Enjoying Art
Enjoying Art! First, let me say that I am not an art expert,
far from it. I’m just an ordinary individual who happens
to love many different art forms. Art and music, among
other things, stir my passions; they simply soothe and
[5] make me feel happy and alive! What I like about art is
that it is such a personal experience!
Art affects each of us ∈ various ways. What I see and
feel while observing a certain sculpture or painting is not
necessarily what you will! I may think that it is the greatest,
[10] most beautiful creation ∈ the world, while you may say:
“What the heck was this artist thinking, or drinking?”
I stand before Michelangelo’s masterpiece, “La Pieta”, almost entranced, sincerely affected by its
beauty. I see a 47-year-old grieving mother, stunned and broken hearted. She is seated, holding her
33-year-old son, a full-grown man, across her lap. I empathize with her pain at the loss of her first born!
[15] Her utter distress! Her total helplessness! Her devastation! I breathe deeply and I sigh!
I behold the stature’s beauty of form. I observe the graceful fold of the gowns and the details of the
images. I appreciate the beauty of the marble. Here, I see representation of life and death, side by side,
forever present! I feel the energy of balance as I merge with their experience. I am deeply affected,
mentally, emotionally and physically. I am enveloped ∈ contradicting feelings of depression and joy, of
[20] dread and hope! These figures convey a symphony of emotions and wonder within me! I breathe deeply,
and again... I sigh! Then I think to myself: Michelangelo, you are truly a genius! I am overwhelmed as I
think and wonder what you must have felt, as you created this beautiful masterpiece!
The next time you’re quietly observing a piece of art that looks interesting to you, look at the piece
carefully and notice the things that you like. Notice the shapes/designs, the color or lack of it! Then try to
[25] get the message. Try to imagine what the artist felt as he/she created the piece. Try to associate it with
something. Does it remind you of anything? Good! Just get ∈ touch with your feelings.
Pay attention to those feelings. Is it a sad scene? Does it make you sad? Does this picture move you,
make you happy? Good, then the artist has conveyed a message to you. Don’t know what it is? What it
is supposed to represent? But you like it anyway? Good! Don’t like it? That’s okay too! An art object is
meant to give a message and/or get a reaction! Your reaction! So, look, feel and enjoy!
GWEN DICKERSON www.authorsden.com
I am overwhelmed as I think and wonder what you must have felt, as you created this beautiful masterpiece! (l. 21-22)
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