I missed the other post that you speak of.

I lurk and learn much, much more than I participate.

That being said, I would like to simply say that your beautiful food presentations encourage me to try more colorful, pleasing to the eye, dishes for my family to enjoy.

I wish you would post pictures of every dish you prepare.
I always share them with my husband who enjoys them as much as I do.

I so look forward to every thread that you post here and always open them with great expectations and anticipation.

They take my enjoyment of food to a higher level.

In my world, you would be the artist and I would be the artist wannabe who tries to be more creative by playing with my food, borrowing (stealing) some of your ideas! lol

Thank you. Don't stop now.

Betty

Betty said that so well that I will just agree with her. I
always look forward to your beautiful presentations.

dcarch - It's totally beyond me why you would make a bunch of strong, opinionated statements about what art is, then come to a new thread to further ramble on about something that by your own words "is not possible to define," only to follow that up with another arguable (and possibly offending) statement like, "Craft is not art."

That aside, I look forward to pictures of your, um, "stuff" and whether or not each picture appeals to me, in one sense or another I enjoy them all.

That's a very creative cauliflower presentation, and FWIW this one happens to appeal to me.

First and foremost, thank you all for your very kind comments. They are well appreciated.

FOAS, it's totally beyond me why this thread is totally beyond you.

The very first opening paragraph states that I did not want to hijack the other thread therefore I started this thread.
The second paragraph states that I was addressing Sally2's comment regarding my food play.

Have you missed those paragraphs or perhaps I have missed something?

But back on topic, and to ramble some more, my entire attempt was to achieve some degree of terminological exactitude. I have no universal answers as to what art is for everyone; all I have is a view of what is not art for my own edification.

Ponder the following:

Is every work done by a known artist automatically "art"?

If engaging in creativity is art, there are millions of creative patent holders, how many do you feel are artists?

The art of pasta making, the art of conversation, ---- art? Really?.

There are illustrators who work in the graphic arts field and there are artists who do illustrations. Are all illustrators automatic artists? Should the classifications of artists and illustrators be interchangeable? Why is offensive calling an illustrator an illustrator? Is it an insult to either profession by clearly defining their respective vocational/professional focuses?

ls religious art "art"? Is primitive art "Art"? Is folk art "art"?

If "Form Follows Function" is art, then Frank Lloyd Wright furniture are well known to be uncomfortable, are they art?

Barcelona Chairs, Eames chairs are in art museums, are they art or are they great industrial designs? What about the Chinese takeout box in the Museum of Modern Art?

Mother Teresa is a better person, A soldier gave his life is a better person. Is Picasso a better person than a graphics illustrator? Is higher price equals better art? Should art be egalitarian, or should it become elitists' perverted monetary currencies?

Remember John Stossel's 'Give Me a Break' program on ABC TV Channel?

There was one in which a few fine arts experts were invited to comment on many paintings. A few of the paintings were done by known artists, a few were done by children, and a few were done by monkeys. I think you know the ending of that program. The experts had a hard time telling them apart. What does that say about "art"? Can a monkey be an artist?

Food plating, art or not, has become a major aspect of food enjoyment and cooking. I encourage everyone to participate and have fun in "food play". Everyone one can do it, it is free and it's rewarding. I am sorry that it offends a few, but I am happy that there are also many who enjoy it.

FOAS, I guess it would be impolite for me not to ask you to illuminate me as to what your view on art is.

dcarch

Eh, doesn't so much matter what my view on art is, but thanks for asking. Suffice it to say that I take no issue with Merriam-Webster's definition which clearly suggests that pasta making, conversation, illustrations, graphic art, uncomfortable furniture, crafts, children's paintings, and yes, creative food presentation are all forms of art.

art noun \ˈ�rt\

Definition of ART
1: skill acquired by experience, study, or observation
2a : a branch of learning: (1) : one of the humanities (2) plural : liberal arts b archaic : learning, scholarship
3: an occupation requiring knowledge or skill
4a : the conscious use of skill and creative imagination especially in the production of aesthetic objects; also : works so produced b (1) : fine arts (2) : one of the fine arts (3) : a graphic art
5a archaic : a skillful plan b : the quality or state of being artful
6: decorative or illustrative elements in printed matter

Sorry - due to html a couple of the examples dropped out of the above quote, and I think they're worth adding back:

under (1) - "the art of making friends"
under (3) - "the art of organ building

Dc, it seems like you are trying to define what is bad and good art and that is typically in the eye of the beholder.
Skill can be quantified, of course.

FOAS quoted from the dictionary"

"4a : the conscious use of skill and creative imagination especially in the production of aesthetic objects; also : works so produced" to which I will add "that can be eaten."

The cauliflower looks delish!

Posted by Bumblebeez "Dc, it seems like you are trying to define what is bad and good art and that is typically in the eye of the beholder. Skill can be quantified, of course."

BB, again, I am only talking about my own feeling about art, not about anyone else's. Bad art is art with bad intentions, such as those done by the Nazi's, otherwise, yes, my main point is "Art is in the eye of the beholder" , good to me is not the same to others, and vice versa.

Speaking of illustrators, one of my most admired illustrator is a true artist, M.C. Escher. To many, his works are just visual amusements, but to me they convey extraordinary deeper philosophical messages, which communicates much more than and way beyond the superficial objects drawn.

Hand with Reflecting Sphere - shows how one's views can be distorted if you are not aware of what mental tools you are viewing the world with.

Sky and Water I - (fish and bird) Many people are so selfcentered in their own world that they cannot accept that there is another world that is different living right next to them.

Penrose triangle and devil's tuning fork. - some people will insist that their view is the only reality and everyone else is wrong. But if they were just to take one step away from their position to get a different perspective, they will immediately realize that their view is impossible.

Ascending and Descending - This one represents a situation that is familiar to all. How many time you have run into people who will argue and argue and argue, thinking that they getting to a point, but they are going no where.

The above is especially true with people you encounter in various Forums.

Flower Power - I am actually not talking about cauliflower. Do you remember the picture of that individual, without words, inserted a flower into the gun barrel of a National Guard? That silent picture changed the world history. A florist arranging a beautiful bouquet is a florist, and that picture with one flower is art.

Food play (art?)- I and intrigue by the sandpaintings of the Tibetan Monks. Many days of dedicated painting with the intention of destroying it right after it is done. Transient art.

dcarch (just rambling) :-)

Suddenly the first sentence in this thread takes on a far greater meaning. And now, this all is no longer totally beyond me.

As you were...

Thank you Teresa. Your generous Wild rice gifts also lead me to learn about Native American's sandpainting traditions.

Thank you FOAS for always keeping decorum in exchanging ideas.
--------------------------------------------------------

I tawt I taw a comment about the making of the cauliflower, I did, I did! What tappened?

Because my mismanagement of my time, I don't normally talk about recipes or the reasons for the making of a dish unless someone is interested.

The making of the cauliflower was fun and simple.

1. Cut head of cauliflower horizontally in half.

2. Oil the Dutch oven, and add seasoning.

3. Turn the stem half over and put in Dutch over.

4. Cover the Dutch oven and cook. You may need to add a little water, depending on the oven and your stove fire.

5. The steam from the cooking will cook the entire half head of cauliflower, and the heat will caramelize the face of the cauliflower at the same time.

6. When you turn the cauliflower over, because cooked cauliflower is soft, the charred flat surface drapes over and as you see become somewhat spherical.

7. Add pepper sometime during cooking depending how you like your pepper cooked.

BTW, if you prefer, both cauliflower and bell peppers can be eaten raw.
----------------------------------------------
Why pepper and Cauliflower? (From the WEB)

Food pairing: (for good taste)

""Good vegetable pairings with lemon include bell pepper and cauliflower. Bell pepper comes in many varieties and colors and has a very high water and sugar content. Bell pepper flavor is very mild and benefits from the tartness supplied by lemon. ----- Cauliflower is a very mild vegetable that is often eaten raw, steamed and pureed. Lemon pairs well with cauliflower as the brightness from the lemon adds a depth of flavor to cauliflower."

Food health: Cauliflower:
� Contains very powerful anticancer compounds through glucosinolates, including sulforaphane and indole-3-carbinols
� Promotes cancer cell death
� Blocks the growth of new blood vessels needed for cancer growth
� Detoxifies certain cancer causing substances
� Prevents precancerous cells from developing into malignant tumors

Food health: Pepper
� Stimulates the growth of immune cells and increases their capacity to attack tumor cells through lutein, lycopene, phytoene, and canthaxanthin

This dish was designed for those of you who are unfortunate that you have to deal with health issues related to cancer.

dcarch

DC :

Am I allowed to say,

" I think all your food presentations, are Works of Art "

" Well I don't care what mama won't allow I'm gonna say it any how "

Tweedly lee deedly deeedly dumm !!!

LOU

PS:
You don't have to do all the fancy explaining.
There are a lot of beholders.

Stumpy....you are so right....the first sentence says it all!!

I enjoy looking at your presentations. Thanks for all you have and will share~

"Birds of a feather flock together!"

Lou, just wondering if you have done more birds lately. Do you do just Hawks or others as well?

I hope I am not offending you. I am trying to figure out if what you have done with the "Redtail Hawk" is accidental or you actually have this amazing faculty in art.

Not considering your obvious enviable (yes, envy) craftsmanship, what stunned me was that you had gone one dimension further. A typical carver would have the hawk pounding on the unsuspecting ferret, but you just had the hawk poised on the branch, but everyone can see on the face of the hawk there is an expression that says "Lunch is about to be served". And everyone also can anticipate that in the next fractions of a second what will be the fate of the ferret. The entire drama is not in the carving but played out in the beholder's mind.

That, to me is art. Feel free to disagree. I am the beholder.

Come to think of it, hawk is a nasty bird, perverse it may be, nasty birds can be more popular. No one sculpts a chicken. You should do a few other birds of prey, so that nasty birds can flock together.

Interesting also, ferret too is a nasty predator, your art also says, "you may be nasty today, oneday someone more nasty than you will make you into a lunch." Symbolism is a form of art. Art is messages delivered in silence.

Speaking of lunch, I have had racoon once. Not too bad, looking forward to taste a nasty ferret one day.

Oh, Glenda thank you for putting up with me, the ivillage Idiot.

dcarch

dc, I love, love your food presentations if not always your rhetoric!

I agree with both of you FOAS and lindac. The first line does say it all. When a thread is "all about Dcarch" it contains the following components:

His posts are informative, entertaining, positive and always have some of the best photos on this forum. I have yet to see him take side swipes at people. He is a gentleman.

And most importantly his threads are always fun. But for whatever reason he rubs some people the wrong way on occasion.

Dcarch - that said, have any of your comments ever been removed from this forum?

Teresa

Dcarch - that said, have any of your comments ever been removed from this forum?

LOL, probably not Teresa, as I highly doubt you've reported him yet!

Anyway, to get back off topic...

dcarch, Your insight into Lou's carvings has me wondering the same thing that I've often wondered while reading analysis of literature (or any art): "Did the author really think of all that, or did it conveniently fall into place for someone to 'interpret'?"

Lou can answer that for himself. But I couldn't help but recall your analysis of my sous vide controller:

Let me first comment on your work. It shows there has been a lot of intelligent thinking went into putting it together, even it only took you about an hour's work. Your use of a strain-relieve bushing for the temperature sensor cable for instance, not too many people would know enough to do that. The selection of a magnetic case is a very good one because temperature sensors are subject to interferences. The case is also a venting/non rusting case, which is very smart.

Very flattering, but the truth is I just happened to have a junk computer from which I ripped an appropriately sized power box. Beginning and end of story. I guess I'm just a simple guy.

Anyway, there's one thing that no one can take away from you, dcarch, you have a great sense of humor. I'm loving the irony that you posted a step-by-step of a simple cauliflower dish that no one asked about, when you've so famously evaded myriad direct questions about your many less obvious dishes and methods. Mark my words, I'll make that darn cauliflower, just to commemorate this day!

Posted by Teresa, "---Dcarch - that said, have any of your comments ever been removed from this forum? "

In fact a few of my posts were pulled sometime ago. That was a shock to me of the censorship mentality that was happening. One or two individuals in their own self-righteous views didn't feel what I had posted fit their narrow standards and decided that no one else should see them.

Then, OTOH, I have gotten a few e. mails recently from a few telling me that some posts were so despicable that they had to request the moderators to pull them. I think they have done a big favor to those posters who had done those embarrassing posts. I have seen copies of those pulled posts, really nasty. They had to be drunk or crazy to post those. Goes to show, there are good self-appointed forum polices and not so good ones.

Posted by FOAS, "----Very flattering, but the truth is I just happened to have a junk computer from which I ripped an appropriately sized power box. Beginning and end of story. I guess I'm just a simple guy.----- "

That is even more interesting. Just a couple of days ago on PBS TV, I saw an interesting program. Some crows are able to use tools in a complex manner. They can use a tool to get another tool to get a third tool to retrieve food. Furthermore, not only that they can use tools they can actually make tools. All are natural unlearned abilities.

If you can build a sophisticated electronic device such as you did without even thinking about it, that means you have a very natural ability (And I am not saying you have a bird brain either. LOL!)

The cauliflower, you either had missed some facts or decided to present the story in your own way: (Speaking of birds, again), Tweedy Bird says, "I tawt I taw a comment (by someone)about the making of the cauliflower, I did, I did! What tappened (to that post)?"

Therefore I had to explain that the cauliflower and the pepper were cooked very well done and not raw as was observed, and furthermore there were health and flavor reasons for my conception of that concoction.

Finally, I am taking this opportunity to ramble on, because I have been asked a few times by a member to talk about my methods and secrets of food play, and I did promise that I would do so. I have not done so because I really have no idea why and how I do what I have been doing, and besides, I just don't think this is an activity that can be practiced "Step one, like this, step two, do that." That would be like painting by numbers to become an artist.

Hopefully this thread will give him/her an idea that Food play, at some point will take no effort and anyone can do it and have fun with. Most importantly, is just do it, and do it in your own style.

punamytsike, are you reading this?

And BTW, I have seen, and inspired by many superb examples of plating by many members here.

dcarch

Dcarch:
Hi! Didn't see all the Threads until now. I was down to Delaware County , Pa.

My brother-in-law and his wife were here from Fla.and we all met in a large Greek Restaurant.
( along with my 2 Daughters )
The owner is a friend of Ceasar's,my BIL )
Never ate so much.
I had a Surf and Turf, Lobster and 2 Filet Mingnon, with all the Veggies and
a Piece of Strawberry Cheesecake. It was delicious, almost as good as mine.LOL !!!

The Cakes and Pastries were unbelieveable.

Of course we shared a portion of everyones dish
( traditional in my BIL'S Family).
I also had a piece of Maussaka and Spanakorizo.

********************************************************

Back on track !!!

To answer your Question !!!

I haven't done much in Wildfowl Artist Carvings since my wife Passed away.
The last was an Interperative Carving of a Swan .
That is on a glass top Coffee Table, in my living room.

The Hawk and Weasel was a Composition in my mind. I brought it to life, it wasn't accidental.
The Weasel is looking into a hole in the Driftwood, where a Chipmunk is hiding,after it was chased.
That is why I named it " Rivals ".

Persons who didn't see the carving, are probably wondering " what the H--- is he talking about "

I have done many other Animals and Songbirds, even an Eagle
Bust in White Italian Marble.

A couple pieces almost went Overseas to our Embassies but I thought they might have been too delicate.
Besides they would have been there a long while, before anyone purchased them.

I have won many Blue Ribbons in the Pro Class. Up and down the East Coast and Livonia , Mi

Does it sound like I am bragging ??? I'm not ! Just answering your Question.

Also won Gold Hammer Awards from Popular Mechanics.
Been doing many things, since I was 13 Years old.

These are just the tip of the Iceberg.
Can even make Pizza !!!

*********************************
I have some Photo's of food carvings, some one sent me, in an Email.
I have to figure a way to send them to your post.

Did I ramble on, enough ???

DC: Like you, I figure anyone can " Ramble On "long as they know what they are Rambling about.

Have a nice weekend everyone.

LOU

So, if I understand correctly, it is a natural flow, you just do it, the plating and I should just do it as well and see how it comes out.
I did get some pointers from a friend of mine who is a chef in an upscale restaurant. He told me that I have to make sure that I see plating as 3 dimensional and have something that gives height to the composition.
Life has served me a curveball, so I have not really been too worried about how pretty my food looks like lately. I have resumed cooking and feeding friends, so eventually I hope to get back to learning to make said food pretty as well ;)
Lou, I would love to see photos of your work, I did not know you are an artist as well.

punamytsike - You've probably seen some of Lou's work here, but mistaken it for real life nature. Yes, it's that good.

Punamy:
I get tongue tied typing your wholehandle.

Here are some photo's of the Redtailed Hawk.

Dcarch:

I don't think the Swan( Interperative Style )was the last.

I did the wall, 3 D thing but it was never completed.
It is 52 inches X 28 H. 6 inches deep.
Boat at a Dock.

Borrowed my wifes Jewlery to make all the Lights and Antiques. Used bullet Cases for many items.

One day, I'll put all the photo's; of everything, into another part of the Forum.

LOU

Wow Lou, impressive, the details...
thanks for posting :)

and the discussion about art and artists, what it is and is not, is an interesting one, although maybe better suited for the conversation side. I consider myself artist, at least in my soul. Years ago, we were showing off my projects to some people and they asked if I was an artist and my DH said "no". It kind of stinged a little at the time, but then I had never thought about whether I was or not at that point. Later on, I have started to think more leaning into the camp of artist rather than not. In the end what matters is, that I create beauty, at least in many eyes and it gives pleasure, that all that counts, right?

Lilly

Posted by Lilly

"So, if I understand correctly, it is a natural flow, you just do it, the plating and I should just do it as well and see how it comes out."

Very much so. I am not into food carving, as in making an apple to look like a swan. I like to discover the hidden natural characteristic and personality of food, in each of the ingredients, and organize them in a way that is engaging to the eating experience. As long as you are doing it with every single dish, pretty soon you will discover your own style (flow, in your words) and you can do it fairly quickly without the food getting cold. You will find your "sweet spot" in piling food on a plate that is so satisfying to both you and those who share food with you. You get two WOWs, one before the food is tasted, one after.

"I did get some pointers from a friend of mine who is a chef in an upscale restaurant. He told me that I have to make sure that I see plating as 3 dimensional and have something that gives height to the composition."

It is definitely important to see plating as three dimensional, as in sculpturing. A dish is viewed from all perspectives. However, IMHO, for any work to be engaging, it is the fourth dimension that is the key. In a way, the fourth dimension is what I was trying to say about what Lou and Teresa have done. The fourth dimension, depending on the style of the work, takes on many forms.

I was curious about a very different style of art, namely Chinese painting. I talked to a Chinese painter, he told me this:
In the old emperor days, there were annual national scholar competitions. Painting was one of the categories. One year a topic was given to the competing scholar painters, "Trotting horses returning home from a blossoming field"
Every painter was painting handsome horses going thru an open landscape of magnificent floral display. But the winner of that competition painted horses on a dirt path to the stable, with many butterflies fluttering around the horses' hoofs.

That is the fourth dimension, IMHO. Perhaps in today's parlance, The "X" factor.

"Life has served me a curveball, ------"

Curve balls often result in home runs.

"Lou, I would love to see photos of your work, I did not know you are an artist as well."

After you have admired Lou's work, you will also notice that accomplishment and humility are not mutually exclusive.

dcarch

I was thinking of "As long as you are doing it with every single dish, pretty soon you will discover your own style"...

Here are my problem with this - I do not plate for others, where I come from, you ate everything on your plate, so I would rather people put what they will actually eat on their plates. I also dislike others making plates for me for the same reason, except yours are so pretty, I would not mind ;) So maybe I answered my own question/pondering here. Once I learn to make really pretty plates, the portion control is so much easier with that - that is all in all another benefit, health benefit. And if I did not put enough on the pretty plate the first time around, the quests can take seconds of anything they like and I do not have to worry about wasted food - there will be very little, as the pretty plate does not have too much of anything on it.
So do you make each and every meal every day a pretty plated affair?

DC:
An Artist friend of mine, could did a 3 X 4 painting of a single piece of fruit, out of a bowl,
sitting on a tabletop. It was a an apple !!!

But it was partially peeled and some of the peels were laying there, along with a knife.
***********************************

He did a large painting of a single Rose in a tall vase.

There were a few Petals, Leaves and a pair of Scissors,
on the small tabletop.

Both paintings were eyecatching, as you wondered, what happened to the person,
that was peeling the Apple or trimming the Rose ?

Is this what you are referring to, as a 4th Dimension ?

Lilly:
This is as far as I went in art classes.

I wanted to learn the right way to mix and use Oil Paints.
So in 1971, I went to an Art School

The Art Instructor would come into my room and hand me a Banana and Orange.
He said sketch these and went out for a half hour.
This went on for 3 days , with different items.

I told him I came here to learn Oil Painting.
He said that will come in time.
That ended my Art Classes. I learned on my own and
did a few Paintings.

This is food related ?

I sprayed the Sketches with a clear and my DD put them in frames.
They have yellowed since .

I lighted them on the side , so they showed ripples and reflections.
Photo's are not good.

LOU
**************************
Banana and Apple

Food Jars

Lou - you are amazing! There are many hidden talents in your long life. Thank you for sharing!

Teresa

"---Is this what you are referring to, as a 4th Dimension ? --"

In the eye of the beholder, that quality that separates you from a digital camera, makes it art.

I am glad that we have the opportunities to showcase many members' talents. There are many here with art related background, and then you have many like John the lawyer who can do very nice platings.

dcarch

"-----So do you make each and every meal every day a pretty plated affair? "

Lilly, I don't think "making pretty" comes to my mind when I put food on a dish.

I see my activity more as respect for food, a celebration of the privilege of eating. I am conscious of what I do with food arrangement on a plate if I am having a party or eating alone. I do the same with every dish. I do the same if I am reheating leftovers.

It didn't take many seconds to plate this tilapia dish, for instance.

dcarch

Now this sure is art for me ;) I eat lots of salads, the leafy kind, and usually have a piece of meat to go with it - pork, steak, chicken. Do you have any examples, how would you plate something like that? Or would you keep them on different dishes? I love them on one.
Thanks for taking the time to indulge my curiosity.

I just now read this thread, and don't know what to say. In that other thread, I was trying to be tongue in cheek, sort of joking. I hope I didn't offend you.

Interesting thread.

I love your cauliflower plate, Dcarch, but does anyone else see Wile E. Coyote in the cauliflower stem?

Sally

DC, what are the red squares with the Tilapia?

Sally I didn't when I first looked,
But your post prompted me to look again.
Yup! Wile E is definitely there!

Lou, the pencil drawings are very good.
And I love your carvings.
The boat at dock is so relaxing,
I could sit and study it all day.

Didn't I see somewhere that you also make cutting boards
And wooden spoons?
What other talents are you hiding?

Rusty

I found it! Crafts that are art to me.

Here is a link that might be useful: Cake Wrecks

Robin,

Very nice link Robin.

As a matter of fact, I do consider a lot of crafty work "art".

There is a GW forum here called "Garden Junk". I post there once in a while to make life interesting there.

Typically, the folks there, many of them are retired senior citizens, make these "Bottle Trees", "Plate Flower", "Totems", etc.

Many people feel those are Red-Neck activities and meaningless. I view them as an art form.

I used to live in an apartment building where many old people live there. They were so lonely. They sat around in the hallways and let their brains and bodies deteriorate. It was pathetic.

Therefore, I see the people in the Junk Forum engaging in an art form that is 100 times more meaningful them those $100 million dollar canvases in the museums.

In today's world that is facing the humanity now, I also see art which promotes recycling incredibly pertinent.

Rusty, those are beets.
dcarch

Thank you Sally.

Now I am trying hard to look for the Road Runner. :-)

dcarch

"---I eat lots of salads, the leafy kind, and usually have a piece of meat to go with it - pork, steak, chicken. Do you have any examples, how would you plate something like that?---"

Lily, I too like a lot of salad. I have a small garden. Being able to enjoy this year's harvest grown from last year's kitchen scraps is very gratifying.

Plating salad for me is, as I said, I have no idea what I am doing. But, I often look into the Japanese ikebana discipline. Take at look in that "art" form; I can't explain why I think that is relevant in salad plating.

Here are some salads I have thrown together on a plate.

Dcarch

Hey DC :

That really put the Cherry on Top of the Sundae !!!
LOU

PS :

Always SMILE !!!
No one will know if you are Happy or Crazy and
they won't bother you.

Besides, if you do not smile enough,
your face will crack, when you try !!!

LOU said that !!!
*********************
Sally:

I saw Wile E Coyote

Thank you for those inspiration photos - One thing I one, once I have my own place, I have to have few edible flowers growing, as those really add to your compositions.

Lou, I like your drawings and carvings. I forgot to say that in the previous post.

Great salads, Dcarch. Are those dark cubes in the first pic beets?

Look at the center of the cauliflower - the snout is pointing down, with the tip darkened like a nose. The triangle forehead is in the center, with the two ears sticking up at 1:00 and 11:00. It's just his face. Don't worry - I do this to my husband all the time with his paintings, and the hidden pictures in Highlights magazine were my favorites when I was a kid.

Sally