Ecology, Landscape, Nature
Readings: Reading and Writing the Site by John Dixon Hunt, The Orbits of Earthly Bodies by Rebecca Solnit and an excerpt from The Ecological Thought by Timothy Morton
- What is “second nature”, according to the roman writer Cicero? What other term could be used as a synonym for “second nature”, according to John Dixon Hunt? Why is this kind of nature a “second” nature? What is “first”? (p.131-132)
– Second nature is any adjustment to first nature, could also be called “modified” nature.
– First nature is primal or untouched nature (often called wilderness although wilderness is only constructed due to there being areas that aren’t wilderness – such as cities, suburbs etc). - What is “third nature”? Why do you think this is “third”? i.e. why is “third nature” said to “go beyond” or be and advance or development upon “second nature”?
– Third nature is highly constructed or designed, like building a false nature. It is a fabricated environment that isn’t “natural” but more a form of art. - What does John Dixon Hunt say is the main point he is trying to make when he brings up the terms first, second and third nature? What do all these terms tell us about the human relation to nature? (p.132)
– Humans are constantly processing nature for easier “use” instead of using it how it is we try to make it more accomodating to us. Nature is seen as something to control and get use out of. - What is “picturesque”? (p.132) What does this word mean in common parlance? What does it mean in relation to the history of landscape design? Look it up online and find out as much as you can about it.
– Picturesque is and aesthetic ideal introduced by William Gilpin in 1782. “visually attractive, especially in a quaint or charming way.”
– Moving away from classical ideas of beauty in landscape artworks in the 18th century.
– Travellers were told to examine”the face of the country by the rules of picturesque beauty”.
– Christopher Hussey described picturesque as “roughness and sudden variation joined to irregularity of form, colour, lighting and even sound”.
– The introduction of picturesque landscapes showed that not everything has to be perfect to be beautiful, a withered old tree could be as beautiful as a strong young one. - What is the “sublime”? (p.132) What does this word mean in common parlance? What does it mean in relation to the history of art and philosophy? Look it up online and find out as much as you can about it.
– Edmund Burke in the 18th century described sublime as “Aesthetics, quality of greatness, beyond all possibility of calculation, measurement or imitation.”
– Edmund Burke defined the sublime as an artistic effect productive of the strongest emotion the mind is capable of feeling.
– Inspires awe and veneration, artistic effect productive of strongest emotions both good and bad.
– Christopher Hussey described sublime as “Outstanding qualities of sublime were vastness and obscurity and those of beautiful smoothness and gentleness.”
– In landscape the sublime is exemplified by J.M.W Turner’s sea storms and mountain scenes and in history painting by the violent dramas of Henry Fuseli. The notion that a legitimate function of art can be to produce upsetting or disturbing effects was an important element in Romantic art and remains fundamental to art today. (retrieved from https://www.tate.org.uk/art/art-terms/s/sublime) - What is a garden? How does John Dixon Hunt define the garden on p. 133? (Clue: What does the word “milieu” mean? What is its etymological/original meaning?
– Original meaning of the word milieu comes from French for environment. A persons social environment, people, physical, social conditions.
– Etymological meaning of the word milieu is surroundings, medium, environment.
– Gardens are a form of art in an otherwise “artless” landscape.
– Gardens are a fresh perception/take on first and second nature.
Some key words/conceptual toolkit from Dixon Hunts article:
First nature/ Second nature/ Third nature
Cultural landscape
The Picturesque
The Sublime
Spatial Design 
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