Beholder

1

isbn

80-247-1514-7

What is Beauty?

ISSUE ONE BEHOLDER MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2009

‘Find beautiful meanings...

...in beautiful things.’ Oscar Wilde

1

Issue One November 2009 Website www.beholdermagazine.com Email info@beholdermagazine.com Telephone +64 7 4385 7733 The opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publishers.

No responsibility is taken for the accuracy of information contained within. No part of Beholder may be reproduced in any way without express permission of the publishers.

The opinions published in Beholder are from anonymous participants who have given permission for their views and demographic information to be published in Beholder only.

Don’t sweat the small stuff, relax and think about beautiful things!

What is beauty?

We are constantly bombarded

The word itself has become fastened

These concepts work together in forming

with visual messages around

to this industry; signifying physicality

ideas of beauty and identity within

the idea of beauty.

and good looks rather than classic ideas

society, with emphasis on individual

of beauty such as truth or nature.

opinions and expression.

But what is beauty, really?

The intention of this publication is to

Is it something perfect or ideal? Is it

prioritise personal views on beauty

rare and special? Is it a concept based

over media defined ideas; to celebrate

upon personal ideas and opinions?

beauty as a diversely personal concept.

Mass media has shaped what ‘beauty’ means in the Western world- young, gorgeous, slim and desirable.

We are endlessly told that this ideal is attainable; by using this product or that service. By exploiting our personal fears, perpetually overshadowing us with glossy airbrushed images of ‘perfect’ people, and making false

Beauty may be a subjective idea, but are our judgements not somewhat affected from day one by cultural and social influences?

An anonymous group of individuals were asked a series of questions about how they percieve beauty. Their answers feature in the pages that follow;

promises, the beauty industry has

Searching for beauty is basic to human

unedited and straight up, to give you

transformed the idea of beauty into

nature, and the desire for individuality

an insight into other people’s ideas

a superficial, hollow concept.

is essential to humans.

and to inspire your own.

The Questionnaire An online survey and email address was set up to generate and recieve responses from public participants. Flyers and posters were distributed in a section of Wellington CBD at cafes, shops and public spaces, and also at Massey University. A link to the online poll was posted on social networking websites Twitter and Facebook, which generated responses NZ wide.

Who completed the questionnaire?

Age Range 16-40 years

Sex Ratio Female

24

Male

9

N/A

3

F47 These icons follow the quotes to indicate the sex and age of the participant in order to give a bit of context.

= Sites the survey and/or

The average time participants spent

posters were distributed

typing their responses was between 5 and

ST

10 minutes, with over a half of responses RIA

taking between 5 and 15 minutes.

VIC

TO

Keep in mind when reading individual responses that they range from O

U

RT

EN

flippant comments to deep and AY

PL

meaningful thoughts.

CU

BA

ST

C

BU

CK

LE

ST

0 20 -3

00-05

Time Spent on Survey (mins)

15-20

05-10 10-15

First things first...

does beauty matter?

outer beauty can contribute to a positive first impression, but inner beauty is the key.

yes YES

no i do not think that beauty matters, i think that it’s all superficial these days anyway with the magazines in which every woman is air brushed.

yes yes

YES.

yes

sometimes

yes

yes yes

yes

not superficially

yes

yes

inherent in the word beauty is a positive value judgement. it cannot be removed from this.

depends what for, in most things, yes. to most people, yes.

Yes

yes

YES

yes

yup

yes, yes it does.. yes

yes

yes, people will always be judged on their appearance

yes YES

yes

yes

yes Yes

yes

yes

yes

i want to say no...but it makes the world a nicer place to live in....so i guess, yes.

it depends. i guess it does, but it’s how we each view it.

YES

Yes

well, yes. in this heavily-marketed age, beauty buys, and beauty sells.

1.

Well defined

What is your personal definition of beauty?

F23

‘SIZE SIX JEANS, BIG EYELASHES, A ‘C’ CUP BRA AT THE LEAST.’

‘BEAUTY HAS MANY DIFFERENT FACES. TO BE OUTWARDLY BEAUTIFUL, THERE IS OFTEN A SYMMETRY IN A PERSON’S FEATURES.’ F47

“OF EVERYTHING.. I SUPPOSE SOMETHING THAT CHANGES SOMETHING IN ME, AS A RECEPTER OF IT - MAKES MY HEART BEAT FASTER, MAKES MY PUPILS GROW, MAKES ME PRICK UP MY EARS, GIVES ME THAT THRILL OF ENCOUNTERING SOMETHING...

AND IT WOULD USUALLY BE IN A PLEASANT WAY, ALTHOUGH BEAUTY AND WHATEVER IT’S OPPOSITE/S ARE ARE PROBABLY NOT MUTUALLY EXCLUSIVE. HMM, DOES THAT MEAN SOMETHING’S NOT BEAUTIFUL IF IT ISN’T SEEN/HEARD/EXPERIENCED THROUGH A SENSE BY A BEING? I WONDER...”

F27

F22

M22

‘I think beauty comes in various forms;

‘Something that is amazing when

there’s inner beauty, superficial outer

admired from a distance.’

beauty, beautiful moments such as a baby being born, and beautiful things like a sunset, my friends..’

M22

F16 ‘The attractiveness of a person.’

F22

‘For me I find imperfections beautiful

‘Inner beauty. A pretty girl, shes

(imperfections that I’m attracted to);

beautiful in a superficial way. If that girl

a perfect woman is not necessarily the

is beautiful inside, thats what matters.’

most beautiful. Someone who keeps healthy and is comfortable with them-

F21

selves as a person is beautiful to me.

‘As cliche as it is, a good personality.

Nice eyes, and nice colourful dresses.’

Its good if you find yourself or someone

NA ‘Knowing who you are and being at peace with knowing you don’t have to be better than others to feel beautiful.

It comes from the inside out.’

F27 ‘A confident person who carries herself

else physically attractive; but looks change and you have to like who you are and who you’re with for more than their looks.’

F21 ‘When something or someone is just astonishing and you cannot take your eyes away; like a magnificent scenery or a lovely flower.’

with pride. A person with grace, and a genuine open smile.’

F

F19 ‘For a person; confidence; not to be embarrased of own body; someone

‘If you are beautiful on the inside then it

feeling great in their body. Otherwise

will shine through. But the light will be

the object/element has to tell a story,

prettier if you’ve got the genes to help!’

or evoke something in the viewer.’

‘Something aesthetically pleasing.

I think this changes for each person.

I personally find really different, interesting and sometimes rough/unfinished things beautiful.’

F19

F21 ‘Without sounding too cliche, I truly believe beauty is in the eye of the beholder - because what one person

F47

may see as beautiful, another may find

‘Beauty has many different faces.

very plain. And then there are things

To be outwardly beautiful, there is

that are beautiful that can be seen or

often a symmetry in a person’s

not seen. A smile, a sunrise, a photo

features. I also think of real beauty

of NZ landscape - can be seen.

as a quality of the heart. The eyes

A person’s generousity, or love, cannot.

usually convey a sense of kindness

I also think that as we grow older, our

and empathy that to me are key

perception of beauty changes.’

aspects of beauty.’

F21

F21

F45 ‘I have fought conventional standards of ‘beauty’ since my teens - so I define beauty as more than just external

‘Beauty is what gets us up in the

‘Beauty is something that makes me

presentation - I look for a beautiful

mornings, it’s that amazing sunrise

happy, inspires me, reminds me that

spirit/soul, a personality trait, if you

you can’t forget, the first touch of your

there is goodness in the world. It

will. I see beauty in music and dance,

child, and seeing them grow; it’s that

is something to strive for, to create

outside of the physical presence of the

piece of life that makes you smile.

‘beauty’ for others through physical,

performer (although I’m not really

It isn’t models or stereotypical beautiful

emotional, and psychological forms;

that consistent; I still have moments of

people, but the way people and things

to please, inspire and return the hope

thinking ‘that person is f*ugly!’, and a

touch your heart.’

that beauty gives to me.’

penchant for men with tight buns).’

‘Substance is beauty.

Oneness.

Clarity of self.’

M33

F18

F

‘Anything that gives Joy. Hope.

‘Something that is balanced, whether

Comfort. Reason.’

that is a face, drawing, building, plan or typeface it doesn’t matter; something is

F35

beautiful to me when it looks balanced.’

‘Kind, caring, open hearted, peaceful, cheerful, not racist, self insight.’

M31 ‘The ability of people and property

F

of objects which inspires thought,

‘If you are beautiful on the inside then it

reflection, insight; often through

will shine through. But the light will be

inciting strong emotional responses.’

prettier if you’ve got the genes to help!’

F22 F21

‘Something that makes people happy,

‘Moments of pleasure,through

for me this is things like friendship,

ones senses.’

laughter, anything that gives you that warm fuzzy feeling. Things in the world

F21 ‘Things that look good... complimenting colours, a bit different from the crowd and entertainment value.’

that make you stop and think ‘wow’.’

M22 ‘A quality which makes you like, want or desire anything based solely upon

M21 ‘A personal combination of nature and nurture will decide that for all of us.’

it’s appearance with utter disregard for any ‘useful’ or ‘negative’ qualities it may possess.’

FNA

“Beauty is radiance, either physical or from within. An aspect or aspects of someone or something that shines through.”

F30

“Beauty is a word that describes something which you find pleasing or attractive but it is not important to gain possession of.”

M22

“

Beauty is in the eye of the

beholder M21

�

2.

Personified

What makes a person beautiful?

‘Intelligence Conviction Talent Passion.’

NA

‘scientifically it’s ratios, the symmetricalness of your face and the proportion of your body.’

F

F27 ‘Confidence and poise, a person who is happy in their own skin.’

F22 ‘Some one whose confident, presents themselves well, and is special to me.’

M22 ‘A person who is confident but not arrogant.’

F19 ‘Confident of own body.’

F19 ‘Happiness, natural, healthy, fresh, clean, confidence.’

F21

‘My cat Muffy was reeaaal fat and had no tail, but she was incredibly beautiful to me.

She used to bring me flowers instead of birds and used to come cuddle if I cried.

It’s whats on the inside that counts.’

F22

M22

‘The way they see themselves, and how they respond to the world.’

F18

F

F21

‘Being genuine. Compassion. Gentleness.

‘When you can see just by watching

Kindness. You can be physically hot,

some-one for a couple of moments and

but if you don’t have warmth and depth

tell how kind hearted they are; I do not

to your personality then you are not an

think it has anything to do with looks.’

attractive person.’

F21 F22

‘Attitude and personality. Physical

‘Someone who is caring and genuine,

features obviously....but people are too

sometimes looks too, but it isnt the

individual for me to specify features.’

only factor.’

M21 F16

‘‘Not too sure if there’s a specific formula.

‘Physical appearance at first impressions;

I like plenty of red headed girls, though,

but when you know them all you see is

and anyone who looks weather beaten

their personality – so that effects how

has definite allure, like country girls,

you look at them physically and creates

street kids, punks, surfers, travelers...’

beauty or removes it.’

‘WHEN YOU LOOK AT THEM YOU INSTINCTIVELY LIKE THEM TO SOME DEGREE,

EVEN IF THEY ARE A BITCH.’ M22

F21

‘having a good heart and the ability to love others above oneself.’

NA

‘PHYSICAL ‘NATURAL ATTRIBUTES

TANNED

THAT I FIND BEAUTIFUL

BIG EYES’

ARE SKIN AND EYES.

EMOTIONAL

F21

‘ANYTHING THAT

ARE ATTITUDE

IS ATTRACTIVE

WARMTH AND

IN THE EYES OF THE

HUMOUR’ BEHOLDER’ F30

‘EYES.’

F31

‘BALANCED

F21

FEATURES, SOFT SMOOTH

SKIN & LARGE EYES ’ F47

F21 ‘How genuine they are.’

M33

M21 ‘Imperfections as well as perfections.’

M40

‘When they are whole and true

‘Attitude to life i.e. if they are open to

to themselves.’

learn or consider; and their approach to dealing with others. Considerate.’

F22 ‘How kind and caring they are; the love they have for you. Thinking

F21 ‘Uniqueness.’

about others before themselves.

For example, my friends and family

F45

are all beautiful because I know they

‘Unconventional presentations.

would do anything for me and they

(But I still register good bone structure)

are there to pick you up when you

of hair, makeup, style.’

are down. Selflessness.’

F22 M22 ‘Their relationship with themselves, people and things around them.’

F35 ‘Kind, caring, open hearted, peaceful, cheerful, not racist, self insight.’

F22

‘Caring and nice (for want of a better word).’

F19 ‘If I know them, their personality; how personable they are. Their smile.

Generally a gorgeous smile thats frequently used would make me consider someone beautiful.

‘When they are kind and you can

Well- groomed, and someone with

admire them and they speak softly

self respect.’

and thoughtfully and they smell pretty.’

M21

3.

Objectified

What makes an object beautiful?

‘The beauty of objects is judged solely on their appearance.

I don’t see something as beautiful because it is useful or of value.’

F, 22 F22

M, 21

‘SHAPE’‘PERFECTION ATTENTION TO DETAIL

F21

‘ TOUCH AND SMELL & PERHAPS EVEN COLOUR

CONTEXT ’ M21

OF THE OBJECT ’ ‘TEXTURE, SHAPE ’ F21

M22

‘ITS FORM’ ‘ COLOUR & SHAPE ’ F27

F30

‘A STORY IT TELLS HOW IT MAKES US FEEL

THE DESIGN

‘CRAFT’ F21

THE LINES’ ‘MEANING F19

‘ PHYSICAL APPEARANCE ’ F35

UNIQUENESS

SPECIAL’ F16

‘Delicacy, Ornate, Intricate...

Something you know time, effort & passion has been put into.’

F21

F23

F

‘Design, function, colour. Tamagotchis.

‘It’s the same as people, ratio and

Vacuum cleaners.’

proportions and balance.’

F22 ‘What it looks like. Something that

F22 ‘Symmetry, nice colours that don’t clash.’

envokes feelings within. Like a Paua shell, all those pretty colours...’

NA ‘The right proportions and a strong idea.’

F19 ‘Something natural and completely untouched or on the contrary, something with the touch of a human hand, something with a slightly messy or hand-made quality.’

F ‘Smooth. I don’t like lumps and sharp things. If it has flow and looks soft...

Not jagged and intense.’

F25 ‘Nice shape, functionality.’

NA ‘Simplicity, function, elegance.’

F ‘When its different from the things around it.’

M40 ‘Form and function and the ability to surprise i.e. I hadn’t considered that (improving on the perfect.)’

‘QUALITY OF RAWNESS.’ M21

M22

M22

‘Considered.

A point of difference.’

F27 ‘Something that you want to look at for longer and feel positive about..’

F22 ‘It’s usually a one of a kind, something you see rarely or something you attach memories to that may give it a special meaning, eg: something shared with someone special.’

F21 ‘I like things that are in their pure form, untainted and unchanged. But I also think the story behind an object also decides whether it is beautiful or not.

For example, a wedding ring- the proposal and the love = beautiful; but if the diamond were a blood diamond, then it’s no longer beautiful.’

‘WHEN IT SIMPLY EXPRESSES A SINGLE IDEA OR EMOTION.’ M33

4.

Under the influence

How do you think people’s personal opinions on beauty are devised?

F25

‘Intuition.’

F24

‘MEDIA

’

F21 ‘By the media and the influence of

M21 ‘Experience.’

those around them.’

F21 M22 ‘Groups of friends, do they approve of

‘How they’ve been taught by the people close to them.’

what I think? Media, upbringing, and hormones combined with alcohol.’

F16

F40 ‘Personal opinion, (shaped by environment considerations) peer

‘Because that is what they are supposed

views, trends, fashion, what we have

to think (to some extent) but also things

been taught or conditioned to think.’

that they are drawn to.’

NA F19

‘What they have been influenced

‘Possibly because of the way they’ve been

by growing up, their perception of

brought up, and each individuals values,

truth and what they view to be

and what they’re subjected to (eg. media).’

successful in life.’

F

‘Because a lot of people, I believe, don’t actually know what the word beauty stands for.’

M33

F21

‘A lot of people think beauty is what the

‘Because they’re told what is beautiful

media tells them it is.’

and what is not, without being able to make their minds up for themselves.

F22

And because a lot of people, I believe,

‘I think too much is commercialised,

don’t actually know what the word

I feel beauty is more than skin deep,

beauty stands for. And of course,

but we are shown and told since we’re

the media. magazines, the internet,

little in fairy tales that looks and beauty

Fashion Channel, E Channel.’

counts eg; the ugly step sisters in cinderella. Actors, singers, entertainers

F27

etc.... they are mostly ‘made’ beautiful

‘Oh, well, often the advertising (and

so we see no natural beauty.

non-advertising) media suggests what

I think more natural beauty should

it is, but that’s just so companies can

be shown and discussed, even though

make money - because it is FREE to look

we all aspire to the commercial look

like people naturally do, so it must be

of beauty.’

discouraged for profit, haha.’

‘Culturally constructed notions adjusted by the personal experiences of the individual.’ M22

F23

F21

‘Human beings are attracted to

‘By who they really are; I think that’s

symmetry and perfect proportions.’

how you can get people’s individual

F25 ‘Intuition- people are instinctively

opinions on a matter.’

F21

F18 ‘Media. Religion. Pain.’

F22 ‘From how they are brought up; people pick up the values of their parents etc.

drawn to things that are visually

‘Human beings have been made to

I think people who are self conscious or

appealing. Also media hype can help

have differing opinions. For example,

super focused on their appearance have

influence ideas to a certain degree.’

anyone that had not grown up with

trouble seeing other things as beautiful.

my kitten would have thought she was

Certain events and stages of peoples lives

a runty old thing.’

change their focus and perceptions; e.g

F21 ‘Partly because of natural laws of attraction: eg. attraction between male

F

losing some one you love can make you have to find beauty in other things;

and females. And partly because we

‘Things that they learn from media,

superficial things become less important,

are trained by media to interpret beauty

family, friends; and also things that

as when it comes down to it these aren’t

from what we are shown or offered.’

make them happy and smile.’

the things that will get us through life.’

M21

‘INNER CONCIOUSNESS,

MEDIA, UPBRINGING.’ NA

. . . . . . . . .

M21

‘Social constructs but I guess also biological instincts.’

5.

Catalogued

List 5 ideas or objects you think are beautiful...

F21

‘EYES EMOTIONS PERSONALITY COMPASSION UNDERSTANDING.’

F18

Typewriters Dimensional Transition Intergalactic Earth Impregnation Soviet Design Red

M21

‘Wings caught in the tears of the pool/

Please spend this money to help my son Hue/

M22

Now now, there there, thats that/

I want to see, my family, my wife and child, waiting for me/’

F16 ‘The word ‘Hope’, clouds, trees, rings, selflessness.’

F35 ‘Maori carvings, ta moko, a rose.’

F22 ‘My best friends, a baby being born, my ring I wear, my little sisters are beautiful, a poem written by someone special to me.’

F22 ‘Love, babies (of the human and kittenary variety), friendship, family, love making, tropical islands full of brown boys.’

M21 ‘Beaches, sunsets, my girlfriend, a fresh meal, socializing with friends- seeing people laughing and having fun.’

M33 ‘My fiancee. Blood. Overhead kicks.

Waves. Earth seen from space.’

F22 ‘When water sparkles in the sun, bright

F22

things, babies! Immogen Cunningham

‘The sunset, clean green nature itself,

photographs.’

a smile, laughter.’

M40 ‘In no particular order: iPod, Adidas soccer boots, TaylorMade driver (golf club), Porsche 911 (classic) and my leather satchel.’

NA ‘Unconditional love, the iPod, Audi A4, Kartel Furniture and my Marc Jacobs silk scarf.’

M21 ‘iMacs, my girlfriend, the tree in my front yard, humanity, the moon.’

F21 ‘Any engagement and wedding ring, Charity, Passion, Cats, Fire.’

NA ‘Most things in nature, Eames fiberglass chair, Wong Kar Wei films.’

M22 ‘The fern ball above Civic Square, anchors, staircases leading up to Karori, coffee roasters, the bucket fountain.’

‘Find beautiful meanings...

...in beautiful things.’ Oscar Wilde

1

isbn

80-247-1514-7

What is Beauty?

ISSUE ONE BEHOLDER MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2009