THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, January 8, 1995 TAG: 9501060152
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS PAGE: 06 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Editorial
LENGTH: Short : 37 lines
For months a series of three books called ``The Magic Eye'' have been on the best seller lists across the country.
Described by the Washington Post as a merger of the art world and the computer age, the multi-dimensional illustrations at first appear to be impressionistic art. Then with a different focus, the colorful creations become more realistic and mundane pictures.
If public fascination with such illustrations could be translated to real life, Portsmouth would have no trouble with its image.
Like most places, this city has problems. But this city also has more than its share of beautiful places and things. Unfortunately, most people focus on the real life aspects of the picture and seldom allow themselves the pleasure of seeing the other side.
As with ``The Magic Eye'' books, it's a matter of focus. Many for so long have seen Portsmouth in one light that it isn't easy to refocus the eyes to get a different picture.
No doubt, we must see and deal with the realistic parts of the total. But we can't stay locked into one side of the picture, limiting our vision to one dimension.
There's no reason we can't shift our focus on Portsmouth the same way we shift it when viewing ``The Magic Eye'' books, dealing with the problems but at the same time seeing the other dimension of Portsmouth as a beautiful city. by CNB