I. Overview:

A. Occasionally labeled “stalkers”, observers are pervasive, critical, fun, and ominous members of society. What do observers do? It’s exactly what you think, and not. Observers watch and notice. Often walking but always in transit. Looking around, stopping, pausing, and taking note. Observers are aware especially of changes. That plant wasn’t growing there yesterday, that street is still blocked off, etc. Observers ask why and wonder. How did that get here? When is the porta potty taken away and dropped off again? How is that plant managing to grow there of all places? Being in the Observers Club is a masterclass in knowing and not knowing things.

 

B. You might consider the role of “observer” to be a passive one. On the contrary. Observers will often take up missions in response to what they see. Particularly helpful when a need is observed, the observer can make a plan for how that need can be filled. Observers are who you want around in an emergency. Emergencies often seek us out. If you’re a noticer, but not a helper, you’re not in the observers club. There is no use in observation if you do nothing about what you see.

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II. Soft vs hard observations: 

A. Hard observations

1. Vigilance, head on a swivel, on-your-guard. Places where hard observations take place are in public, maybe at a protest. 

2. Data

 

B. Soft observations - important so that the observer keeps grounded and reminded of the larger world. 

1. “Soft observations” are closer to art. 

2. Noticing and imagining. Soft observations are serious about whimsy and delight. 

3. Crushes 

4. Seasons

5. Sensory

6. Growth 

 

III. Guidelines: 

A. Observing people should be done only in moderation and humility. People will still surprise you no matter how well you observe them. There’s a typical pitfall of observers where they feel pressured to anticipate and take responsibility for other’s thoughts and feelings. These are the sponges. Observers gone too far, becoming a porous substrate unable to detach from what others feel. Take heart young observer, this need not be your fate. 

B. Every observer must decide for themselves what their missions are. There isn’t a clear linear path. See, respond, until you know what to do and when to intervene. 

C. Notice, give it time, see what you can do. Maybe it means writing about what you see. Maybe it’s talking with a stranger to see if they too have noticed something. 

D. Trust yourself.

E. OBSERVATION IS NOT SURVEILLANCE. 

 

IV. Methods:

A. Drawing 

1. This is the best way to know something. Taking a long time to render something makes you connected to it. You'll be able to recognize the subject of your drawing anywhere if you’ve done this part well. 

B. Repetition 

1. Visit the same place over and over again. 

2. What do you notice during your daily routine?  

C. Engagement 

1. Ask some pokey questions.

2. Talk to people!

D. Reflective writing 

E. Always assume there’s more to learn. 

 

V. Tool Kit:

A. Binoculars.

B. Record keeping device, analog is suggested like a notepad.

C. Good walking shoes.

D. Sustenance, water and snacks.

E. Library card.

F. City bus pass.

 

VI. Examples of observational quests: 

A. Find out what they’re building across the street. 

B. Determine the routine of the city porta potties. 

C. Find a place to grow a garden in the city.

D. Discover the habits of local birds.

E. Identify the invasive species in your yard. 

F. Find out the walking routines of your neighbors. 

G. Explore vegetation on unmarked paths.

H. Discover what grows on the side of the road.

I. Determine what groups meet at the park on Saturdays.

J. Find out why the road is closed. 

K. Notice what time of day the garbage is picked up.

L. See what everyone is in line for.

M. Figure out the invisible systems of a public place.