Open thread, January 25- February 1

NancyLebovitz

If it's worth saying, but not worth its own post (even in Discussion), then it goes here.

I'm in art school and I have a big problem with precision and lack of "sloppiness" in my work. I'm sort of hesitant to try to improve in this area, however, because I suspect it reflects some sort of biological limit - maybe the size of some area in the cerebellum or something, I don't know. Am I right in thinking this?

You could try doing something that gives immediate feedback for sloppiness, like simple math problems for example. You might gain some generalizable insight like that speed affects sloppiness. Since you already practice meditation, it should be easier to become aware of the specific failure modes that contribute to sloppiness, which doesn't seem to be a well defined thing in itself.

1Ishaan12y

If other people working the same craft have managed to achieve precision, it's very unlikely to be a biological limit, right? The resolution of human fine motor skills is really high. You didn't mention what the craft was or the nature of the sloppiness, but have you considered using simple tools to augment technical skills? Perhaps a magnifying glass, rulers. pieces of string/clay or other suitably shaped objects to guide the hand, etc?

6fubarobfusco12y

I have never biked twenty miles in one go. It could be that this reflects some inherent limit. Or it could be that I just haven't tried yet. If I believe that it is an inherent limit, how might I test my belief? Only by trying anyway. If I try and succeed, then I will update. If I believe that it is not an inherent limit, how might I test my belief? Only by trying anyway. If I try and fail, then I will update. In either case, the test of my ability Is not in contemplating what mechanisms of self might limit me, But in trying anyway, when I have the opportunity to do so, And seeing what happens.