Viewing and reflecting upon works of art is a complex matter. Elsewhere, you can find Reflections of my own that were written to accompany photographic images. However, since focussing on my painting, I have wrestled with the presentation of my work and to what extent I might 'lead' the response of the viewer to it. I could write my own reflections for others to read, but it seems far more significant to allow the viewer a freedom for their own response. I hesitate to even provide titles for each item, but I do and trust that they will not colour your own reflections too much.
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For the New Year ....
How do you approach the New Year - is it with resolution and purpose, seeking ways for things to happen, or is it with an attitude of 'wait and see' 'what will be will be'? These two images are about seeking and waiting and spring from the Bible accounts of the Magi who followed a star to discover a new-born king (Gospel of Matthew chapter 2) and Simeon a man of faith who waited patiently in the Jerusalem temple for this same Messiah (Gospel of Luke chapter 2). These folk we read about held a belief that they would be led to this Messiah. It may be that you also hold to such a belief but, whether you do or not, a useful New Year reflection would be - are you a seeker or a waiter and how will you know when you have identified who/what gives you life? |
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"Waiting"
What for? How long? Where are you going? Who with? What baggage are you carrying? Who are you talking with? What is your mood? All these are questions that might be asked of this painting, as they might also be of ourselves in any moment. Click on any image for an expanded view |
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As art is a visual medium, for the most-part, a prime question might we'll be 'What do you see?', but more importantly it is about 'what do you feel?'
"Art is about your surroundings and how they make you feel" We can probably understand this statement quite easily, as we might choose art work for a particular effect in decor, or the subject of an art work may be of a place or a person and thus conjure an emotional response in us. The three images on the right all relate to the sea, but are all very different both in what they portray and in the senses that they arouse. Of course they may awaken memories of particular places and times in personal experience, but regardless they can shape our mood, our feelings, as we view them. |
Calm and at rest - Yesterday was different
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Wild Irish Atlantic
Unknown and dangerous
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