Hard vs. Soft

Visual clues about objects carry so much meaning; the tactile senses of fibers, visual patterns on flat planes and dimensional depth of multi-media sculpture. But it comes down to one basic decision; hard versus soft.  This decision helped our ancient ancestors know what materials to use in different situations; like rock for pounding and furs for clothing.  Luckily we are cavemen no longer, most of what we need to know is stamped and labeled or culturally normalized.  (Except that Lady Gaga will surely make a costume of rocks at some point, I'm sure.)  There is a beauty in what we instinctively know about a surface.  For instance, this silk scarf ripples and folds, casting shadows on itself and shimmering in the light.  How do you know that it's soft?  I see the patterns of light as the first clue telling me that there's no grid, no rhythm to its structure, then the curve of the fold indicating there's volume without an edge.  Compare this to the metal frame which also shines, but whose base is flat and whose edge is thin and crisp.  No ripples here.  Nor in the blue tile, whose precisely-lined pattern sets into relief and implies depth with an interesting matte surface that absorbs color.  Three simple objects, one decision; hard or soft.  Take a look around today and really question; how do you know that it's hard or soft? - l.o.d.