THE SURPRISE OF ART

Is there any greater joy than the experience of deep knowing? When you step through the bottom of familiar into wonder and bliss. Megan Mecado

A painting took me by surprise just now. I’d moved it to photograph it and then someone arrived so I rushed out to open the gate, leaving the painting propped up. When I came back in I’d forgotten about it and so as, a bit later, I walked past it, it caught my eye. In a flash of recognition mixed with unfamiliarity and surprise I saw how it lit up the room . . . and my senses.

That’s the very special thing about a painting you like. It may become like an old friend – there for you, comforting, a place of well-remembered pleasure to rest your eyes on. Or you may suddenly see it anew – perhaps you’ve moved it to a new place, or the light catches and suddenly highlights it, or a change of mood allows you to appreciate it in a new way.

I’m pondering and writing a series about the meaning of art. You can follow them on Twitter (which I don’t really understand but I’m trying to learn!) at @jenny_hare - or should that be #jenny_hare - either will get you there! (At the moment it’s just a jotting down of what I think will be hundreds o thoughts on this – but as it captivates me more and more it may yet become a book?)

And so today’s will be

Is there any greater joy than the experience of deep knowing? When you step through the bottom of familiar into wonder and bliss. Megan Mecado

A painting took me by surprise just now. I’d moved it to photograph it and then someone arrived so I rushed out to open the gate, leaving the painting propped up. When I came back in I’d forgotten about it and so as, a bit later, I walked past it, it caught my eye. In a flash of recognition mixed with unfamiliarity and surprise I saw how it lit up the room . . . and my senses.

That’s the very special thing about a painting you like. It may become like an old friend – there for you, comforting, a place of well-remembered pleasure to rest your eyes on. Or you may suddenly see it anew – perhaps you’ve moved it to a new place, or the light catches and suddenly highlights it, or a change of mood allows you to appreciate it in a new way.

I’m pondering and writing a series about the meaning of art. You can follow them on Twitter (which I don’t really understand but I’m trying to learn!) at @jenny_hare - or should that be #jenny_hare - either will get you there! (At the moment it’s just a jotting down of what I think will be hundreds o thoughts on this – but as it captivates me more and more it may yet become a book?)

And so today’s will be

What is Art?

18. Art is sometimes a surprise

Do let me know if you have any answers to the question.

I think this could run and run . . . it just fascinates me and I hope you too.

May the paintings you love delight – and surprise – you, today and often!

With love and light, Jenny

Do let me know if you have any answers to the question.

I think this could run and run . . . it just fascinates me and I hope you too.

May the paintings you love delight – and surprise – you, today and often!

With love and light, Jenny