Some found it easy to imagine the table, including Galton’s cousin, Charles Darwin, for whom the scene was “as distinct as if I had photos before me”. In 1880, Francis Galton conducted an experiment in which people had to imagine themselves sitting at their breakfast table, and to rate the illumination, definition and colouring of the table and the objects on it. We have known of the existence of people with no mind’s eye for more than a century. Which ones are rotated versions of this shape, and which are not? Then scroll down and find three similar objects. To begin, stare at this shape until you can remember it. Why am I different? How do I navigate life without a mind’s eye? Could I ever train my mind to see – and would I want to? And he says the same thing now: “It’s like having a computer store the information, but you don’t have a screen attached to the computer.” That’s exactly how I feel too – and so my questions began. He spoke then of how he attributed his academic success to an unusual way of thinking, using purely concepts with no mental imagery whatsoever. So I got a shock when I saw a TV interview with Craig Venter, the biologist who created the first synthetic organism. And it wasn’t as if I have trouble with tasks that you imagine might require such a “mind’s eye”, like navigating around town or recognising friends. I have never had that ability, so I didn’t know what I was missing. At the time, I didn’t think anything of the fact that I couldn’t conjure up a mental image of my girlfriend at will. It is the same for landscapes and sunsets, parks and rivers: when it comes to mental imagery, I am blind. But when my girlfriend and I had to move to opposite sides of the US for work, we faced an obstacle that few others do. We are very grateful to Steve Sunnucks and Paul Sanders for co-ordinating this exhibition of works in support of West Kent Mind and providing another opportunity to bring together the participants and celebrate their creative endeavours.LONG-DISTANCE relationships aren’t easy at the best of times. Photography, as a shared language, has enabled participants to identify their own relationship with the external world, with each other and it has acted as a catalyst to understanding more about self-identity and mental health. The My Mind’s Eye project has been a really great opportunity for participants to get together, develop skills, share their creative achievements and in doing all of this, improve their mental wellbeing. “ We all know the benefits that creativity, learning and social connection have on our mental health. Entry is free, and visitors should check the gallery website for latest guidance on visiting and opening hours. My Mind’s Eye Photography Exhibition runs from Tuesday 15 – Saturday 19 February in the Kaleidoscope Gallery, Sevenoaks Library. The exhibition will feature the work of 12 of the course participants. The stunning results will be displayed in a special exhibition co-ordinated by the course leaders and fine art photographers Paul Sanders and Steve Sunnucks, both of whom have struggled with their mental health, and believe passionately in the positive benefits of mindful photography for mental health and wellbeing. “I have had a great time on the course and I’m sad that it will be ending, but I have grown in confidence and it has given me a stepping stone to do it on my own now.” Jake “ the projects give me a focus and purpose, which was missing …” “Life had become a small place, but today I was in awe of the sky’s colour and so I went out in my dressing gown and slippers to take the photograph for the project.” The programme has been supported by Sevenoaks District Council and a private donor, and the experience of participants has been overwhelmingly positive. In taking a photograph, course participants are encouraged to pause, step back, and assess how they look out at the world. With no need for specialist equipment, the true spirit of photography is practising seeing. My Mind’s Eye is a programme of mindful photography workshops designed to help participants experiencing mental health problems, reconnect with the world through photography and build confidence through a shared creative passion. 15-19 February Kaleidoscope Gallery, Sevenoaks
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