Posted by pork ^(oo)^ on March 27, 2001 at 19:22:57:
In Reply to: Visual Types for ^(oo)^ posted by RoTtEn ApPlE on March 27, 2001 at 15:38:13:
: You raise an interesting question to me: Which "geometrical figures" (Platonic "absolute forms?") representing the nature of a type are universal (though slightly fortifiable, I suppose, in consideration of individuality)? My current view: probably none of them, though the majority of them should apply in order for one to be referred to as a particular type
: Funny, I have visual images in my mind for all types but I've never thought about simple representation in geometric forms. Probably since the visuals I have are far more layered and complex than that. Type 9 for example seems a lot like a bean bag chair. The shape conforms to the body of the person sitting on it... has a lot of roundness and gravity toward the ground (inertitia?). Color figures in too... a 9 is definitely neutral but also pure.
: O.K.... so no, I can't imagine there is an ABSOLUTE or simple shape/form for type... but I do think there are visual-spatial themes for each type.
Ha! I knew the term "geometrical figures" would not pass your scrutiny. Trouble is, I couldn't think of a simpler, more general way to put it at the time. Now that you mention it, I'm appalled at the inappropriate restrictiveness of my word choice. "Abstract mental representations" would have been a better term. The word "themes" is appropriately descriptive, since it implies that there may be variations of expression within a given pattern.
Visual-spatial themes may apply, I'm sure, but they're probably at the vague end of the picture. Evocative visual metaphors (such as your example) are more serviceable. To broaden the topic, let's consider also metaphors impressed upon the other senses. Kinesthetic themes are important in my definition and assessment of a type. There arises within me a kinesthetic metaphor - a sense of movement - peculiar to each type. In your example, an image evokes a kinesthetic response. In certain aural (especially vocal) qualities, you may discern visual or kinesthetic metaphors. Or, in the auditory sense, you may discern abstract metaphors either in themselves or from your visual or kinesthetic representations - i.e., peculiar qualities of timbre, tone, pitch, modulation, etc.
I may return at some future time to offer a list of my personal impressions in this vein, but for now...
So long,
^(oo)^