literal image and be inspired by the vision." Amid tasteful illustrations, this engaging source touches on subjects such as "the mind's eye," "the gift of light," "forms that shape our lives," and "music to the eye." The meandering discussion is eclectic and informative, often including poetry and quoting various historical figures: "There appears to be something about seeing that reaches deep into the psyche and is quite apart from other mental faculties. Leonardo da Vinci called it 'the best and most noble' of our senses." The overall perspective, however, is Finn's own, refreshingly open-minded and not strictly based in the Western tradition. Recommended for all public libraries.DJennifer L.S. Moldwin, Detroit Inst. of Arts
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.