Seeing is believing . . . . figure and ground
Figure is what we focus on at any given point in time. Ground refers to background elements that may be in awareness, but are not central to the current focus and resulting structure or whole. The figure and ground can change quickly, and in some cases easily.
Looking at a tree (figure) we may not notice the leaves (ground) until someone comments on the color of one leaf in particular. Suddenly, figure becomes ground, and the leave (or alternatively the forest) becomes figure.
One way to understand the notion of Figure and Ground outside of visual perception is to consider the William Tell Overture. For a generation of U.S. citizens, this music may have two distinct contexts. In concert with the Cleveland Symphony, it is a beautiful piece of classical music. On Saturday mornings when we hear it on television- it evokes images of childhood and the Lone Ranger.
Another example closer to home for many may be a particular student in your class. Perhaps a student who is having some difficulty fitting in, although you believe the student is bright and capable. Several months into the school year you learn the student is on medication for ADHD. Your attitude and patience may suddenly change.
What if you learned the same student was not on medication for ADHD, but on an antidepressant following a parental divorce and the death of a grandparent?
Same child -- but the information that is focused on, the figure, drastically changes the meaning and our experience of that child!
