But Penelope Wilton makes observation into an activity.
For Mondrian, his Neo-Plastic abstractions were the transformation of observation into inner vision.
And her most memorable works hopscotch over the realm of social observation into hyperspace.
Suzanne Vega's clear-eyed, levelheaded songs turn cool observation into terse, penetrating insights.
'This is a couch, with floor to ceiling windows allowing for easy observation into the sex room.
As in "Iron and Silk" and "Lost in Place," he fuses introspection and observation into a narrative that asks as many questions as it answers.
Consider the evidence: both men were concerned with developing systematic observation into a science, believing that mundane appearances concealed clues which the trained eye could reveal.
But for the most part Mr. Busch demonstrates a sure gift for turning gimlet-eyed social observation into hearty comedy with just one little push into exaggeration.
A few years ago, he turned this observation into a wry documentary, "Good Hair," about the art and science of caring for black women's hair.
It is in the chapters where Ms. Garber strays from the world of observation into the realm of philosophical speculation that this book begins to run aground.
But Mr. Busch demonstrates a sure gift for turning gimlet-eyed social observation into hearty comedy with just one little push into exaggeration.
