The Natural History of the Senses 

by Alyssa Kneeland 

"Some forms of touch irritate and delight us simultaneously." - Ackerman 

When reading this text, I realized how important the sense, touch, is.  We are constantly coming in contact with our surroundings.  The physical aspect of this can either be a good or bad thing. Coming in contact with something unwanted such as dirt on your, for example, may make you uncomfortable and lead you to take a shower.  Whereas if you were to come in contact with something such as a blanket, you receive pleasure because of the texture and softness of the blanket.  For my first example, I wanted to focus on coming into contact with things that may be weird and uncomfortable, and capturing the way someone felt, by their expression. I did a five trial experiment where I covered my roommates face with various condiments such as peanut butter, relish, mustard, chocolate syrup, and ketchup.  Coming into contact with these things can definitely make you feel weird uncomfortable, or even unnatural.  It was clear that my roommate felt this and the evidence was recorded using a camera. 

Yellow Mustard: 
This was the first of five experiments making these condiment masks.  As you see in the photos below, my roommate Lily expressed that the mustard felt "hot," and at some point, actually started to burn on her upper lip.

Dill Relish:
Lily expressed that the dill relish "felt like boogers" on her face.  What is different about the relish 

 Chocolate Syrup:
"The syrup was warm, not like the mustard it didn't burn at all.  However, the syrup dripped a lot and got into my eyes."

 

 Peanut Butter: 
This was Lily's favorite mask because the peanut butter was smooth and stuck to her skin well without having to worry about the condiment going into her eyes or getting in her hair. If you look at her soft and light expressions you may even believe she is enjoying herself. 

Tomato Ketchup: 
This was the least favorited mask. The ketchup tended to slide down her Lily's face and make her uncomfortable.  As you can see in the photos below Lily is expressing anger and annoyance.

 

Part II: Natural History of the Senses

"It is amazing how much information is communicable through touch." - Ackerman

Madi King and Snoop Dog: 

On physical touch can affect how someone is feeling on the inside.  For example; someone can find comfort and love with a single hug.  Madison King suffers from anxiety and depression but with the help of her canine companion Snoopy, she feels that she is never truly alone.   Snoopy is a registered emotional support dog.  This means that Madison is protected under ESA (Emotional Support Animal,) laws that can allow her to bring Snoopy almost anywhere she goes, and can be an exception when it comes to traveling to places which are normally pet free areas.  Certification of being an ESA, was given to Snoopy by Madison's local Therapist in saint Augustine.  Certifications can only be given to animals by a licensed metal health professional who believes that the animal truly helps in alleviating symptoms of a mental or emotional disability through and affection companionship.  Madison expressed that at sometimes when she is in a large group of people she will feel anxiety overcome her, but petting snoopy and having him beside her.  "Having him is like a security blanket for me.  One time when I was really upset and he climbed up on my bed and put his head on my chest and let out a long sigh.  It made me feel like he understood what i was going through in a way and him being in my arms made me feel his warmth and love." 

An up-close look at Snoopy's coat.

Madison and Snoopy