What are all those forms to me through which the red blood of life does not flow?

I was struck by Vischer's description of seeing; simple seeing, and scanning. It brought to mind the idea that artists try to see the world with the eyes of a child. Seeing forms without all the associated ideas that our brains automatically attach to them is an ideal that many artists strive for. Vischer also mentions the crucial role that touch plays in helping us to see, and that indeed all children learn to see in part by touching. I would also add taste, because every child also goes through a period when everything goes straight to the mouth.
When Vischer talks about the science of seeing, the symetry of the optical nerves etc. I think about all the optical tricks and games that are now standard fair at science centers. He mentions the aftereffects of colors and indeed I found this example on the Exploratorium's website. http://www.exploratorium.edu/exhibits/bird_in_a_cage/bird_in_a_cage.html
When thinking about empathy it's rather easy as Vischer points out to empathize with another living person, but how do you empathize with an inanimate object? I think we've all had moments when we feel connected to the universe, but this is surely just a brief encounter that happens only a few times in a lifetime. Paul Klee came to mind as an artist that was able to show through simple symbols and colors the interconnectedness of people and inanimate objects.

Paul Klee "Carnival in the Mountains" 1924