Far From the Fray
The world seems to be self-destructing all around us; chaos reigns, governments play with our fates and Mother Nature wreaks havoc. It makes me feel irritable, and kind of helpless ~ and makes me yearn for a side trip to a topic that’s far from the tangled fray: Art.
Maybe it’s to maintain a sense of balance. Maybe sanity.
Not to suggest we ignore what’s happening out there, but to suggest that sometimes our collective focus adds to the madness ~ and that sometimes it’s healthy and good (and wise) to turn our attention away from a negative alignment, and towards something neutral, lighter, brighter, simpler. Maybe breathe in some art. Even briefly. Can’t hurt ~ can help.
As Oscar Wilde said: “It is through Art … and through Art only, that we can shield ourselves from the sordid perils of actual experience.”
Cezanne
And as some others have said:
“Art is the only way to run away without leaving home.” ~ Twyla Tharp
”Imagination is the true magic carpet.” ~ Norman Vincent Peale
“It has been said that art is a tryst, for in the joy of it maker and beholder meet.” ~Kojiro Tomita
“Great art is as irrational as great music. It is mad with its own loveliness.” ~ George Jean Nathan,
”Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep”. ~ Scott Adams
“Art is much less important than life, but what a poor life without it.” ~ Robert Motherwell
“Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.” ~ Pablo Picasso
Wyeth
And finally (lest we be all too serious) …
”How important are the visual arts in our society? I feel strongly that the visual arts are of vast and incalculable importance. Of course I could be prejudiced. I am a visual art.” ~ Kermit the Frog
You may now resume your regularly scheduled day. Hope you feel a little mentally refreshed. I know I do.