I've had the six universal facial expressions on my mind as I explore my five chosen facial expressions in the mirror. These universal faces are present in all human cultures. I find that intriguing that these expressions are "hard-wired" into the human species: HAPPY, SAD, DISGUST, FEAR, ANGER, AND SURPRISE. I've been practicing my five expressions when I have a free moment in my day. I've done the facial expressions together with the arm gestures so much that they are now linked. Now I can do the gesture with my arms and there is still a "residue" of the facial expression. I've been working on a speech of Cassius from Shakespeare's Julius Caesar (he speaks of how much he resents Caesar's power; resents him being the king of the world). I've been exploring the idea of linking a facial expression the words. I like exploring the difference between a HARD MASK - doing a very strong, unsubtle version of the facial expression - and then switching to a SOFT MASK, which is a much more subtle facial gesture. I like the feeling of having a secret facial expression that only I know about. I'm continually astonished by how I can do a facial expression in a most cursory manner and it could stir such feeling. I've been thinking about some people I've known throughout the years who are very sensitive to the subtle nuances of expression on other people's faces. This perceptiveness - even being able to take note of subtle differences in the color changes on another person's face - has always seemed like a powerful ability. I now see that honing the ability to see more, notice more, is not just something you are born with, but something that can be developed. [On a whole other note: I go by the name of "Mr. Smith" on this blog because I maintain a blog for HS students in my drama class. Forgive the formal title.]
I've had the six universal facial expressions on my mind as I explore my five chosen facial expressions in the mirror. These universal faces are present in all human cultures. I find that intriguing that these expressions are "hard-wired" into the human species: HAPPY, SAD, DISGUST, FEAR, ANGER, AND SURPRISE.
ReplyDeleteI've been practicing my five expressions when I have a free moment in my day. I've done the facial expressions together with the arm gestures so much that they are now linked. Now I can do the gesture with my arms and there is still a "residue" of the facial expression.
I've been working on a speech of Cassius from Shakespeare's Julius Caesar (he speaks of how much he resents Caesar's power; resents him being the king of the world). I've been exploring the idea of linking a facial expression the words.
I like exploring the difference between a HARD MASK - doing a very strong, unsubtle version of the facial expression - and then switching to a SOFT MASK, which is a much more subtle facial gesture. I like the feeling of having a secret facial expression that only I know about.
I'm continually astonished by how I can do a facial expression in a most cursory manner and it could stir such feeling.
I've been thinking about some people I've known throughout the years who are very sensitive to the subtle nuances of expression on other people's faces. This perceptiveness - even being able to take note of subtle differences in the color changes on another person's face - has always seemed like a powerful ability. I now see that honing the ability to see more, notice more, is not just something you are born with, but something that can be developed.
[On a whole other note: I go by the name of "Mr. Smith" on this blog because I maintain a blog for HS students in my drama class. Forgive the formal title.]