Seen But Not Noticed

Thanks for starting this group, Terry. I learned long ago that the quality of observation is first and foremost in the toolbox of any artist. I also believe that to make the mundane interesting is invaluable.

Walter,
I've always noticed things that others don't - developed this sense from my grandpa who would point out things as we walked or drove around. I admired him and wanted to be able to do the same thing. Now I hope to pass this ability down to my grand kids.

A few years ago at a family gathering I noticed one of my four year old relatives on the floor, behind the door. I investigated and discovered she was playing with, and carefully observing the "springed" doorstop. I was happy to get down on the floor and help her investigate this wonderful little do-hickky.

I think that so often adults grow up to become far to busy to be observant. And I think your grandpa was teaching you to be observant. The way my mother, and father did with me. And my uncle....

The group is growing - up to 22 members already and all have exceptional gifts for capturing the everyday things others pass by without a second look. I'm being vigilant in selecting only those images that fit the criteria of the group and if you've submitted an image but found it rejected, that's the reason. All of the images submitted are very good and appropriate for many of the fine groups on FAA but I want to try and keep this group unique and geared to those of us the enjoy the little things in life. Please feel free to refer others you know on FAA to check out our group.
Terry

Great idea for a group, Terry. I always look for the narrative in the abstract of everyday objects. There are so many details in everything. And they are ever changing - time of day, type of day, different angles, etc. - which makes them even more interesting !
With that said, Terry, I respect and support your efforts to make this group unique.

- Robert Riordan

Thanks Robert, it's always a joy when you submit one of your works.
Terry

We're at 79 members and seem to be stuck there, unable to break the "80” barrier. I hope all of the members of our group take a little time to look through the images we've collected. Wonderful, creative art that inspires me and provides great learning opportunities. We can all learn from each other and grow in that knowledge. I feature the majority of images collected but unfortunately not all images can be featured. So if you've just been viewing the featured item, take some time to scan through the image tab and you'll find some incredible pieces you might otherwise miss.

As I look through the images of other artists via contests and other groups, and I see a piece that is ideally suited to the concept of this group, I'll make a comment and invite that person to submit that image to our group. This helps us grow and helps get recognition for deserving art and artist. If you come across similar art that would be a fit for us here - please ask them to contribute and grow the group.

Thanks,
Terry

It's difficult drag myself back to work after a lunch break because I'm too busy looking at the sun's light on water, metal, tree bark, etc. Any puddle of water attracts my attention.

I love the idea of this group. I hope it continues.

Thanks for your comment Jane and for your contributions to the group. You've got some awesome images on your site and I hope you'll share more of them. I especially like your "Steadfast" image and would love for it to be in our group. With the group growing and the talented artists we have, I'm planning for it to last a long time.

Terry
Group Administrator

The group finally reached the milestone of 100 members (we actually have 101 now). This happened while I was out of town for the last 10 days but there was a big smile on my face when I checked the site. Welcome to our newest members that joined so far in April: Thomas Carroll, Nadine and Bob Johnston, Pamela Briggs-Luther, Carolyn Rauh, Bryan Hanson and John Glass. I've scrolled through their sites and recommend our other members do the same - you'll be treated to some wonderful art and images.

As much as I hated to do it, I had to drop one member from the group. That person repeatedly sent images that had nothing to do with our group and after several direct e-mail attempts to explain the group concept and to even recommend some images from their site, nothing changed and I had to drop them.

As the administrator of the group, it's a difficult decision at times of selecting an image or rejecting it. Sometimes it comes down to the description of the image by the artist that sways me. If there is no description and I can't visually grasp why the image would fit the group concept, it usually results in a rejected image. If I reject one of your images but you feel it merits a second look, please e-mail me direct with your reasoning.

I appreciate each and everyone of you that participates in our group and look forward to your continuing efforts to submit those "Seen But Not Noticed" images.

Thanks to all.
Terry

I posted a new discussion on the FAA board this morning giving an update on Seen But Not Noticed. The results have been excellent with 7 new members joining the group: Welcome to all (Amanda Stadther, John Illingworth, Crystal Harmon, Barbara Richards, Patricia Strand, Michael Simoneit and Bill Wakeley). Several have submitted images already and are featured on our homepage. AFter I reviewed through each of their FAA page images, I can see many more that will be welcome additions.

I hope each of you will take some time to review each others images within the group and to visit each others FAA pages. This is one way we can continuously increase awareness of our art and hopefully someday, actually sell something through FAA.

Thanks,
Terry
Administrator

Congratulations Terry! This is a wonderful group and I enjoy being a member!

I enjoy this group as well, but I'm bewildered and perplexed as to why all of my art has been rejected. Perhaps it was a mistake?

In response to Ally's message - I'll try to give an answer that will help her and all the others that may have had their images rejected. At first, I was very diligent in trying to keep the images in line with my concept of the Seen But Seldom Noticed group. As a result, many images were rejected because I did not feel they represented every day things. As time has passed and as I've hopefully matured as an administrator, I've begun to look at the images with more of an open mind. Yes, an image may be of a beautiful flower or a sunset and my previous thought would have been - anything that beautiful would certainly attract our attention (my reason for previous rejection). As I consider images now, I think about it being something that would attract attention, but how often do people actually take the time to notice and the answer is seldom! Most people go through their everyday life and fail to notice any of the beauty that surrounds us.

As a result, I've been accepting many more images into the group and I hope it will be beneficial to us all. I will continue to feature those images that I think are unique or special in that certain way, giving special exposure to those that submit them. You may also have noticed that I try to keep the number of feature images within the 50 to 60 range. I remove from oldest posted forward and depending on the number of images featured each day, that will determine how long your image stays on the home page.

If at anytime you would like an image reconsidered for the group, please contact me and explain your reasons - I'm kind of easy going, so it doesn't take much to sway my thinking.

Thanks to all and I appreciate all feedback.

Terry
Seem But Seldom Noticed administrator

I just posted this on the general discussions page for FAA but also wanted to share it on the group discussion page.

Our Seen But Not Noticed group has been steadily growing over the past few months and has reached 160 members. Most of the members are very active and post images on a regular basis, even though this is a fairly unique group concept. I'm not sure how the administrators of the very large groups manage their new image postings because I'm kept pretty busy with my 160 members and a limit of 2 images per member per day. I look forward to seeing the new submissions as they come in and wish I could comment on them all.

I had a little time on my hands this morning and came up with a break down of the group membership, here are the results:
134 members from the United State
26 members for other countries
39 of the 50 states are represented
17 other countries are represented
California leads the way with 15 members
Washington with 10 members
Florida with 9 members
Texas with 8 members
New York with 7 members
MA, NC, NJ with 6 members each
VA, OR with 5 members each
LA, MN, PA, KS with 4 members each
IL, MD, WI, AZ, CT with 3 members each
GA, UT, ME, MO, OH, CO, NM with 2 members each
SC, SD, TN, NE, MT, UT, ID, WY, NH, WVA, IN, AL with 1 member each
Countries represented are:
Bulgaria, United Kingdom (4), France, Switzerland, Canada (6), Germany, Slovenia, Yugoslavia, Thailand, Cyprus, Spain, Singapore, Greece (2), Poland, India, Netherlands and Romania

A truly multi-cultural mix of artists and each brings their own unique style to enhance the group.

Please visit us if you haven't done so yet and I always welcome new members to sign up with the group.
Here's the link: http://fineartamerica.com/groups/seen-but-not-noticed.html

Thanks,
Terry Cobb
Group Administrator

Great breakdown, thanks for sharing!

Terry thank you for this wonderful group I am truly enjoying being a member!! All My Best Wishes,Robyn