Organise Objects Neatly

Organising objects neatly is both easy and satisfying. Creating a soothing sense of calm amid the chaos.

Things Organised Neatly or ‘organisation porn’ or also known as knolling, is one of the easiest ways you can get creative. It’s a simple and meditative exercise that just about anyone can do, using found objects. Pebbles, stones, your art materials, jewellery, pens, pencils, flowers, leaves, computer parts - the list is pretty endless. So put the phone down and swap the scroll for Organising Objects Neatly instead.

Tom Sachs, Ten Bullets Zine

Instructions

• Ideally, allow yourself an hour to really delve in. However, it’s also a quick, simple and satisfying exercise that you can do in a 10-minute screen break.

• Find objects that relate to each other in some kind of theme. Stationary, foliage/plants and food are all easily accessible and great for organising neatly.

• Choose a shape to work within. I like to base my organised structures around a square shape but you could also work within a circle or triangle.

• Follow your instincts with this exercise. There is no right or wrong answer! Read on to see the gallery of inspiration…

Artistic Inspiration

“Follow your instincts, and act quickly. When a door of opportunity is opened, step through it as quickly as possible.”

— Austin Radcliffe, Founder of Things Organized Neatly

The Science Bit

Why is organising objects neatly so satisfying?

According to experimental psychologist Johan Wagemans, who specializes in visual perception, this type of image is different from the stimuli the brain ordinarily gets. Like abstract art, putting objects into a new context requires us to look beyond their literal meaning.

For example, look at leaves on a tree. Our brains expect both their chaotic yet conventional structure. But once you put those leaves into a new context, it creates a whole new meaning, stimulating our brains to see new connections. He adds:

“The combination of things that are very familiar and boring in themselves but are suddenly subject to a new organization creates something that wasn’t there in the beginning.

Usually, perception is after meaning, but when you start playing with images in a way like this, it’s clear that it’s not about meaning, it’s about the special relationship between things and how they form a group or a composition.”

— Johan Wagemans, Experimental Psychologist

Reflection & Enquiry

How did you do?

Were you engaged? Was it fun? Were you Bored? Did you daydream?

I would love to see pictures of your creations. Email your images and thoughts to info@georgiestclair.com or tag me @georgiestclair on Instagram

Have an inspired day!

Georgie x